Great stock of ceramic supplies but the costumer service is severely lacking. They aren't helpful or kind when you ask them questions and I often felt guilty when asking them for help. I'll continue going to this store because of their stock but for now on I make sure to know what I need before I get there. I don't expect them to help me with any advice. read more

Ordered from these fellas online. The shipping is a little pricey (but no more really than comparative stores for similar products I have found) but they completely make up for it in great customer service! I had ordered from them for the first time after a fairly negative experience with my local ceramics supplier which left me high and dry. Though they do not tell you the shipping costs when you order, but they call the next day to inform you of the cost and let you know any details of your order. On my order one of the items I chose was out out of stock, a glaze. They asked if I wanted to hold off on the second item until they did have it in stock. I declined and inquired if they had something similar instead. The man on the phone was very helpful and quickly found me an alternative that was just about the same as I wanted and for a cheaper price! He also let me know that the shipping would cost me the same even if I ordered a few more items, something I wasn't aware of, and helped me pick out a few more things I had hesitated in ordering before for fear of an increased shipping price. He was very friendly, patient, polite and helpful. I am very satisfied with my experience and will order from them again. read more

I am relieved to see I am not the only one who was put-off by their attitude towards people who are just starting out into clay and casting molds. If you are thinking about starting to work with clay, AVOID SEATTLE POTTERY SUPPLY! They are snobbish, lazy and smirk at you if you buy anything. I am not kidding! Tell them you are new and they will twirl their lesbian mustaches and cackle. If you want a question answered, please don't bother! I asked them for some release agent for a mold and they took it as if I was asking about their daughter's virginity! I regret even doing business with them. read more

Seattle Pottery Supply has a robust, impressive selection of supplies and tools. I had questions about which clay was best for the project I am creating, and the woman at the counter (owner, I think?) was very helpful in answering my questions and helping me select the right clay. This store is a good resource for clay and ceramic supplies in the Seattle community. read more

I put in an order over the phone and they charged me more then the online price, when i called to have it corrected they refused, saying that they where increasing the price so even though i ordered them for one price and was charged WAY more they wouldn't give me my money back. Bad business, never again. ever. read more

I have been dealing with SPS for several years and never have I been rudely treated. All of my questions are answered carefully and I am given examples of how to correct the problem. The staff is always helpful. Their selection is amazing. read more

Absolutely wonderful experience! I have social anxiety and am new to pottery. I was really nervous about going and looking stupid asking so many questions, but Jim and Sue (i think that's her name) were absolutely amazing! Super kind and helpful and were willing to answer any and all questions without judgement. They were very informative and took time to make me feel comfortable and like I was part of the community. They even gave me info on Raku firing they do every first Saturday of the month. And they make their own clay and kilns! The selection for supplies is massive and I felt so inspired. I can't wait to go back! read more

Decent quality. Last time I bought clay it was too hard to work. Had to condition it to get it workable. The location is terrible. I hate the maze you have to drive to get there. The staff are not friendly. Don't think I've seen a smile the many times I've been there. Terrible hours. Maybe most potters don't have a day job? Will go elsewhere from now on. read more

The glazes are amazing if you can find them yourself. The store is especially challenging for a wheelchair user; but at least once you've gotten used to it, you know where you can't go. The staff is remarkably indifferent. The tools are great and they have a great selection. When I need clay though I head to Tacoma. read more

If you need ceramics supplies this is your store. If you need advice, help or customer service you had better go somewhere else. I am not a potter, but I needed some supplies I was donating for my son's elementary school art program. One employee talked to me like I was an idiot and walked away, and another gave me minimal help and told me to go outside and wait for my clay! I left Seattle Pottery with a very sour taste in what was supposed to be a fun contribution and ceramics project for my son's class. read more

This place has a great selection and seems like it has anything pottery you could be looking for but... Better know what you're looking for. The staff wasn't very attentive when I walked in, in fact I wasn't even greeted. I wandered around since it was my first visit and I will say there is so much to see, a great selection. The prices seemed a bit high but for the tools/ supplies you can't find anywhere this is a great go to. Just needs a bit of improvement on the customer service. read more

This is a beautiful store with amazing products and everything clay and pottery - but the attitude and vibe of the employees is bad , rude and uncomfortable ...wish they were as nice as their store is !! read more

