Info@thepotterypeople.co.uk - 020 3576 3147
Please note: We’re having some issues with our phone line at the moment. If you are unable to get through to us, please drop us an email with the reason for your call, and we can call you back :)
Find Answers To All Your Questions
Below are estimated delivery times for various products. Please note, these are an estimate, and may vary.
-Shimpo wheels: Between 3-6 working days.
-Kilncare Kilns: 4-5 Weeks
-Kilns and Furnaces Kilns: 3-4 Weeks
-Gladstone Bailey Wheel: 1-2 Weeks
See our delivery page for more information
For Shimpo wheels, we will normally let you know when to expect it a couple of days before it arrives. However, sometimes, we are only able to let you know the day before due to last minute changes. On the morning of the delivery we are usually able to give you an expected timeslot, but this depends on the courier.
If you are ordering smaller products that do not need to be palletised, we will give you the DHL tracking number as soon as we have it so that you can track your package.
For other products, we aim to let you know a week before the delivery is expected to arrive.
Please see our delivery page for more information.
If you are buying a wheel or kiln from us, these will be palletised and delivered kerbside.
If you order a kiln and a wheel in the same order, the items will likely arrive separately. Shimpo wheels will be delivered alongside any glaze, clay or accessories in your order, and these items will typically arrive first.
If you order a kiln and clay/glaze/accessories, the smaller items will arrive separately and much sooner than the kiln.
We have more information about what to expect with your delivery for Kilncare products. We are in the process of creating these for other products, but the way that other brands arrive is largely similar.
For delivery info on Shimpo Wheels orders, see our What To Expect From Your Shimpo Delivery page
For delivery info on Kilncare Kiln orders, see our What To Expect From Your Kilncare Delivery page
Yes of course! We regularly do this for customers who want us to hold off on sending their package until they are ready. Just send us an email before or after your purchase.
We may or may not be able to deliver exactly on a specified date, depending on the product.
Our kilns are made to order, so we do not keep them in stock. This means that they are always available to purchase, but take a bit longer than other products. The fact that the kilns are made to order allows the engineers to make modifications to the build of the kiln based on your needs.
For wheels & accessories, if they are listed as available the website they should be in stock. In some rare cases, our website may not have updated to show items as 'out of stock' in time. In these cases, we will let you know on the same day and refund your order. We will give you the option of refunding the one item in your order that is out of stock, or the whole order.
Yes, you can collect any of our products. This can be a faster way to get your delivery, if you are in the area. This will usually be from Stoke-on-Trent. Email us before your order if you’d like to pick it up.
Our kiln selector tool is a great place to start! We also have content on our blog which will guide you through choosing the right kiln for your needs. If you still need some advice, don’t hesitate to ask us on info@thepotterypeople.co.uk!
Not neccesarily. We have an article about kiln ventilation which should be useful to you.
https://thepotterypeople.co.uk/blogs/pottery-guides/how-to-ventilate-your-kiln-room
Yes. In the 1990s, Shimpo was bought by NIDEC corporation. However, it was not until fairly recently that the branding of Shimpo products started to change to NIDEC. This has sometimes caused confusion with people buying Shimpo products when they arrive with NIDEC branding.
Rest assured, they are the same products, just with different branding.
See the company’s website for more information.
If something doesn’t seem right, get in contact with us. We will help you troubleshoot the issue. If we are unable to get it in right over the phone, we can activate the warranty process, and get you a replacement/repair.
Warranty is brand-specific. You can find information about warranty on the product page for the product you are looking at.
We rarely run temporary promotions, as we aim to give the best price we possibly can year round. We believe that our offer and service is the best that you will find out there.
If you find a better price, give us an email.
Please provide a screenshot of you at checkout on the competitors website.
Please make sure that the price you see on other websites includes VAT + delivery costs.
If your wheel is making a thumping sound, it's could be due to the drive ring being indented by the cone if left in contact when turned off. To fix this, run the wheel for a while to warm up and expand the rubber, smoothing out the dent. Regularly check for and address other common issues like worn belts or loose components, which could also cause noise. If running the wheel doesn't solve the problem, give it some time for the rubber to adjust. Should the issue persist, please contact us for further assistance.
A brown mark at the top of the kiln door suggests heat leakage, likely due to an insufficient seal around the door. This is often resolved by ensuring the door is properly clamped to prevent heat from escaping. If after checking the clamps the issue persists, it might be beneficial to replace the top part of the seal for a tighter fit. Regular inspection and maintenance of the door seal are crucial to prevent heat loss and maintain efficient kiln operation.
Yes, finding small cracks within bricks within your kiln, particularly after a firing, is normal and not unusual. These cracks are typically the result of the natural expansion and contraction of bricks during the heating and cooling process. Such hairline or 'firing' cracks are common in all brick-lined kilns and do not generally affect the kiln's performance or structural integrity. However, if you notice large cracks or significant damage, or are worried at all, give us an email.
Don't worry! Many people find this difficult when first learning to throw.
We have written an article, which may help you.
This depends on what you'd like to make! If you are a beginner, you probably want to start with stoneware or earthenware.
We have an article that outlines the difference between the two.
