Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

See answers to common questions we get at TT Pottery.

Pricing Questions

How do I request prices?

To request prices, you can fill in the request form on our website or contact us directly via email at sales@ttpottery.com or call us at (512) 914-4685.

What does TT Pottery's price include?

Our prices are F.O.B (Free On Board) HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. This means the price covers the cost of transporting the goods to the port of shipment in HCMC and loading them onto the vessel.

Any additional costs, such as shipping from HCMC to the final destination, imported pottery duties, and insurance, are the responsibility of the buyer.

Are there additional costs for shipping and handling?

Yes, shipping and handling costs are calculated separately based on the
delivery location. We work with various shipping agents to provide the
best possible rates, which are passed on to our customers.

Ordering Questions

How do I start ordering with TT Pottery?

Want to buy ceramic pots in bulk?

Start by creating a free account with us. Just sign up here. Fill in the required details, such as your name, email address, and a password. We will review your information to ensure you are a retailer and then notify you when your account is activated.

Use your email and password to log in, then you will see our prices, browse our products, and add your selected styles and colors to the cart.

Can I get help during the ordering process?

Yes, we will ensure you understand our ordering process, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), our catalog, and answer your questions. We'll guide you over the phone or by email all the way to completion. Using our decade of experience with garden pottery wholesale and retail, we will suggest the best-selling colors and styles to ensure your order sells out quickly.

How long does it take for my order to be produced and delivered?

The typical time frame includes: currently 3-4 months for production and 1-2 months for shipping and delivery. (to the U.S.)

Can I change the order after it has been confirmed?

Once an order of wholesale flower pots has been confirmed, it may be challenging to make changes as the production process may have already begun. However, we understand that adjustments might be necessary. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss any changes. We will do our best to accommodate your request, depending on the production stage and feasibility. Usually, changing the colors is a little easier because coloring is a later stage in the production process.

What is the best selection?

The best selection is the one that sells fast with a variety of popular sizes and colors. Down below are the lists of our best selling pottery options.

Popular Colors:

  • Turquoise
  • Blue
  • Black
  • White

Popular Sizes:

  • Tall Pots for Entrances: Up to 35 to 40 inches tall
  • Wide Low Pots: Up to 28 inches wide

Also, consider maximizing the allowed weight and space in a 40ft container to optimize shipping costs. Please see our sample order with best seller items and colors here

Can I mix colors when ordering TT Pottery products?

Yes, you can add a second ceramic pot color for every 6 sets.

For example, if you order a pallet of one style with 12 sets, you may choose a second color for 6 of those sets. The number may vary depending on the style detail for each style as listed in the catalog or product page.

How to confirm order?

Our dedicated staff will guide you through the ordering process to ensure you get the best selection and maximize the space in the container.

When you are ready to confirm your order, follow these steps:

  1. Review your order details one more time.
  2. Click the "Approve Order" button.
  3. Complete the payment for the deposit via check or ACH to our bank account in Texas.

Note that due to the large amount, credit cards are not accepted for this order.

Can I change my order after it has been confirmed?

Yes, we will try to accommodate it, but it depends on the stage of production.

Products Questions

What are the best seller colors for TT Pottery products?

In Dragon collection: Blue N8, Marble Green N19, White N12, Black N14, Shinny Black N15, Ankor Marble Green S43

What are the best seller styles for TT Pottery products?

Here are our best-sellers in the Dragon Collection:

Browse our wholesale planters online catalog to see all options available to you.

What are the largest sizes TT Pottery products come in?

Up to 50 inches high or 35 inches wide

Do I need to add the shipping cost and import duty on top of the prices?

Yes, shipping costs and import duties are typically added on top of the listed prices. The customer is responsible for covering these fees once the container leaves the departure port. For more detailed information, please refer to the pricing section in our catalog or product pages.

Are your products frost or freeze resistant?

