Finishing a thrown form does not mean it can be boxed immediately. A complete pottery process may include drying, trimming, bisque firing, glazing and another firing, each affected by kiln scheduling, weather and the condition of the work.
Ask which part of the process you are booking
Some sessions cover only throwing or hand building, others decorate a prepared blank, and longer courses include trimming, glazing and firing. Confirm whether the form is yours, whether a return visit is needed, firing temperature and the expected completion window. 'Made' does not mean 'ready to carry today.'
Large, thick, handled or complex work needs careful drying. Rushing cannot safely remove necessary stages and can increase cracking, warping and glaze problems.
Define the handover result
Record order number, work photograph, size, glaze, name, phone and delivery address. Confirm firing charge, normal variation, failure handling, remake terms, packing, freight and insurance. Check every element of an overseas address, including country, postal code and phone.
In a group class, mark every piece rather than relying on a verbal description. Photograph the greenware and handover note before leaving, but do not turn natural kiln variation into a promise of exact color.
Confirm collection and shipping twice
After completion notice, request a finished-work photo and carton dimensions before choosing hotel receipt, pickup, domestic forwarding or international carriage. A hotel must explicitly accept the parcel under a matching guest name, and an unclaimed box should not remain after checkout.
For international shipping, separately verify description, value, duties, insurance, destination limits and damage claims. A multilingual guide may assist the handover, while firing, delivery and customs decisions belong to the studio, carrier and authorities.