Product & Quality

Is your tableware handmade?
  • Our products are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern ceramic technology. While some processes are machine-assisted to ensure durability and precision, key steps—such as glazing, trimming, and decoration—are meticulously finished by hand. As a result, each piece may possess subtle individualities, such as slight variations in glaze depth or tiny pinholes, which are the unique hallmarks of artisanal craftsmanship.
Are your ceramics microwave and dishwasher safe?
  • Most of our products are microwave and dishwasher safe. However, please note that any items with gold/silver rims or metallic finishes are strictly prohibited from microwave use. For these delicate pieces, we recommend hand washing to extend their lifespan. Please refer to the specific product description page before purchasing.
Is the glaze safe? Does it contain lead?
  • Your health is our priority. We use food-safe, lead-free glazes that are intensely high-fired to create a stable, non-porous surface. This process ensures our tableware is non-toxic and fully compliant with international safety standards for daily use.
Are black dots, bubbles, or pinholes considered defects?
  • During the high-temperature firing process, natural iron elements in the clay may oxidize, creating tiny black dots. Similarly, as moisture evaporates during kiln shrinkage, small pinholes or bubbles may occur. These are common and natural phenomena in the ceramic industry. While they may slightly affect aesthetics, they are completely harmless to your health. Avoiding these entirely would require harsh chemical treatments that could damage the porcelain and leave harmful residues; therefore, we choose a more natural and safe production path.
Why is the bottom of the piece rough or unglazed?
  • During firing, ceramics must be placed on a kiln support (bat). To prevent the piece from fusing to the support when the glaze melts at high temperatures, the base (the "foot") must remain unglazed. This results in a slightly textured, matte finish at the bottom, which is a standard technical requirement and not a quality defect.
How do I ensure the size is correct?
  • Due to different photography angles, products may appear differently in size visually. We provide detailed dimensions in every product description. We strongly recommend using a ruler to verify the size before purchasing, rather than relying solely on the product images.
Will there be color differences (Chromatic Aberration)?
  • All products are photographed in real-life settings by professionals, and we strive to calibrate the colors to match the actual items. However, please understand that color representation may vary depending on the resolution and settings of different mobile phones or computer monitors. The actual color of the physical product shall prevail.
Is the decal application done by hand?
  • Yes, we use traditional hand-decal techniques. While our experienced artisans work with the utmost concentration, it is impossible to achieve the mechanical perfection of a machine. Slight misalignments are a testament to the manual labor involved and we appreciate your understanding of these handcrafted details.
Why are there slight gaps or overlaps at the pattern seams?
  • Each pattern is applied manually by skilled craftsmen. Minor overlaps, slight gaps (showing the white porcelain base), or very subtle tilts at the seams are normal characteristics of the hand-application process and reflect the authenticity of the work.

Payments & Orders

Which payment methods do you accept?
  • We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, and Apple Pay. All transactions are encrypted and processed through secure gateways to ensure your payment information remains completely safe.
Why am I charged a 5% handling fee when I cancel an order?
  • If the order has not been dispatched yet, you can apply to cancel it. However, since payment platforms (such as PayPal or credit card companies) do not refund the original transaction fee when making a refund, we need to deduct 5% of the amount to cover this administrative cost charged by the third party. Thank you for your understanding.
I forgot to use a discount code. Can it be added after my purchase?
  • We’re sorry to hear you missed out on the offer! Unfortunately, our system is unable to retroactively apply discount codes once an order has been finalized. Because canceling and re-issuing an order would incur additional transaction fees (as mentioned above), we gently encourage you to double-check that your discount is reflected in the final total before completing your checkout. We hope you'll have the chance to use it on your next visit!

Shipping & Returns

What should I do if my package shows "Delivered" but I haven't received it?
  • Please first check your porch, mailbox, or with your neighbors. If you still cannot locate it after 48 hours, please contact your local post office to obtain a Loss Certificate/Proof of Loss and reach out to our customer service team.
Can I change my shipping address?

You have a very limited window to modify your shipping address.

  • Before Shipping: If your order hasn’t been dispatched, please contact us immediately with your Order Number, and we will do our best to update it.
  • After Shipping: We apologize that address changes are not possible once the order is in transit. To avoid delivery issues, please double-check your details at checkout. If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, the customer will be responsible for the re-shipping costs.
How are shipping and customs duties calculated?

Since our products are shipped directly from our specialized ceramic studio in China, shipping policies vary by destination:

  • USA, UK, and Canada: We provide DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service. The price you see at checkout includes international shipping and all import duties. You will not pay any extra fees upon delivery.
  • Hong Kong & Macau: We offer streamlined shipping (often via SF Express). As these are free ports, no import duties apply. You only pay the shipping fee calculated at checkout.
  • Mainland China: For domestic customers, we provide standard local express shipping. No customs duties apply, and shipping rates are significantly lower.
  • Other Regions (Europe, Australia, etc.): Shipping is calculated at checkout. While we strive to minimize customs complications, any local import taxes or brokerage fees are the responsibility of the recipient.
What if my items arrive broken?
  • Please don't worry! While ceramics are fragile, we use professional shockproof packaging. If your items are damaged during transit, please email us photos of the broken items and the shipping label within 72 hours of delivery. Once verified, we will immediately arrange a free replacement or a full refund.
Do you accept "no-reason" returns?
  • We accept return requests within 30 days of delivery. However, due to high cross-border logistics costs and the fragile nature of ceramics, customers are responsible for return shipping fees and any associated taxes for non-quality-related returns. We strongly suggest verifying all sizes and descriptions before purchasing.
How long does it take to receive a refund?
  • Once we receive and inspect your return, we will initiate the refund within 3–10 business days. The actual arrival of funds depends on your bank (typically an additional 5–10 business days).

Support & Contact

When will my order be dispatched?
  • Under normal circumstances, orders will be inspected and dispatched within 2 to 3 working days. After shipment, the system will automatically send you the Tracking Number via email. Please note that our warehouse is closed on major holidays and weekends. We will not ship goods on these days.
Why didn't I get an immediate reply to the consultation email I sent?
  • As an independent brand serving the world, there may be a time difference between our customer service team and yours.We promise to reply to all emails within 24 hours (on working days). Before receiving our confirmation reply, please do not place a repeat order or make the final payment to avoid any misoperation.
How can I contact you?
  • You can contact us through the contact form at the bottom of the website, or directly send an Email to our official customer service email: shop@zaoa.com.

Lead-Free & Food-Safe

international safety standards

Duty-Paid Delivery

All-inclusive shipping

Safe Arrival Guarantee

Free replacement for any transit damage

30-Day Easy Returns

Hassle-free return requests