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Frequently Asked Questions Section
Why Deruta?Deruta has been the cradle of Italian ceramics since the XII Century. It is now known the world over for its hand made ware and its products are present in most museums in the world. Its pieces, when certified in origin and manufacturing, are highly valued.
Why Choose Art1st.net?
Art1st.net is Deruta's first ever ceramics internet network. Six fully independent ceramists work to present to you and to a world audience their best product lines ever. They have joined with Art1st.net to offer you their products of excellence, each guaranteed in manufacturing and origin, each numbered and catalogued and, overall, each unique. Art1st.net is proud to introduce them to you. You can buy with confidence and we offer all available guarantees.
Who are the manufacturers? Manufacturers are well known names in the ceramic business in Deruta. They have been established for a long time (some 50 + years). They all have their independent shop and manufacturing facilities. They are also, and most importantly, the cream of the cream in the line of work they present through Art1st.net. You can find a list of the manufacturers participating in the network, in the first page of this web-site.
How can you keep the retail prices so cheap? Manufacturers deal directly with you through Art1st.net or in their shop if you visit them. They do not have any other overhead nor intermediaries in any country who, one way or another handle the products you receive. This policy ensures that costs are kept to the minimum and are much less that those you may find elsewhere, in your country or Italy.
Ceramists in the net are innovative and highly motivated companies run by owners who feel immediately responsible for what they produce. These are Deruta's artisans, who carry with them the traditions of fathers and forefathers, and who will not mind working longer hours to ensure that what you receive is what you really want and at the right price.
Who manufactures the products? Are they really hand made?
Products are hand made from birth to final firing. Guaranteed. All patterns are original to Deruta or to Deruta's artists, or are copies of famous views. Those presented in this web-site are mostly unique.
What can I buy through Art1st.net?You can buy two kind of products:
- A unique product. It will be marked "1 of 1"
- A limited edition product. It will be marked "1 of xx" where xx indicates the maximum number of pieces in the limited edition.
All products will be signed, dated and accompanied by the relevant certificate and guarantee.
Can I visit the shop and manufacturer?Anytime. All artisans in the net will be proud to open their shop and show the manufacturing facilities to you.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. Please see our wholesale section. Limited editions can also be sold in full or in part wholesale. Special prices will apply although you should bear in mind that, where limited editions are concerned, all items will be hand made and unique and hence any discount would depend on the difficulty of making the piece.
Are products complying with Food and Drug Administration and similar rulings in Europe and the rest of the world?Yes. Products comply.
How long before I get my goods?All shops in the network are asked to deliver within a four weeks framework.
There may be delays if the order is complex but never more than 6 weeks. Please also visit the sections on: Promotional Items, Personalized Items and Wholesale to learn of possible delays.
Is shipping and insurance included in the price? Yes. Both shipping and full transport insurance are included in the price of the product.
Is anyone recommending you?Art1st.net has brought together the best and most reliable ceramists in Deruta. If you need references do not hesitate to ask the ceramists concerned and they will inform you of a number of satisfied people whom you can contact.
Are taxes applied on entry? Do I need to employ a customs broker?There may be additional taxes applicable when you import goods in your country. In the US you may be charged duties from 0 to 6% of the value of your goods, for example. Depending on what you import. Hand painted goods call for a smaller charge. The buyer remains responsible for the fee charged and additional costs.
In most situations you will not need to engage a customs broker as most carriers clear the item(s) through customs on your behalf. But if you need a customs broker let the ceramist know and they will help.
What can you offer aside from products available on the web-site?Art1st.net offers only the ceramists' best lines. Together, the web site collects the best of Deruta.
However, each of the ceramists participating in the net has his own shop and his own collection, and most of these are on the internet. Just visit them, when in Italy, or introduce their name on a search engine and they will show up.
What about post-sale service?Artisans in the net have an interest to ensure that you are a happy customer. Happy customers return and it is important for them and for Deruta to show they care for your custom. So if an item has broken in transit or you are dissatisfied in any way, inform them. They will reply. Copy your message to Art1st.net, if you are in doubt.
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