Frequently Asked Questions
I saw a piece in your Northampton store (or on your Instagram account), but I can't find it in the online shop. Can I order it?
Absolutely! Only a small selection of the pieces we carry are currently available on our website. Please contact us to describe the piece you're interested in. We're happy to work with you to order exactly what you’re looking for! We are able to take credit card payments over the phone or send Paypal invoices via email, whichever method works best for you!
Are your products dishwasher/oven/microwave safe?
Well, most of the earrings and purses aren’t….
Anyway, it depends on the artist! Most of our pottery is dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe, as we really value functional work, but it does depend (some beautiful things are worth a bit more time and care). That information should be available on each item's page but if it’s not, reach out! We’ll let you know.
Do your artists do custom work?
Many do! Some don’t! It just depends on the artist and their workflow and capacity. If you see an artist whose style you love but have a vision for a custom piece, contact us and we’ll let you know what is (and isn’t) possible.
Carlos Silva/Centuries Clayworks, for example, does a lot of custom color combinations for his pieces!
What materials are your items made of?
Each item’s page should have what material(s) it’s made out of. If this information is ever missing (our apologies) or if you have questions about what a material’s significance is (for example, gold vermeil vs gold-fill vs gold-plating) contact us!
Why doesn’t my item perfectly match the photo or other of the same item I have?
That’s the nature of handmade work! Each piece is perfectly unique with tiny intricacies that make it special. However, if your order does not meet your needs and you would like to return your product, we understand. Please see our return policy above.
If you are trying to match a product you already have and/or have parameters you're working within (think exact bowl/plate diameter so as to create a neat stack), contact us so we can work with you and the artist to get you what you need.
SHIPPING
When will my item ship?
We do our best to have the items sold online ready to be shipped from the store within 3 business days. However, due to the nature of our little business, sometimes it takes a little longer than that. Furthermore, if we do not have a product in stock in the store, it is most likely a piece that one of our artists will create specifically for you. In those cases, the item’s listing will have shipping expectations on it. If anything is expected to be different than what is on the item’s page, we will contact you right away.
If you have questions about an item's availability before purchasing, please feel free to contact us. If you would like to purchase an item and need it by a certain date, we will do our very best to get it to you in time, but would recommend a quick conversation with us first, just so we're all on the same page about the timeline and a plan!
I ordered a piece that’s being specially made for me a couple of weeks ago and haven’t gotten an update in a while. What should I do?
Email or call us! You can always reach out if you would like an updated ETA on your order. Artists are artists and sometimes they don’t always update us in a timely manner with their progress, but that doesn’t mean they’re not working on your order, nor does it mean that we’ve forgotten about you or haven’t been in contact with the artist behind the scenes. But if you’re worried, just reach out and ask! It’s what we’re here for.
Do you ship internationally?
Unfortunately, we do not. We currently only ship throughout the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Can I save the shipping charges and pick up my purchase at PINCH?
Yes! Just select “Pick Up” at check out. You can also call or email us to arrange a purchase and in-store pick up.
Is your packaging material eco-friendly? And, why did my Pinch order arrive in a W.B. Mason box…?
Great question. We use eco-friendly packaging wherever we can! A HUGE part of that is reusing the boxes we've received from our artists and suppliers (like W.B. Mason, for example) send us. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We very much follow this rhythm at Pinch. Reducing as much waste as possible, Reusing everything that we can (especially when it comes to shipping), and Recycling whatever remains. We encourage you to recycle and/or reuse your Pinch packages as well!
When we aren’t shipping in used boxes, we get all the rest of our boxes from USPS Priority Mail, which has achieved the Silver Level Cradle to Cradle Eco-Friendly Certification. This means that not only are the boxes 100% recyclable, but also that the environmental impact and sustainability of each individual element of the boxes (1,400 ingredients were looked at in this process) has been analyzed and painstakingly proven to be eco-friendly! We love a mail carrier that cares about the earth!