Would give 0 stars if I could. Ordered some tile online for a replacement for some broken wall tiles. The product on their website uses the same product number as the popular American Olean glazed tile (found in any Lowes or Home Depot on the planet). After paying hefty shipping, the tiles arrived. Unglazed and poorly executed (rough edges and gouged). Nowhere on the site does it mention their products are unglazed. When I called back, I was passed to a manager. Granted I was pissed, he laughed when I said the edges were messed up, said them having the same product number as American Olean product was not their problem, told me I should get a dictionary to educate myself about tile terminology and hung up on me. Where is the customer service or even a "whoops" sorry that wasn't clear, let's work it out? Nothing like that. Everyone I talked to immediately put the blame on me. This is not how you treat customers. read more

I went here last year, once and the last time, for supplies and I was not impressed. What took away the impression was the lack of customer service and professionalism. This place seems like it is run by a couple of junior high school students, the staff are not very friendly or smart. I asked for the temperature rating of a particular clay and I got, in an annoyed tone, "I don't know. Just ask the ladies at the checkout counter." I wasn't bothered by the "remark" but what really got under my skin was when I asked the same question to the ladies at the counter. They said, "Look at the board with the clay samples. We put that up so we wouldn't have to deal with these kinds of questions!" Further to my annoyance, I asked for kiln elements for my Skutt KM-1027 kiln. I specifically asked for Skutt elements, twice. The lady at the checkout counter sighed loudly and you could tell she was frustrated. Geez, lady, calm down! For reals. She went to the back and got some elements. Not just Skutt elements but Paragon elements. I had never bought elements before, so I didnt really know what to expect. I had no idea they were Paragon elements until I got home and was preparing to replace them. Really!? I took it back, no big deal. Seattle Pottery has a good selection of glazes but no, I will not be returning. I will just go to Tacoma. read more

Drove an hour to get to this place because of their "expertise". I wanted help buying mold making supplies. What I learned from the staff was that I am, apparently, an idiot, and that they are much better sculptors than I am. And I only had to spend 200$ to find that out! Now I get to return half of the stuff they sold me because it's totally inappropriate. Enjoy this place if you have really thick skin, otherwise shop online. read more

I was in Seattle Pottery this last Saturday, October 28, 2017. The customer service was excellent. The staff was out on the floor asking people if they help and answering questions. I've been coming here for a while and purchased my kiln and wheel from them. I agree that they service in the past has been rude at times, however this past Saturday everyone was on their game! A great and happy experience! read more

Seattle Pottery has got to be the rudest establishment I have ever been in. Their employees are unfriendly, slow, and extremely rude! I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of pottery supplies from this establishment. They are always rude to me when I frequent the store and offer no respect to their return customers of this caliber. If you are needing pottery supplies or a kiln, go elsewhere, ie. Tacoma Clayworks. They are always nice, helpful and never rude! If you have had a similar experience, I encourage you to also boycott this establishment. They shouldn't be in business the way they treat people. I will never go back to Seattle Pottery again!!! Characteristics of Good Customer Service Customer service is the act of taking care of the customer's needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high quality service and assistance before, during, and after the customer's requirements are met. Customer service is meeting the needs and desires of any customer. Some characteristics of good customer service include: Promptness: Writing up orders on products should be quick and efficient. Delaying orders and keeping customers waiting is inconsiderate. Politeness: Politeness is almost a lost art. Saying 'hello,' 'good afternoon,' 'sir', and 'thank you very much' are a part of good customer service. For any business, using good manners is appropriate whether the customer makes a purchase or not. Asking if the customer needs help, offering to take purchases out to the customer's car, especially if they are heavy is standard. Professionalism: All customers should be treated professionally, which means the use of competence or skill expected of the professional. Professionalism shows the customer they're cared for. Personalization: Using the customer's name is very effective in producing loyalty. Customers like the idea that whom they do business with knows them on a personal level. Establish Customer Loyalty: Treat your repeat and loyal customers with extra respect. They should never be disregarded if they have an issue with a product and need to make an exchange. read more

Their website prices are way off and they do not care. Ordered a propane burner, website says $295 was charged $345. They admit their website is wrong and they know it but wont honor its prices. Will not shop here again. It does not matter what they sell if they have no business ethics. read more

