Common Questions

Q: Are the mugs dishwasher and microwave safe?

Absolutely. 

Q: Are the glazes certified lead-free?

Yes, the glazes are certified lead and cadmium free. For more information on lab test results done on the mugs, click here.

Q: Why is there a handling charge on my order?

The handling charge is added to your order to partially cover the cost of packaging your order. Boxes, tape, shipping label, fragile labels, cornstarch packing peanuts and labor all have a cost associated with them. The handling charge is kept to a minimum, and in fact does not cover the actual costs we have to pay.

Q: Do you charge more than the actual shipping cost?

No. The shipping calculator in the shopping cart is tied directly to the United States Postal Services calculator. We do not pad the shipping cost. Please continue reading for more information on shipping to countries outside of the United States.

Q: Can I send in my own paw print mold, or do I have to buy a kit from you?

You are more than welcome to purchase your own Sculpey clay and send us the mold. This is the most cost effective way to make a mold of you pet's paw, especially if you have more than one pet. See our instructions on making the paw print mold here. Regular Sculpey clay (any color) works fine. If you want a softer clay, use Sculpey Ultra Lite. Don't forget to bake your molds before mailing them in to the studio!

Q: Why does it take up to 6 weeks to get a custom mug made?

I makes the mugs in batches, and each kiln load holds 250 mugs. So, depending on when you place your order, it can take up to 6 weeks for your custom mug to arrive. Keep in mind that in addition to doing all the work involved in making the mugs, I wear every other hat necessary to run a one-person business, from answering the phone, responding to e-mails, marketing, shipping, etc. I feel strongly that turning Mug Revolution into a larger company would take away the quality and care that I painstakingly put into making each mug.

Q: The shipping costs for international orders seems really high. Are they correct?

They are not necessarily 100% accurate, and the cost of building a bulletproof international shipping calculator is much too expensive for a small company. To work around the international shipping costs, read the next two questions and answers.

Q: Why is foreign shipping for one  or two mugs so expensive?

There are cheaper options that are now visible in the shipping calculator. If you order one or two mugs it is close to $35 USD to ship with Priority Mail International outside of North America. However, that same order can be shipped to you using First Class International at about half the cost. The only drawback is that there is no tracking number available for First Class International - in my experience, though, the delivery time is the same and there have been no problems reported by customers.

Q: Why is foreign shipping for more than two mug so expensive?

There are cheaper options that are not visible in the shipping calculator. For example, if you order 8 mugs, which can ship together in one big box, shipping is significantly cheaper than shown in the shipping calculator. For example, shipping 4 mugs to Ireland actually costs $43.25, and shipping 8 mugs to Ireland costs $58.50. (as of May 2010) To get actual shipping costs on larger international orders, please contact me prior to placing your order and I will provide instructions.

The way that the shipping is set up in the calculator is for flat rate shipping. Most of the time the actual shipping cost is less than shown in the cart for international shipping. You will get the difference refunded to you at the time your order ships.