Yes, our ceramic pots are frost and freeze resistant as long as there is no standing water inside the pots. With close to a million pots shipped to the U.S., Canada, and Europe since 2011, TT Pottery's pots proudly withstand the weather anywhere in the world for decades.

Do your planters come with a drain hole?

Yes, most of our planters come with drain holes to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can help protect plant roots from rot. If you have specific requirements about the drain holes, we can accommodate them.

How about the consistency of the glaze?

Our glazed ceramic pots are handmade and fired in a "dragon" wood kiln, which enhances the unique and beautiful qualities of these handcrafted pieces of art. The temperature and oxygen are two main elements that affect the color. In some spots within the same kiln, the temperature and oxygen levels are not exactly the same, so color shades may slightly vary, giving each piece its own unique characteristics.

Payment Questions

What are the payment options?

We offer the following payment options: Bank Transfers: You can make payments directly from your bank account to our account in Texas. Checks: For larger orders, we also accept payments by check. Note: We do not accept credit cards.

What are the payment terms?

First order: 30% deposit when confirming the order, 40% 5 days after it's been shipped, 30% 5 days after the container is received. For repeated orders 30% deposit when the order is confirmed, 70% 5 days after it arrives at your store.

Production Questions

What is the current production time?

3 Months

What type of fuel is used to fire your pots?

We use wood in wood-fired kilns, or Dragon kilns, which are more traditional and can create unique textures and colors due to the ash and flame's interaction with the pottery. Wood kilns can fire large or extra-large pots, which require a longer time for firing.

How long does it take to fire 1 container order?

Large or Extra-Large Pots can take up to 2 weeks to fire completely, with temperatures needing to be maintained and carefully monitored over a longer period. The warming and cooling processes are equally critical and should not be rushed, as rapid temperature changes can cause the pottery to crack during production.

How many pots can be fired in a kiln at the same time?

500 to 700 pots can be fired, depending on their size.

Packing Questions

How do you pack the pots?

TT Pottery takes great care in packing their pots to ensure they arrive safely. Here's a summary of our packing process: Nested Sets: Pots are nested as a set with a carbon bundle. Strapping: These bundles are strapped around each set to keep them secure. Stacking: Sets with the same shape are stacked on pallets. Plywood Layers: Plywood is placed between each layer of pots to provide additional support. Securing: The pallet is further secured with PE shrink-wrap and an additional strap around the whole pallet.

What is fumigation for Vietnamese pottery container?

Fumigation is a pest control method that involves filling an area with gaseous pesticides—or fumigants—to suffocate or poison the pests within. This technique is commonly used to eradicate insects, termites, and other pests from packing material such as wooden pallets.

Do you fumigate all of your shipments?

Yes, we do.

How many pots can be fired in a kiln at the same time?

500 to 700 pots can be fired, depending on their size

Customs Clearance Questions

What is the process of customs clearance?

Customs clearance is the process of getting goods approved by the customs authorities of a country before they can enter or leave the country. This process ensures that all necessary import duties, taxes, and regulations are complied with.

Here are the key steps involved:

  • 1. Documentation: Importers and exporters must provide the required documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, to the customs authorities.
  • 2. Assessment: Customs authorities review the documentation to assess the value of the goods, classify them correctly, and determine the applicable duties and taxes.
  • 3. Inspection: Depending on the nature of the goods and random checks, customs officers may physically inspect the shipment to ensure it matches the provided documentation.
  • 4. Payment of Duties and Taxes: The importer must pay any applicable duties, taxes, and fees before the goods can be released.
  • 5. Release of Goods: Once the documentation is verified, inspections (if any) are completed, and payments are made, the goods are cleared by customs and can proceed to their final destination.

This process helps regulate international trade, prevent smuggling, and ensure compliance with national laws and regulations.

What is the import duty rate from Vietnam to the U.S. for your pottery?

Currently, it is 6% of the pottery value plus 10% due to tariffs, totaling at 16%.

How do I pay for the shipping and import duty?

The shipping agent will pay all those fees on your behalf and then send you the invoice before scheduling the delivery.

