Frequently Asked Questions and Answers with some legal stuff too.
Payment
I offer credit or debit card payment options through a safe and secure SSL certified processor, Stripe. Your payment is processed on my site but only the bank has your secure information. No record of your information reside on the Stone Cottage Pottery and Farm Website. I will gladly accept a cashier’s check, bank check, business check or money order. I will ship as soon as payment is received. Personal checks will be accepted but will need to clear the bank before shipment.
Shipping
I only ship within the United States. Once I learn how to overseas ship, I would love to add that option.
I charge approximately 15% of the purchase price with a minimum shipping charge of $10, more for extra heavy pieces in the online shop listings. I use USPS Priority Mail, and try to ship within three days of receiving payment, so orders should arrive in about a week.
I’m happy to make other shipping arrangements if preferred, email me at [email protected].
Pottery typically benefits from double boxing (one box inside another) to help avoid any damage in shipment. At times I use recycled boxes to help reduce waste and cost. If you would prefer a new box, please email me details.
Shipping Overages
Shipping includes packing and materials. Note, USPS prices and materials have increased. If costs are less than what I've listed to your location, I will refund overages.
Shipping Schedule
I usually ship Tuesday and Friday, unless there is a postal holiday. Purchases made after noon the day before shipping will ship the following ship day (Example: Order placed Monday 10 a.m., shipment done Tuesday, order placed Monday 1 p.m., shipment done Friday).
If I am unable to ship for any reason other than a postal holiday (such as vacation, illness, etc), I will notify you by posting a notice on the Stone Cottage Pottery and Farm Shop site, and contact you as soon as possible to make sure you know and arrangements can be made if changes in your order are needed.
Color Variation
I photograph pots myself with a cell phone and try to get the color in the images to be an accurate representation of the pot. Pottery can be difficult to photograph and given my glazing techniques, color variations may exist in the photos, and screens display. If the color is not as expected upon delivery of the pot, I will give a full refund on the purchase price (minus shipping charges) upon receiving the returned item in original condition. Buyer is responsible for shipping the pot back to me in original condition upon my receipt.
Measurements
Pots are measured at the widest point on the outside of the container for width. Height is from table top to the top rim of the pot. Wall thickness varies with the size of the pot.
Care instructions
These pottery pieces are intended to bring joy and to function with everyday use. Please follow the care instructions provided for your individual piece. To ensure a long life of usefulness, handmade pottery may need a little more care than contemporary manufactured ware. Kitchen ware has been made with food safe materials and is intended to be microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. Some dishwashing detergents can be abrasive in nature and may eventually dull the surface over time, hand washing is not necessary, but recommended. Any and all responsibility on the part of Stone Cottage Pottery and Farm caused by pot defect or breakage will be limited to the original purchase price of the pot.
Below is the care instructions for the functional pieces:
Time develops character.
The days go by while each pot absorbs the influences all around it. Each piece is crafted using Montana clay, thrown on the potter’s wheel, and signed. It’s fired in the kiln, individually brushed with glaze, and kiln-fired again to a temperature of 2200° to instill integrity and durability.
I hope you’ll agree variations in color or slight sways in design create the charm expected and treasured in handmade pottery.
Each pot is made to be used and with care it can last a lifetime. Please don’t shock the pot with drastic temperature changes, sudden impacts, metal utensils or harsh chemicals. Please consider pottery can scratch some surfaces. Each kitchen functional piece is made to be dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and oven safe, but individual appliances and cleaning products vary. As a result, I cannot replace pieces damaged from use. Unless noted, not recommended for freezer or stovetop.
Custom Orders
If you would like something custom made, please contact me via email: [email protected]. I am happy to discuss time frames, customization, shipping, and other details via email. I will keep you as informed as you would like to be during the process of making your item, and will provide detailed photographs of your item prior to shipment.
Custom Order Down Payments
Custom orders that will have a purchase price of more than $100 require a non-refundable require a 25% deposit prior to starting on your item(s), with the remaining 75% due at completion of work prior to shipment.
- If I am unable to complete your order for any reason, your deposit will be refunded.
- Unless we have come to a mutual agreement early in the custom order process, your 25% deposit is non-refundable.
Returns & exchanges
I want you to love your pottery, make it part of your everyday life, and I want it to bring you joy every time you see it. I gladly accept returns and will refund the purchase price (minus shipping charges) upon receiving the returned item in the original condition. Refunds will be issued back to the original payment method. Please note: If the item was a gift, the refund will go back to the purchasing credit card.
Contact me within: 15 days of delivery
Ship items back within: 30 days of delivery in original packaging and insured
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. Items should be packed in all original packing materials, tracked, insured and please include a printed proof of purchase. Please include an email address that I can use to confirm receipt of your returned items once they arrive to my studio. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
I don't accept exchanges or cancellations
Please contact me with details if there are any issues with your order. Email: [email protected].
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for sale items, custom orders or personalized orders once they have been shipped from my studio.
Returns address for shipping:
Stone Cottage Pottery and Farm
P.O. Box 935
Marion, MT 59925
Help! I haven’t received my refund yet!
If you haven’t received a refund yet, please first check your bank account again.
If the refund is not showing, please contact your credit card company and then please check with your bank, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
If you’ve check with these folks and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact me at [email protected].
Thank you for supporting a small-batch studio craftsperson.