Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You will receive the physical piece shown in the photographs.

The photographs, measurements, and condition information relate to that specific work rather than to a representative sample.

When photographs are used to represent a group of similar pieces, this will be clearly stated on the product page. Please contact us before ordering if anything is unclear.

Not always. Glazed and painted surfaces can appear different depending on surrounding light, screen calibration, and viewing angle. Handmade firing may also create variations in colour, texture, and sheen across a single surface.

We photograph each piece with the aim of representing it faithfully, but a screen cannot reproduce every visual quality of the physical work. If colour is important to your decision, please review all product images and contact us for clarification or additional photographs before purchasing.

Not necessarily. Handmade pottery may show variations in brushwork, glaze movement, firing marks, pinholes, iron spots, texture, symmetry, or form. These may be natural characteristics of handmade, hand-painted, and kiln-fired work rather than damage.

We use the term defect to refer to actual damage to a piece, such as cracks, chips, or missing areas. Any material condition issue we identify will be described on the product page and, where useful, shown in photographs.

Each piece is measured individually. Where relevant, the product page may include outer dimensions, inner dimensions, overall height, inner depth, and drainage-hole information.

Because handmade forms are not perfectly uniform, measurements are approximate and may include a small manual measuring tolerance. For planting, please refer to the inner dimensions and depth rather than judging only from the outer silhouette.

Photographs can sometimes make a piece appear larger or smaller than it is. Please compare the listed measurements with the plant, stand, tray, shelf, or display area you intend to use. Contact us when additional measurements or help comparing two pieces would be useful.

Many pieces are suitable for planting, but suitability depends on the individual work and the needs of the plant.

Before planting, please check the product page for inner dimensions, depth, drainage-hole information, weight, and any relevant condition notes. For bonsai, orchids, caudiciforms, and other plants, also consider root space, watering habits, drainage requirements, growing environment, and the total weight after planting.

We can offer general guidance, but the final choice should reflect the growing requirements of the individual plant.

Handle the piece carefully and place it on a stable surface. When appropriate, clean it gently with a soft cloth or a small amount of clean water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, impacts, and sudden changes in temperature.

For planted pieces, make sure water can drain properly and does not remain trapped between the pot and furniture or display surfaces.

Whether a piece is suitable for outdoor use depends on its ceramic body, local climate, drainage, and exposure. Freezing water, rapid temperature changes, and prolonged harsh weather may damage ceramic work. Unless the product page clearly states otherwise, protect the piece from frost and severe weather.

Any care instructions provided on the individual product page take priority over this general guidance.

Each selected piece receives an individual CollectorPots reference number and a record containing photographs, measurements, and condition information. These records help us identify and document the specific work.

The reference number is part of the CollectorPots collection record. It is not a third-party appraisal or authentication, and it does not independently verify a maker, kiln, origin, date, or market value.

Documentation varies by piece. Some works may include a CollectorPots documentation certificate, documentation supplied by the maker, studio, kiln, or original seller, or both. The exact documentation included will be stated on the individual product page.

A CollectorPots documentation certificate records our photographs, measurements, observations, and the information currently available to us for that piece. It is not an independent certificate of authenticity.

Yes. Please send us the product name or link and tell us which detail you would like to examine.

Where possible, we can provide additional photographs, measurements, or clarification regarding condition, colour, drainage, documentation, and other information available to us. Please ask before purchasing when a particular detail is important to your decision.

Each piece is inspected again before dispatch and individually protected for ceramic transit. Packaging is arranged around the particular form of the piece to reduce movement and protect vulnerable areas during shipping.

Orders are generally prepared for dispatch within three business days, excluding public holidays. Transit time depends on the destination, the individual order, and the carrier. Current shipping information and any available preparation estimate will be shown on the product page, at checkout, or in the applicable Shipping & Returns Policy.

Tracking information is provided when supported by the selected shipping service. Estimated delivery dates are not guaranteed, as customs processing, weather, carrier capacity, and local delivery conditions may cause delays.

Please keep the outer carton and all internal packaging until you have inspected the piece.

Available destinations and shipping services are shown at checkout. If your destination is not available, please contact us with the product you are considering and your delivery country or region.

Import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and customs charges may apply according to the rules of the destination. Unless checkout explicitly states that these charges are included, they are the buyer’s responsibility.

CollectorPots cannot determine or guarantee the amount that may be charged by a customs authority or carrier.

Please contact us as soon as possible after delivery and within the timeframe stated in the current Shipping & Returns Policy.

Keep the piece, outer carton, internal packaging, and shipping label. Please provide clear photographs of:

• the damaged area;
• the complete piece;
• the inner packaging;
• the outer carton; and
• the shipping label.

These materials help us understand what happened and, where necessary, begin a claim with the carrier. Please do not discard the damaged piece or packaging before we reply, except where local safety requirements make immediate disposal necessary.

Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number if you need to request a change or cancellation. We will review the request before dispatch, but we cannot guarantee that it can be accommodated once order preparation or shipping has begun.

Returns are handled according to the current Shipping & Returns Policy. Because the condition of the exact photographed work, safe return packaging, and cross-border shipping may all affect a ceramic return, please read the policy before ordering.

Normal handmade variations or firing characteristics that were clearly photographed or described on the product page are not automatically considered shipping damage or product defects.