Schedule Delivery Questions

Who will call me to schedule the delivery?

The trucker will call you to schedule the delivery when it is ready.

Will the trucker wait for unloading or leave the container and return later?

The trucker will wait for unloading for up to 2 hours. After that, they will charge around $95 per extra hour.

How long does it take to unload a 40ft container?

Usually under 2 hours.

Unloading Questions

What do I need to prepare for unloading a container?

Equipments involved:

  • 1 forklift to unload the pallets
  • 1 pallet jack or 1 pallet puller clamp with a 50 ft towing rope to move the pallet from inside the container to the end of the container
  • 1 hammer and 1 crowbar to remove the nails used to secure the pallets during transit

Labor involved:

  • One forklift driver and one or two helpers
  • 1 pallet jack or 1 pallet puller clamp with a 50 ft towing rope to move the pallet from inside the container to the end of the container
  • 1 hammer and 1 crowbar to remove the nails used to secure the pallets during transit
  • You have 2 free hours to unload your container. Hourly charges are incurred after that

Damage Claim Questions

How do I claim for damage if it exceeds 3% of the total shipment?

We try to keep the process as simple as possible. Please take clear photos of the damaged pots and note the quantity. Then email us, and we'll take care of the rest. There are no forms for you to fill out. We will work with the insurance company on your behalf.

Retail Price Tagging Questions

Can you help me to price the pots?

Yes, we can. Our prices are for the whole set. First, we can break down the prices to individual pots. Second, we can estimate the shipping cost, import duty, and all related costs of the whole shipment. Third, we will divide the estimated cost to get the landed cost for individual pots. Finally, we will mark it up at the percentage that you need

Can you print my retail prices and tag them in Vietnam for me

Yes, we can print and tag them on every single pot before packing, so all pots are ready to sell right after you unload them.

Is the material of the tags weatherproof?

Yes, we print them on synthetic material and use a thermal transfer printer (no ink or toner) to ensure the tags withstand heat and water for years.

Do you charge for printing and tagging ?

No, it is a complimentary service from TT Pottery.

Time Frame From Ordering To Unloading

Time Frame Steps Tasks Payment for First Order Payment for Repeated Order
1 week or less Selecting Pots and Colors At TT Pottery, we love utilizing our experience to help first time customers make orders that sell fast and generate the most profit in their specific markets.
Order Starting date Confirm Order and Deposit After selecting the best products, the customer makes a deposit to get the process rolling. 30% of the order 30% of the order
3–4 months for production Producing The factory then begins production, including steps such as creating the greenwares, drying, glazing, firing, quality screening, price tagging, and finally, packing.
1–2 days Shipping Rate TT Pottery will obtain shipping rates from various shipping agents and then pass the best rate to the customer for approval.
1–7 days Factory Loading The factory will arrange to pick up the empty container, load the pottery, complete the fumigation, and transport it to the port, ready to load onto the vessel.
3–6 weeks on the water Sailing The vessel takes 3 weeks to reach the West Coast or 5–6 weeks to reach the East Coast.
Commercial Invoice TT Pottery will send the customer a commercial invoice for what actually shipped. The customer pays the second payment for the pottery to TT Pottery. 40% of the order 70% of the order
Arrival and Releasing A customs broker (appointed by the shipping agent) will file a customs entry and pay import duties on behalf of the customer a few days before the vessel arrives at the port.
1–3 days to pay Paying the Shipping The shipping agent will send the customer an invoice for the shipping cost, import duty, and any other quoted fees. The customer pays this invoice to the shipping agent. 100% to shipping agent 100% to shipping agent
1–2 days before delivery Delivery Scheduling After the invoice is paid, a trucking company will call the customer to confirm the delivery schedule.
Final Delivery Unloading The trucker will bring the container to the customer's site, open the container door, and wait for the customer to unload 22–24 pallets. Then, the trucker will drive off to return the empty container to the port. 30% 10 days after delivery