Paragon Kilns Shipping & Returns
At Peach State Pottery, we want your Paragon kiln delivery experience to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Paragon ships thousands of units each year, with only a small percentage experiencing freight issues. Understanding how freight delivery works will help ensure your kiln arrives safely and that you are prepared when it arrives.
Because many Paragon kilns are heavy, fragile, and shipped by freight carrier, it is important to understand the delivery process before your order arrives.
Shipping & Delivery
Small Paragon Kilns
Smaller Paragon kilns are generally shipped by FedEx or UPS, making delivery simple and convenient.
For your protection, Paragon requires a signature upon delivery. This gives you a moment to inspect the package before accepting it and helps ensure any visible issues are addressed right away.
Medium & Large Paragon Kilns
Medium and large Paragon kilns are delivered by commercial freight to the curbside or front of your driveway.
Standard freight delivery does not include:
- Uncrating
- Carrying the kiln inside
- Placement in your studio, garage, home, or workspace
- Setup or installation
Residential deliveries usually require liftgate service, which must be requested at the time of order. If liftgate service is not included, the customer will need access to a forklift, loading dock, or similar equipment to unload the pallet from the truck.
Access & Delivery Challenges
Please contact us before ordering if your delivery location has possible access issues, such as:
- Gravel or dirt roads
- Steep driveways
- Narrow streets
- Low-hanging trees or low clearances
- Limited truck access
- Rural or hard-to-reach delivery locations
Depending on your situation, possible options may include meeting the truck nearby, picking up the kiln at the freight terminal, or requesting delivery with a smaller box truck when available.
Unloading Your Kiln
Once your kiln arrives, the customer is responsible for moving the kiln from the delivery point to its final location unless a separate moving or installation service has been arranged.
Hire a Local Moving or Package-Handling Service
Many customers choose to hire a local moving or package-handling service experienced with heavy equipment. These teams can help off-load the crate and move the kiln into your workspace for an additional fee.
This option is especially helpful for larger kilns, tight spaces, or customers who do not have the proper unloading equipment available.
Unload the Kiln Yourself
If you prefer to handle unloading yourself, make sure you have the proper equipment and enough help available. Depending on the kiln size and weight, this may require a pallet jack, dolly, forklift, loading dock, or similar equipment.
Planning ahead before delivery helps make the unloading process safer and smoother.
Inspecting Your Shipment
All Paragon shipments are FOB origin, meaning ownership transfers when the kiln leaves Paragon’s facility. Inspection upon delivery is essential.
Please inspect your shipment carefully before signing for delivery.
If There Is Minor Visible Damage
- Note the damage on the delivery paperwork before signing.
- Take clear photos of the packaging and any visible damage.
- Accept the shipment if the damage appears minor.
- Inspect the kiln immediately after unpacking.
- Contact Peach State Pottery as soon as possible.
If There Is Severe Visible Damage
- Refuse the shipment if the damage appears severe.
- Take detailed photos before refusal.
- Contact Peach State Pottery right away.
If You Discover Concealed Damage
Concealed damage is damage discovered after the kiln has been unpacked.
- Notify the carrier and Peach State Pottery as soon as possible.
- Keep all packaging materials.
- Take detailed photos and/or video.
- Report the issue within 5 days of delivery.
Photo & Video Documentation
Before opening the crate or box, take clear photos or video of the packaging from all sides.
Continue documenting as you unpack, especially if you notice broken crate boards, crushed packaging, holes in the box, visible impact marks, or any visible damage to the kiln or accessories.
This documentation is essential to help support a freight claim if damage is discovered.
If a claim is needed, documentation may include the carrier’s claim form, bill of lading, Paragon invoice, freight bill, inspection report, photos, videos, and repair estimate.
Returns & Exchanges
Paragon kilns are specialty products, and many models may be made to order, custom, or freight-shipped. Please review the return policy carefully before purchasing.
Return Eligibility
To be eligible for a non-warranty return:
- The return or replacement request must be initiated within 30 days of the delivery date.
- The kiln must be unused.
- The kiln must be in original condition.
- The kiln must be returned in its original packaging.
- A Return Merchandise Authorization, or RMA, must be approved before the kiln is shipped back.
Please do not ship any kiln back without first receiving return authorization.
Restocking Fee
Non-warranty returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee.
Original shipping costs are not credited or refunded. Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility unless otherwise stated under an approved warranty claim.
Return Process
To start a return, contact Peach State Pottery with your order information and reason for return. We will help coordinate the next steps.
- Request return authorization.
- Wait for RMA approval before shipping anything back.
- Repackage the kiln carefully in its original packaging.
- Ship the kiln prepaid and insured to the designated return address.
- The kiln will be inspected after arrival to confirm it is in acceptable condition.
- If approved, your refund or credit will be processed.
Refund approval depends on the kiln arriving unused, in original condition, and properly packaged.
Custom & Special-Order Products
Custom or special-order Paragon kilns are not eligible for return unless covered by an approved warranty claim.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, you will be notified whether your refund has been approved or rejected.
If approved, the refund will be issued back to the original payment method. Please allow time for your bank or credit card company to process the refund after it has been issued.
Late or Missing Refunds
If your refund has been approved but has not appeared yet, please check your bank or credit card statement, contact your card issuer or bank, and then contact Peach State Pottery if you still need help.
Sale, Promotional, and Scratch & Dent Items
Only regular-priced items may be eligible for refund.
Sale items, promotional products, and Scratch & Dent products are not refundable.
Exchanges
Exchanges are only available for items that are defective or damaged. If your kiln arrives damaged or you believe there is a defect, contact Peach State Pottery as soon as possible so we can help determine the next step.
Need Help?
If you have questions before ordering, during delivery, or after your Paragon kiln arrives, please contact Peach State Pottery. We are happy to help you understand shipping options, delivery requirements, liftgate needs, damage claims, returns, and exchanges.
Email: sales@peachstatepottery.com
Phone: 470-264-3563