Custom Ordering

Custom Orders from Back Bay Ceramics

We will consider custom orders on a case-by-case basis as this is a specialized service. We do charge a non-refundable 75% deposit upon acceptance of your order. We do not accept full payment because we want to ensure that you are happy with what you are paying for, however there are some very important points you should be aware of before we move forward with a custom order for you:

We cannot duplicate or match items exactly: Handmade pottery is inherently variable from shapes, size, color, and finish. These variations make it an exciting practical art form, but also complicated, especially when copying an item. We cannot guarantee any results, especially in terms of glaze color. We do not mix our own glazes, so we typically see consistent glaze results, however application anomalies do happen which can impact the outcome.

We can only attempt orders twice: If you are not pleased with your custom order, please let us know. We will happily attempt your order a second time at no additional charge. Your original order attempt will be added to our general inventory for sale to the public. If the second attempt is not satisfactory, will will offer a 50% refund of your deposit.

Sets: We are not able to create sets at this time.

Custom Work: This is a case-by-case service. This means we reserve the right to decline your request. This is usually dependent upon several variables including the time of year and inventory load. Remember, Brian is a teacher, so that job comes first. Certain times of the year may make it hard to take on custom work orders. Also, having other custom orders in play may also prevent this ability. If we cannot take on your custom order, we are happy to place it on a waitlist. Custom Orders are not accepted during the months of August, September, or early June.

Materials: We only have certain materials on hand for project completion. This includes clays and glazes. When ordering, please only order from what is available.  Brian will discuss what materials are on hand to help you make decisions.

Pricing: The pricing of your item is dependent upon a number of factors. Pricing of handmade artwork is not negotiable. This price covers the costs of materials, labor, firings, and administrative tasks, many of these are determined by your choices, others are fees added at the end of your selections. Maine State Sales Tax is included in all custom orders. Once your order has been thrown, trimmed, and assembled, you will be billed for the final 25% of your order. Payment must be made within 5 days of billing. 

Timing: Custom orders typically take 7-10 weeks. With Brian being a teacher, time is a huge factor in his ability to turn out custom orders and continue to create new projects for our online sales space. We are dependent on our partner studio for our firings and that is an additional factor in our ability to complete projects under faster circumstances. Requesting a second attempt will double this wait time.

Project Completion & Storage Fees: When your project is completed, you will receive an email from our studio email address (backbayceramics@gmail.com). This email will include images of your item from several angles. You have 5 business days to claim your order. After 5 business days Back Bay Ceramics has the right to charge $3.00 per day per piece storage fees for up to one week (7 days). After one week, your order will be moved into our general inventory for public sale with no refund offered. After this time, if you choose to purchase the piece, you must pay all fees incurred or the full retail price whichever is lower.

Ok...How do I order??? Email Brian at backbayceramics@gmail.com.