Shipping Policy

Revised 02-19-2026

These Shipping Terms (“Terms”) govern all orders shipped via USPS or UPS. By placing an order with shipping selected, the customer agrees to these Terms in full.

Order Processing & Lead Time

Standard order processing time is approximately five to seven (5–7) business days, excluding transit time. Processing time begins once payment has been successfully authorized. Processing times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Processing time may be extended due to order volume, product availability, special handling requirements, or observed holidays. Business days do not include weekends or holidays. Orders are processed during regular business hours only.

Shipping Methods & Carrier Selection

Orders are shipped via USPS or UPS using the service level selected at checkout, when available. We reserve the right to select the carrier and service level best suited to the order, if necessary, due to packaging, weight, or carrier limitations and transit times. Once a package has been tendered to the carrier, recall or interception is not guaranteed and may not be possible.

Estimated Transit Times (After Shipment)

Transit times are estimates provided by carriers and are not guaranteed.

• USPS Ground Advantage: approximately 2–5 business days
• USPS Priority Mail: approximately 1–3 business days
• UPS Ground: approximately 1–5 business days, depending on destination

Carrier delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, or charge back. Once a package has been tendered to the carrier, recall or interception is not guaranteed and may not be possible.

Flat Rate Shipping (USPS Priority) & Special-Handling Items

Flat Rate Shipping is available for select products including but not limited to wet clay, gallons of glaze, and 25lb bags of dry material. Flat Rate Shipping orders are limited to 500 lbs (20 bags) of clay or dry material per order. Orders exceeding this limit may be quoted for LTL Freight at our discretion. Due to the weight and handling requirements of clay products, additional packing time may be required, which may extend processing time. To comply with carrier handling guidelines and reduce strain on postal workers, shipments may be split or staggered across multiple packages or shipment dates. Flat Rate Shipping does not guarantee expedited processing or delivery.

Partial, Split & Staggered Shipments

Orders may ship in multiple packages or shipments based on availability, packaging requirements, or carrier limitations. Split shipments do not qualify for partial refunds of shipping charges. We do not guarantee shipment or delivery of orders as a single package or on a single date.

Shipping Address & Delivery Responsibility

Customers are responsible for providing complete and accurate shipping information at checkout. We are not responsible for delays, losses, or additional charges resulting from incorrect or incomplete addresses. Risk of loss transfers upon tender to the carrier, subject to applicable carrier claims procedures. Carrier delivery confirmation or tracking marked as ‘Delivered’ constitutes proof of delivery.

Inspection, Damage & Loss Claims

Customers must inspect shipments upon receipt. Any damage or discrepancies must be reported within 5 business days of delivery. Failure to report damage or discrepancies within this time-frame may result in denial of the claim. This reporting time-frame is required for us to assist with carrier claims and does not alter carrier claim deadlines. Photographic documentation of damage and packaging may be required. Transit-related damage or loss is subject to carrier claims procedures. We will assist customers in submitting claims where applicable and resolving issues, which may include replacement, refund, or store credit at our discretion.

Returns & Return Shipping

Returns are subject to the terms outlined in our Sales Policy. The provisions below apply specifically to shipped orders.

Returns for shipped/delivered items need pre-approval – please contact us at 800-952-8030 or orders@clayartcenter.net to discuss the best method for handling the return. Items may be returned with full refund less shipping charges to original payment method within 30 days of original purchase when accompanied with receipt. All returned items must be new and in sellable condition. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable, except for confirmed error or defect. Customer is responsible for return shipping to Clay Art Center. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method when available; otherwise, store credit may be issued. Refunds are processed promptly and funds are typically available within 5 business days depending on your banking institution.

Custom, special-order, bulk, or heavy materials may be non-returnable.

Wet glazes, clay, dry materials, and other sealed products that cannot be repackaged are non-returnable after use or if the seal is broken. Limit of liability is limited to replacement of faulty product. Clay Art Center reserves the right to refuse returns for items that are not defective, faulty or as pictured. For fired products be sure to use witness cones in all of your firings to ensure proper firing.

Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs unless the item is defective or shipped in error. Items originally shipped free of charge will have outbound shipping costs deducted from refunds. Returns must be shipped insured via a carrier of the customer’s choice.

Weather, Carrier & Force Majeure Delays

We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather conditions, carrier disruptions, labor shortages, or acts of God.

Such delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, charge back, or damages.

Clay Art Center denies all liability regarding products frozen in transit. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure they are ordering their supplies at the correct time of year for the climate in their region and taking necessary precautions to avoid freeze damage in transit.

Shipping Eligibility & Geographic Restrictions

We do not ship to international freight forwarders or consolidators. Orders suspected of going to forwarders/consolidators will be cancelled and refunded at our discretion. Shipping to Canada is available by quote only and is not available through standard checkout. International shipping beyond Canada and US Territories is not offered.

Governing Terms & Policy Updates

These Shipping Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Washington. These Shipping Terms may be updated from time to time. The version in effect at the time an order is placed governs that order.