Store Policies

Our guarantee

If anything is wrong, I'll make it right.

Every piece that leaves this studio is made by hand with care. If you're not completely happy with your order for any reason — no questions asked, no hoops to jump through — contact me within 30 days of receiving it and I will refund or replace it immediately.

Returns & Refunds

30-day no-questions-asked guarantee Contact me within 30 days of receiving your order and I'll issue a full refund or send a replacement — whichever you prefer. You don't need to explain yourself or return the item.

If your piece arrived damaged or broken in shipping, a photo helps me file the insurance claim with the carrier — but I won't wait on them to take care of you. Your refund or replacement comes first.

To start a return or report a problem, use the contact page. I'll respond promptly.

Shipping & Order Processing

I ship throughout the United States and internationally. Domestic rates are calculated at checkout based on your order weight and location. Pottery is fragile and I pack every order by hand with that in mind — it takes a little longer, but it arrives safely.

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A note on timing — from Susan I'm a working studio potter. Sometimes a piece you've ordered needs to be made fresh — thrown on the wheel, dried, glazed, and fired — which takes time. I also travel to craft shows and markets several times a year, which can add a few days to processing. I will always reach out if there's going to be a meaningful delay, and your order will ship as soon as it possibly can. Thank you for understanding that you're buying handmade, not off a warehouse shelf.

Most in-stock orders ship within 3–7 business days. If a piece needs to be made to order, or if I'm currently on the road at a show, it may take 2–4 weeks. I'll let you know either way.

You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your package is on its way. Shipping rates for both domestic and international orders are calculated automatically at checkout — no need to contact me first, just add to cart and the site will calculate the exact rate for your country.

Custom Commissions

Custom work is one of my favorite things to do. If you want a specific size, pattern, or something entirely new — get in touch. If you can draw it, I can probably make it. Commissions are quoted individually. A 50% deposit is required to begin, with the balance due before shipping.

About the Work

Every piece is thrown on the wheel by hand, then dried, glazed, and fired in my 90-cubic-foot downdraft gas kiln. Because no two pieces are made exactly the same way, there will be slight variations in size, glaze, and form — this is the nature of handmade work and part of what makes each piece one of a kind. All Sweetwater Pottery is lead-free, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe unless otherwise noted.

— Susan Minyard, Sweetwater Pottery