I *completely* agree with some of the other folks here. I have been there once and called three times. My experience was so much like some of theirs it blew me away. I was looking for information on building a kiln and was treated poorly on all 3 calls as well as my visit. Twice I've talked to their "kiln expert" (when he was even around) by phone and he has been rude, condescending and he said to me, "You know, you need to know what it is your looking for; I can't just design something for you over the phone" - and on the prior call, "We learned a long time ago not to do any kiln design for customers because they come back and blame us." I understand and that's fine, but the problem with that is I was only asking him very general, high level questions about general principles - not any specific design questions whatsoever! His response in fact was after I asked him if they carried a particular heating element - not a design question at all. Unfortunately It was 100% clear he just didn't want to be bothered with anyone that was not an advanced expert (exactly like some of the others have reported here in their experiences) and he just wanted to get off the phone. It was like he was literally trying to fend off a customer because I wasn't at his required level to deal with. Some of the experiences here, especially from non-experts it seems, are so similar that It's as though they taught their employees by a script how to be condescending and inhospitable to anyone that's not a professional. I honestly thought at first, oh, I just got a bad egg in the lot. Unfortunately nearly every conversation I've had there in person or over the phone was that way! After my initial phone 2 phone calls I thought, well maybe they are just that way over the phone. But when I went in asking about building a small kiln and explained I was new to doing that, they said I wouldn't really save anything by building one and grabbed a price sheet an tried to sell me $1000 kiln instead that wasn't what I needed. When I said that wasn't what I came in for, they sent me to the back corner with a general wave of the hand "over there" regarding where they kept their kiln design books and that I should go find the information myself. I was then left to search their admittedly extensive supply of books to find the 3 books on kiln design somewhere back in the corner. After eventually finding the 3 books and realizing they assumed a fairly advanced knowledge of kilns, I again tried asking them about some more general, high level questions and was for the most part blown off. They wouldn't answer virtually any questions. I did buy some insulation that day and left, But after the again rude call I just had with them over the phone, at his point even though I'm local, I will pay 1 1/2 to 2 times more for my materials at Amazon or *anywhere else* simply to not be treated like an idiot. They mentioned when I was in there that they were a family owned store. Frankly I'm glad I'm not part of their family if that's how they treat people! And despite their extensive inventory, and the fact I'm local, and although did like the kiln insulation I bought that day, after just now getting off another rude call with their kiln guy, I'll definitely not buy anything there again, ever. If you aren't an expert, beware of this place! You are likely to be treated terribly in what appears to be an overt effort not to deal with "high maintenance" folks that are new to the field. read more

I can't say enough good things about Seattle Pottery Supply. It's a family owned business run by people who are knowledgeable about clay and related tools and materials. They also have a customer service mentality. When I taught ceramics at a local high school, they always knew the answers to my questions and took time to help me understand new products and processes. If I needed something in a rush, they always delivered it by the time I needed it. They have a great assortment of ceramics books and DVDs for sale. I love the Seattle Pottery brand of glazes. Seattle Pottery Supply is a wonderful resource for those located near Seattle. read more

Such a great store, such a great owner, yet I just had the worst customer experience from one of the staff. To wit: owner looked at bust to be fired, experimental with cracks, owner would do initial firing for $10.85, I paid, they took my phone number, said it would fire next week. After 4 weeks, I called, and the personnel who answered said no, we cannot fire, if we did and the kiln was damaged, you would be on the hook for damages! Never was told that when the owner inspected my piece carefully and decided to fire it (Midnight Black piece without grog, greenware with one year drying). Furthermore, I did not have my receipt, which was a handwritten ticket with just the price on flimsy paper, and same personnel said I could only get store credit, which I would have gladly, if it were not for the attitude of the this staff. Lastly, no one ever called me to tell me it was not fireable! I don't mind that it cannot be fired, just such a condescending attitude of a sentimental piece, the fact that the staff told me it was drying when it was not, that I was told I would be on the hook with any damage, which I was never told by the wonderful owner when she took my piece. When I went in to pick up the greenware, I was totally ignored as to the next steps of the staff retrieving my receipt -- I had to present the idea that they call me when they found it, after waiting at the counter. Another staff watched this and allowed this behavior to happen. I have noticed other reviews of similar staff and I would hope the owner corrects the problem, most probably by staff change. read more

