Glaze variation across the run
Colour and finish drift between kiln loads. We agree an acceptable range against a physical reference rather than a photograph, so there is something to inspect against.
What we can help you buy on 1688
Home décor and ceramics
Ceramic colour and glaze can vary between batches. A product photograph is not an adequate tolerance reference for an order.
So the work here is about agreeing a tolerance before production and packing well enough that what survives the kiln also survives the container.
Request a quote for home décor and ceramics
What we check before you pay
Food contact for intended use
If an item is intended to hold food or drink, check the destination-market requirements and request product-specific documentation or testing for the finished piece.
Crazing, pinholes and warping
Fine glaze cracks, pinholes and a base that rocks are the three defects that come back. All three are visible on inspection and invisible in a listing.
Drainage holes and frost resistance
For planters, whether a hole is drilled and whether the body is frost resistant decide whether the product survives a season outdoors.
Weight and packed dimensions
Compare actual and dimensional weight on the chosen route. A change to the piece or its protective packing can change the chargeable weight.
Inner packing specified before production
Agree protective inserts, cell dividers and carton strength before ordering, then check a packed sample against the specification.
How an order runs
- Send a reference A link, a photograph or a physical sample, with the quantity and the sizes you want.
- Reference piece and tolerance agreed We establish a physical colour and finish reference and an acceptable range with the factory, in writing.
- Testing arranged if it touches food Lead and cadmium release testing for anything that will be eaten or drunk from, to the standard of your market.
- Quote and approval Goods, testing, our service fee, inspection, consolidation and freight, itemised. Nothing is bought until you approve it.
- Inspection with pieces unpacked Sampled pieces unwrapped, checked for crazing, pinholes, warping and colour against the reference, then repacked.
- Consolidate and ship Heavy and fragile: packing is re-checked at the warehouse before the shipment closes.