Frequently Asked Questions & Topics
How do I order a custom pot?
Custom work can be completed. Use the contact page to send details regarding the size, shape, and color of Bonsai container that you desire. If you request a phone conversation about your vision for a container. be sure to include a phone number and a convenient time for a call. Usual time for production (throw, dry, trim, finish dry, bisque, glaze and glaze fire) is 4 – 6 weeks.
SHIPPING CHARGES – Continental USA shipping is based on weight and dimensions of the package. Items are double boxed for added padding. No HANDLING or PACKAGING FEES. Preferred shipping carriers are USPS Priority Mail and Fedex ground. They have proven to be the safest and most cost effective option.
SHIPPING TIME– Shipments are completed within two days of payment received.
PAYMENT – Payment can be completed by credit or debit card payment options and Papal. PayPal allows you to pay for your purchase with Credit, Debit Cards, and E-Checks. It is a highly secure and safe way to pay. If you pay with an E-check through PayPal there are usually a few days pass before the check posts to the account.
SALES TAX – Appropriate sales tax will be calculated based on shipment location.
PHOTOS and COLOR – Photographs will be taken under florescent lighting and outside using natural lighting. The photographs will depict each individual pot or accent with color correction to correlate with the actual item. The unique pot or accent in the picture will be the actual pot or accent that you will receive. Due to differences in computer monitors there may be some variation of color between the picture and actual piece. If exact color rendition is important use the contact form stating your concern or question. Addition high resolution digital photographs and or videos can be sent regarding specific pots or accent items. Ceramics are difficult to photograph. Expect some variation.
SIZE DESCRIPTION – All measurements are taken on the widest and tallest points on the exterior of the pot and the maximum measured depth of the individual item.
RETURN AND REFUND POLICY – If you are dissatisfied for any reason, use the contact form to relate your concerns. Communication is key. We will make every effort to address the situation. We wish to have you as a repeat customer again. In the event of shipment damage, please contact us immediately. Do not discard any material packing s or shipping containers. Specific photographs of the packing materials, broken items and shipping contain are required for insurance purposes. As shipper, Foo Dog Creations will deal with insurance coverage for item damage or breakage. Refund will be limited to the original purchase price of the items.
ARE YOUR POTS FROST PROOF?
Ceramic pots with the Foo Dog stamp are stoneware clay body fired to cone 6 (fully vitrified) and have a moisture absorption rate of 1% to 3%. I will indicate this information in the description of each individual pot. Collected pots have various clay body materials. I will indicate this information in the description of each individual pot. A lot of low cost or imported pots are made with earthenware and can have a 30% absorption rate or higher. They are essentially terra cotta. Why is water absorption so important. These easily crack and spall when frozen because there is room between the clay particles for water to gather and expand. Fully vitrified pots have less absorption of water and less chance of break from freeze/thaw cycles. Pot shape and soil makeup also play a role.
DO THE GLAZES CONTAIN LEAD?
I custom mix all of my own glazes, oxides, and slips myself. I use non leaded materials. If I do purchase commercially prepared glazes, I ask for the certification showing it to be lead free. Lead is added to ceramic glaze to enhance and lower the melt. Lead fluxes are also much less expensive than the alternatives. Lead based glazes were very common in the US and elsewhere up until the past 15-20 years. Lead is important IF the ceramic piece is going to be used for food preparation/storage or food eatery.
CAN I VISIT YOUR STUDIO?
I do not sell items out of the studio. Use the contact page for questions or assistance via email or phone.
DO YOU SHIP OUTSIDE OF THE USA?
Shipping outside the USA is possible, but here are a couple of issues. The first is cost. Overseas shipping is very expensive. The bigger issue is customs and import duties. If you are willing to cover the shipping and legally address the duties within your country then shipping outside the USA is possible. All shipping and duties are the responsibility of the purchaser.