RETURNS
Is it possible to return a piece that doesn't work out?
Online Purchases
We want you to love your Pinch purchase. If something isn't right, items purchased through our online shop may be returned for a refund, store credit, or exchange within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be received by Pinch within 30 days of your delivery date and in original, unused, re-saleable condition.
- You're welcome to ship items back on your own, or we can provide a prepaid return label for your convenience – the cost of the label will be deducted from your refund.
- We recommend reusing the original packaging when possible – items damaged in return shipping due to inadequate packaging may not be eligible for a full refund.
- Sale items and special orders are final sale.
To initiate a return, please contact us at hello@pinchgoods.com.
Once your return is received, refunds to your original form of payment are issued within 7–14 business days; store credit is available immediately.
In-Store Purchases
Items purchased at our Main Street Northampton shop are eligible for store credit or exchange.
- Exchanges and store credit must be requested within 30 days.
- A receipt is required.
- Items must be in their original, unused, re-saleable condition.
- Sale items and special orders are final sale.
What do I do if my order arrives damaged?
If you received a product that is damaged, please contact us within 72 hours of delivery with photos of the damaged item and its packaging. We will then work out a return or exchange with you. After 72 hours of the delivery date, damaged goods will not be taken into consideration.
Location & Access
Where is Pinch located in Northampton?
We're at 179 Main Street in downtown Northampton,
MA, right on the main strip! Easy walk from the parking garage at Thornes Marketplace.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes! Street parking on Main Street and side streets, plus several parking
lots within a 2-minute walk including the garage at Thornes Marketplace.
Is the store wheelchair accessible? Yes, we have a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking nearby.
Products
What types of products does Pinch sell? We specialize in handmade pottery (mugs, bowls, vases, plates), artisan jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings), plus home decor, wall art, bags, scarves, and unique gifts from more than 100 artists.
Do you sell engagement rings or wedding gifts?
Yes! We have beautiful handmade rings including engagement-worthy pieces, plus we're a go-to for unique wedding gifts that stand out from department
store registries.
Are all your products handmade? Mostly! Many pieces at Pinch are handcrafted by independent artists, many local to New England. We're proud to support makers directly.
Do you have items under $50?
Absolutely! We have a great selection of beautiful gifts starting around $20, with lots of options under $50 perfect for birthdays, hostess gifts, and treating yourself.
Can I buy Pinch products online? Yes! Shop our online store at pinchgoods.com, though our in-store selection is even larger.
Services
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes! We provide complimentary gift wrapping for purchases.
Do you have a gift registry or wedding registry?
Yes! Contact us at hello@pinchgoods.com to set up a registry.
Do you ship items?
Yes, we ship anywhere in the US through our online store at pinchgoods.com.
Artists
Do you work with local artists?
Yes! Many of our 100+ artists are based in New England, and we've been supporting local potters and jewelers since 1979.
Can I meet the artists who make the items?
We occasionally host artist meet-and-greets and demonstrations. Follow us on Instagram @shop_pinch or sign up for our mailing list for event announcements!
How do I become a vendor/artist at Pinch?
We review artist submissions regularly! Visit pinchgoods.com/pages/artist-submissions for our application process.
Occasions
Is Pinch good for Mother's Day gifts?
Perfect for Mother's Day! We specialize in unique, thoughtful gifts that moms actually want – handmade pottery, artisan jewelry, and beautiful home decor.
What about gifts for grads or weddings?
Absolutely! We're a favorite for graduation gifts, wedding presents, housewarming gifts, and any occasion where you want something special and handmade.
How long has Pinch been in business?
Since 1979! We were founded by three pioneering female potters and continue their tradition of showcasing exceptional handmade work.
What makes Pinch different from other gift shops?
We carry handmade work from over 100 independent artists, we've been supporting makers for 45+ years, and our team has deep knowledge of each artist and their techniques.
What are your busiest times?
Saturday afternoons and Friday evenings tend to be busy. Weekday
mornings are usually quieter if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience.
