Ordering & Delivery

Shipping & Returns

Antique porcelain deserves careful handling from our shelves to your door. Here is how ordering, packing, shipping and returns work.

How ordering works

We keep ordering personal, because every piece we sell is one of a kind and we want to be sure it reaches you safely.

  1. Add a piece to your cart. When you find something you love, add it to your cart and go to checkout.
  2. Check out with no card online. You will not enter card details on the website. We ask for your name, shipping address and a phone number where we can reach you.
  3. We call you. We call you at the phone number you gave to confirm the piece, answer any questions, take payment by card over the phone, and quote and confirm insured shipping.

Your order is held for you while we call. Once you check out, the piece is set aside for you and taken off the market while we get in touch.

If you have a question before ordering, send us a message through our contact form and we will be glad to help, including sending extra photographs.

How we pack

Antique porcelain is fragile, and packing is something we take seriously.

  • Double-boxed. Each piece is wrapped and cushioned in an inner box, which is then packed inside a second, larger box with more cushioning around it.
  • Professionally packed. Pieces are packed with materials and methods suited to fragile porcelain, with extra care for handles, finials, lids and rims.
  • Fully insured. Every shipment is insured for its full value.

Lids, saucers and other separate parts are wrapped individually so they cannot knock against each other in transit.

Shipping within the US and internationally

Shipping is quoted by phone for every order, within the US and internationally. Costs depend on the size, weight and value of the pieces and on where they are going, so we quote each order individually when we call to confirm it.

For international orders, please note that your country may charge import duties, taxes or customs fees. These are set by your country’s authorities and are the buyer’s responsibility.

Returns

We describe every piece carefully, including its condition, marks and measurements, so you know what you are buying. If a piece is not what you expected, please contact us within 14 days of delivery through our contact form. Tell us about the piece and the reason for your concern, and we will talk with you about the next steps.

Please do not send a piece back without contacting us first, so that we can make sure it is packed and insured properly for the return journey.

Damage in transit

Careful packing prevents almost all problems, but if a piece does arrive damaged:

  1. Photograph it. Take clear photos of the damaged piece and of the boxes and packing materials, both inside and out.
  2. Keep the packaging. Please keep all boxes and packing materials. The carrier and insurer may need to inspect them.
  3. Contact us within 48 hours. Send us a message through our contact form within 48 hours of delivery, with your photos attached.

We will then work with you and the carrier on the insurance claim.

Frequently asked questions

Why don’t you take payment online?

Every piece is one of a kind and often valuable. Calling each customer lets us confirm the piece, answer questions and arrange the right insured shipping before anything is charged.

Is my piece reserved after I check out?

Yes. Your order is held for you while we call, so the piece will not be sold to anyone else in the meantime.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is quoted by phone for each order, because it depends on the size, weight and value of the pieces and on the destination.

Do you ship outside the US?

Yes. International shipping is quoted by phone. Import duties, taxes and customs fees set by your country are the buyer’s responsibility.

What should I do if my piece arrives damaged?

Photograph the piece and all the packaging, keep everything, and contact us through our contact form within 48 hours of delivery.