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Taste of Florence - Sapori di Firenze
Frequently Asked Questions
MAJOLICA - ORDERING - PRICES/SALES - SHIPPING - SHOPPING CART - TABLES
While we strive to offer the most comprehensive FAQ page, we are sure that some of you will not find the answer to their very own question. In that case, please contact us via e-mail or call toll free (877)788-0884.
On a humorous note, please note that this page has been online since 1999 and it is an original including my English errors... if you stumble on a page on another website that reads almost identical (well they did correct some grammar...) please know that we are copied under many aspects, not only this one. Thanks for visiting, Paolo.
Q: What is Majolica?
A: click here
to read a brief history of Italian majolica. Just remember that a piece is
defined "majolica" when it is made following a certain technique and using
specific clays and glazes. The designs or the appearance don't necessarily
identify a piece as a "majolica" piece.
Q: Can I put these items outside?
A: The colors are forever, no matter what. Sun fading is not an issue.
Depending on the workshop, there is a different thickness of the clay
and therefore a different resistance to chips and cracks. In extremely cold regions (i.e.:
below 0s Farenheit) these items should be brought
in during winter. A little frost or a blanket of snow is not harmful in
any way.
Q: What about using the dishwasher?
A: At a cold or cool drying cycle, everything is dishwasher safe.
If you expose the product daily to very high temperatures, you
could have a "crazing" on the surface. Crazing is an aging process, but
it should take place after 50 years or more..... you don't want to speed
it up too much.
Microwave should be used only for warming (1 or 2 minutes).
These are
honest guidelines, a less scrupulous vendor
could just say that you don't have to worry about anything just to make one more
sale. Truth is: if it is majolica
and you want to own it for a long time, it has to be treated carefully.
Q: Is it everything safe for food use?
A: All the dinnerware items are FDA tested and exceed all rules and
regulations for lead and cadmium content.
Q: Is everything handmade?
The production is still made in the traditional way, the pieces are hand thrown or hand casted,
when the bisque is dry, it is fired the first time for about 24 hours, after that it is dipped in white glaze and, when it's
dry, the decoration process begins.
Decoration is made both entirely free hand or first outlining the
edges with a template (spolvero).
It is important to know that the decorator does not see the true colors during the decoration,
the brilliancy of the colors is visible only after
the second firing, which also last about 24 hours.
The price changes with the design, not only because
some designs are more time consuming, but because a more difficult design
requires the use of a more skilled decorator, who is paid more.
Q: Why
are your prices so much lower than other stores?
A: When I moved in the U.S. and started this company, I didn't
think I would ever have to answer this question, but I had to many times.
The product is anyway expensive when created at these high levels, however
we strive to keep the unnecessary costs as low as possible, we chose not to
produce a printed catalogue, we don't use buyers and obviously our mark-up is
lower than other well known stores, catalogues and web sites. While the
selection can be different and some items may not be directly comparable,
sometimes it is easy to see that our items are of the same quality, come from
the same region and in some cases are made by the same workshops... in some
cases even the pictures on the web are the same pictures from our supplier
catalogue! Why pay $250 for something that we sell at $160 or $28 for something
that we sell at $17.50??
Q: Do you ever have sales?
A: Not very
often, we already have the best
overall pricing and conditions in the U.S.. Other websites run sales or specials
and their sale prices are still higher than ours.
Billing and ordering questions
Q: How should I order?
A: For items in stock just use
this shopping cart
feature. If you want to customize your order and choose shapes or designs in the
"SHOWROOM" sections call the toll free number (877)788-0884 we will be
happy to assist you. For dinnerware and tables, follow the instructions or call
the toll free number.
Q: What if I order something not in stock?
A: We have frequent freights and special orders can take anywhere between 4
to 10 weeks. We will give you the approximate time of delivery when you place
the order.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Your satisfaction is our primary goal, you can exchange your item for something else or for a store credit for any reason including buyer remorse. Since we already offer free shipping, unless we made a mistake on your order (such as: shipped the wrong item or design) we do not pay shipping costs for returning the item to be exchanged. Cash refunds must be approved in advance, the merchandise must be returned in perfect conditions and a 10% restocking fee will be applied. All special or custom orders are final with no exchanges or refunds.
Q: How long before I receive my order?
A: For items in stock, your order will be processed within 24 hours. We normally ship UPS ground and shipping is free for orders over $100. UPS ground requires up to 5 business days in transit (East coast) or as little as 1 business day (Southern California). Faster shipping options are available on request. For orders up to $50 shipping is $5, for orders between $50.01 and $99.99 is 10% of the value. Our shopping cart system will calculate shipping charges.
Q: What if the goods arrive broken?
A: All the shipments are insured, if the goods are broken you just have to
contact us, we will take care of the claim with UPS and replace your items as
soon as possible. Always keep all the original packaging.
Q: How are the tables shipped?
A: The small tables (under 34" round) can be shipped UPS ground for free if purchased at regular prices. The larger tables require special handling and after years of experience we found that the best way to ensure that you will receive a first class service is to use a packaging specialist that will ship using a trucking company, but with additional services, such as the "palletizing" of the crate and the base, additional liability insurance and, as optional perks, services like inside delivery. The maximum shipping cost that you will be billed is clearly shown in the tables price list..
Q: How should I care for these tables?
A: If you live in an extremely cold state like Minnesota or Montana, you want to bring it inside in the winter. Other than that, they don't require any particular care or precaution.
Q: Are the shopping cart systems secure?
A: Yes. Our shopping cart systems is internally hosted and secure. All the information that you will enter is transmitted via SSL and will be reviewed by us before any charge is made to your account. Shipping charges will be calculated by the system, remember that for any item at regular price except the tables shipping is free over $100 of purchase for regular UPS ground or USPS shipping.