Free UK Shipping with Reputable Couriers & Quality Packaging

Safe shipping for British studio pottery: What to expect when ordering online

When people buy studio pottery online, one of the most common concerns is whether their beautiful new piece will arrive safely. After all, handmade ceramics are delicate, and stories of careless couriers are enough to put anyone off.
At Online Ceramics, we’ve built a reputation for secure, reliable delivery – not just across the UK, but around the world. Whether you’re purchasing collectable ceramics from Cornwall or California, your order is in safe hands.

If a pot arrives damaged, you’re fully protected

Let’s be clear: if your pot arrives damaged, that’s our responsibility – not yours. We’ll offer a full refund, no questions asked. If a courier leaves a parcel on your doorstep and it disappears, we take care of it. You’ll never be left chasing couriers or absorbing the cost.

We’ve shipped over 2,000 pots with a damage rate of under 0.25%

When Online Ceramics launched in 2010, Peter Ward expected up to 5% of pots might be damaged in transit. In reality, with over 2,000 pots shipped to 19 countries, our damage rate is less than 0.25%. That’s thanks to our meticulous packaging process, which you can see in action in this short video.

Trusted couriers for studio pottery UK and worldwide

We only use reputable couriers. In the UK, we offer free express delivery via Royal Mail or Parcelforce, depending on the item size. For Europe, it’s usually Royal Mail or UPS. In North America, we primarily use UPS due to reliability and tracking.

For context: during the Trump-era tariffs, Royal Mail paused its USA service. Still, we continued to ensure secure delivery via alternative routes.

Lost post is rare – and our customers stay informed

In 15 years, we’ve only had one parcel go missing (delivered to the wrong address by Royal Mail). We’ve had a few delays – like an order to South Africa that took three months – but never without communication.

During the pandemic, Brexit added complications. One customer in Australia received her John Pollex piece three months after ordering – a day after we had refunded her. She loved it so much, she insisted on repaying us immediately.

Fast UK delivery and reliable international shipping

If you’re ordering studio pottery in the UK, we use a next-day express service. Most orders arrive within 1–2 working days. We know people often ask in December, “Will it arrive by Christmas?” If you’re in the UK, the answer is yes. For the USA, it’s usually 3–4 days via UPS.

For Christmas 2025, our final order cut-off is 12 noon on Monday 22 December.

Do note: customs delays are outside our control, though they are rare.

Our packaging is engineered to survive almost anything

We’ve seen it all. One pot shipped to the USA was returned after three months with the box crushed and battered from weeks in postal warehouses. We opened it with trepidation – but thanks to our custom packaging, the pot inside was completely unharmed.

We don’t take risks with your order. Our packaging system has been tested, refined and proven with thousands of deliveries.

Why buy studio pottery online with us?

When you choose Online Ceramics, you’re not just getting British studio pottery from some of the UK’s most respected makers. You’re also getting:

  • Expert packing designed to protect delicate pots
  • Reliable, trackable shipping options
  • Excellent customer service and communication
  • A no-quibble refund policy
  • Peace of mind, every time
Whether you’re shopping for a gift, adding to your collectable pottery collection or starting your journey with studio pottery UK, you can trust that your new piece will reach you quickly – and in perfect condition.

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