E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 9 6
FAQ
DESIGN & PRODCUTION
Q. Where & how do you begin?
A. The most important considerations in a new project always begins with the client: you. See our step-by-step explanation on the FLOW page.
Q. Does BPC work with clients located outside of the Greater NYC area?
A. Absolutely. Nationally and internationally. Via Skype. We can ship internationally.
Q. Will you work through my interior designer? I trust his/her eye in design.
A. Yes. Many of our successful projects were carried out in partnership with interior designers and decorators acting as the informed conduit between the client and The Bespoke Porcelain Company. While working directly with the client allows us the rare insight into the client's personal stories, decorators come with good understanding of the client's overall interior design vision that are often yet to be realized. We welcome and are comfortable with both approaches.
Q. How long does a whole process usually take?
A. This depends on how complicated and large the project is. Larger, deeper dinner service can take as long as a year. IF you desire a large number of shape variations, a service may take a year. On the other hand, if you require a small number of items with the same design, the timeframe is closer to 2-3 months.
Q. Can I change my desiging specifications?
A. Every time you change your mind, requires us to change every element of your design. Therefore, you may change your design, but it will cost more and the clock is re-set.
Q. Where will my order be produced?
A. This depends on the artwork. It may be that we produce it locally and it may be that it is produced in another country. The workshops we choose are only chosen with the quality of your work in mind. We have a network of ateliers and workshops across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Q. Do I get to review before my order enters the kiln?
A. Absolutely. Please refer to XXXX page.
Q. Is any job too small?
A. Orders we receive range from creating a single item, like a mug or punchbowl, to a pair of mugs, to dinner services for 24 and 30. Because we make bespoke pieces, we are able to offer flexibility.
COST & PAYMENT
Q. How much does it cost?
A. We wish there was a simple answer. But there isn't. Your cost is based on what type of material (porcelain vs. pottery), how many items, how many forms, what techniques we use (double-decal, hand paint, combination of both, back-stamping, etc.), and the absence or presence of metallic finishes (as a gauge, our metallics have a cost basis that is related to buying an ounce of gold or platinum).
Q. Payment cycle?
A. There is no fee until we produce your trial item. The trial is usually the single most expensive item as we only produce one. That said, at that point we will ask for payment between USD $100~2,000. Once we move to the next phase which is the actual production of the items, we require the 50% of the overall production costs. Jobs over $25,000 will require another payment of 1/4 of the overall cost 10 weeks later and the remaining 1/4 on delivery. Jobs under $25,000 are paid in 50/50, first half at the order placement and the other half at the completion.
Q. Shipping cost?
A. There are packing and shipping costs. Breakables require a careful packing. We can ship via FedEx or UPS, whether we use our account or yours is your choice. But regardless of whose number we use, there will be a cost to pack the order.
Q. Will the order be refundable/returnable for any reason?
A. The nature of custom-designing anything.... non-refundable and non-returnable.
CARE
Q. How do I take care of the china custom-designed by The Bespoke Porcelain Company?
A. The glazed surface used on bone china is very strong: however, it is important that the ware is treated carefully to prevent any damage. We advise you to:
-
not stack cups inside each other
-
not stack plates on top of each other without some form of protection in-between e.g. kitchen rolls
-
not slide plates across each other
-
not put more than 10 plates on top of each other.
Q. Are custom-made porcelains microwave-friendly?
A. If your custom design specifications include a gold or platinum decoration, it will be damaged by microwave ovens. So the answer depends on what kind of material we employ to bring your imagination to life. At the end of each custom production, at delivery, we always include written advice on what to avoid.
Q. Can I put the porcelain in dishwashers?
A. Yes, but with caution. When loading the dishwasher, ensure that your custom-made porcelains do not touch each other to avoid scratching. Do not avoid the machine. Do not use more washing products than specified by the manufacturer of your dishwasher. The short wash or chine & crystal cycle is sufficient for normal cleaning up to maximum temperature of 65 degrees (centigrade). Even a setting as little as 5 degrees above the advised temperature can make a significant difference in the risk of damage.
If you have questions that we have not covered here, just send us a note.