Return & Refund Policy

1. Our Commitment

We want you to be completely satisfied with your 1-tea purchase. Every piece we ship is handmade — shaped, painted, and fired by artisans. If for any reason you are not happy with your order, we are here to make it right.

2. Return Window

You may return most items within 30 days of the delivery date. To be eligible for a return:

The item must be in its original condition — unused, undamaged, and free of stains or wear
The item must be returned in its original packaging, including any protective materials, gift boxes, and fabric pouches
All components of a set (gaiwan + lid + cup, etc.) must be returned together

3. Non-Returnable Items

The following items cannot be returned:

Gift cards
Clearance or final sale items marked as non-returnable
Custom or personalized orders
Items returned more than 30 days after delivery

4. How to Initiate a Return

Email us at support@1-tea.com with your order number and the reason for your return
We will respond within 1–2 business days with return authorization and instructions
Pack the item securely in its original packaging
Ship the item to the return address we provide

Please do not send items back without first contacting us. Returns sent without authorization may experience delays in processing.

5. Return Shipping Costs

Defective, damaged, or incorrect items: We will cover the return shipping cost and provide a prepaid return label
All other returns (change of mind, not as expected): Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. We recommend using a trackable shipping service, as we cannot guarantee receipt of returned items

6. Refunds

Once we receive and inspect your return:

We will notify you by email of the approval or rejection of your refund within 2–3 business days
Approved refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 7–10 business days
Please note that your bank or credit card provider may take additional time to post the refund to your account

Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error (defective, damaged, or incorrect item).

7. Exchanges

If you wish to exchange an item (for a different size, color, or product):

Email us at support@1-tea.com with your order number and the exchange request
We will provide instructions for returning the original item
Once we receive and process the return, we will ship your replacement item

Alternatively, you may place a new order for the desired item and return the original for a refund — this is often the fastest way to get the right piece in your hands.

8. Damaged or Defective Items

If your item arrives damaged or defective, we sincerely apologize. Please contact us at support@1-tea.com within 7 days of delivery and include:

Your order number
Clear photos showing the damage or defect
Photos of the packaging (if the box was damaged in transit)

We will promptly arrange a replacement or full refund, including any return shipping costs.

9. Handmade Variations

Please remember that every 1-tea piece is handmade. Natural variations in glaze color, brushstroke placement, gold leaf application, and subtle differences in shape and size are not defects — they are the signature of handcrafted ceramics. We celebrate these differences, and we hope you will too.

If the variation is significant enough that you are not satisfied, our standard return policy applies.