I have never ever left anyone a bad review but SPS deserves it. It may be OK for a quick shopping trip if you have a craft project but if you are a clay professional you already know to avoid this shop and go to the one in Tacoma for better products and expert advice. If this is your first time in, this is what you can expect: The store is fully stocked but badly organized, especially in the dry materials area. There is a lot of crap and there are also the professional quality products, hard to tell which is which. The staff is no help, mostly ignorant, often making rudeness and condescension to an art form. They don't know their own products and definitely don't care to take responsibility for the quality of it. This is what happened last time: They sold me a 5 gall bucket of Swan cone 6 porcelain casting slip that was either mislabeled or contaminated with a low-fire clay material. I've used this slip for years, so I could tell when I opening the bucket, that the slip inside was darker than usual and about water consistency (not what casting slip should look like). I was in the middle of a last minute hurray for a show so I had no choice, used it anyways to make the last piece I still needed. I fired it along with all my other pieces. In the glaze firing this one piece came out with blisters all over and with a sand color, (instead of the off-white of the porcelain). I called SPS and told them about it. They asked to bring the piece and the slip in. If we could have left it at them apologizing and exchanging the bad batch for another one I would not be writing this review. Stuff like that happens, no big deal. But what ensued at the store was completely different and almost nightmarish: My piece is an extremely fragile sculpture with lots delicate paper thin parts. The piece was going into a show in a few weeks I was very careful with it. I've packaged it in bubble wrap and a box and took it with me. At the store the two women wrestled the box from my hand (with snarky comments that they can't bear to watch me struggling with opening it) and stabbed a tool in the middle to break the tape. I was the only costumer, I wonder what the hurry was about. I asked them to leave the box alone and let me open it because of the fragility and the value of the piece, but they just kept at it pulling the bubble wrap. It could have been comical but it was not, several hands in the small cardboard box struggling. I repeated it over and over to let me do it, but they would not hear. When the piece came out, the younger women told me that I overfired it. We have argued for a while, while she was rudely schooling me on the firing (her arguments made no sense). I happen to be in ceramics for 25 years and teach it at the college level, I know a few things about it but most importantly I know my own process, kiln, and firing temps. None of the other pieces in the same kiln had a problem, which clearly proves that something was wrong with that slip. The whole time we are arguing, she is fingering my sculpture, knocking it over on its side violently to look at the bottom. I wondered if they would offer to pay for it if it broke. I don't think anyone should be exposed to the manhandling of their work or the disrespectful and arrogant behavior from a salesperson. It would have been enough to open the bucket to see the slip but that did not even come up. At the end they exchanged the slip but the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Even though SPS is closer I would go out of my way not to get anything from them ever in the future. read more

I've come here several times before as it is the only pottery store that is reasonably close by. Yes, they have a wonderful selection of clays, glazes, and tools. Downside? The workers are unbelievably rude and condescending. My daughter and her boyfriend had some questions for them about the best clay for sculpting a large piece for a college sculpture class and the a direct quote, "You can't just come in here and not know exactly what you want. What are you from Canada or something?" I was so appalled by their rudeness for asking an honest question and wanting to learn something new. A few minutes later, I went to ask them a question on glazes, thinking perhaps that they were just being rude because my daughter is in her early 20's. I was looking at the glaze tile mockups and wanted to ask them the name of a Mayco glaze that I couldn't remember and I brought up one that was similar, but I knew was not it and the same girl just started off on me, "Oh you can't use that one. That one is only for cone 5 and specific linings and just because its the same color doesn't mean it works the same way, etc, etc." I patiently told her that I already understood that, but I was just wondering if she knew the name of the glaze that I was looking for. She continued to be so incredibly snobby to us, that I finally just told them that they had lost a customer and I would find a new place to get my supplies. They need to seriously do something about their employees. read more

I use to shop at Seattle Pottery for years since it was the only pottery supply store in Seattle. I never really enjoyed my experience shopping there since several of the regular sales people were always so rude (especially one lady who I will not mention her name). I finally became more serious about working with clay and it was the atrocious hit-or-miss quality of their clay that finally had me seek another supplier. I asked a number of professional Seattle potters who they buy their clay from and all of them turned out to use Clay Art Center in Tacoma. For the last year I have been getting my clay directly from Clay Art Center in Tacoma and am really really happy with the quality. It is a little bit of a drive so I have to stock up when I go down to Tacoma. It is a night and day difference in quality, plus their sales staff is so friendly. Who would have thought sales staff could be friendly (LOL). read more