Clay Art Center — Local services in Tacoma

Went out of my way to come here instead of SPS, as I needed a few raw materials for mixing glazes and they were almost half the price here. I scoped their website extensively before making the trip to make sure they had everything I needed in stock, and based on the way each item had a drop down menu of quantities, I assumed it was the same deal as SPS where it's all pre-bagged for you to grab and go. The place is pretty small inside and when I came in and browsed, the stuff on the shelves was mostly just glazes and various tools. When I asked one of the sales associates where the raw materials where, she informed me (with a tinge of annoyance in her tone) they were in the back and I would need tell her what I wanted to be weighed out. After I listed out my items, which was 9 common materials in totally reasonable quantities (only 1 lb and 5 lbs), I was informed rather passive-aggressively to hang out b/c it would take a while and that people usually call in advance with that kind of order. I assumed "a while" meant like 20 minutes max since I was told to wait around, but this took a LITERAL HOUR, and she somehow forgot one of the items, so I had to wait even longer for someone else to go grab that. I'm sure they have a lot of stuff back there, but an hour seemed a bit excessive to me... If I had known it would take that long I would have left and came back. It seems like waiting for things in the back is the norm here b/c two other customers were also in there wandering aimlessly while waiting.

I really want to like this place since the pricing and selection is so much better than SPS and the woman who checked me out (potentially the owner, I'm not sure, but she had short hair and glasses) was so incredibly kind and lovely, but I really wish there was some better method of getting items. I'm begging y'all to please either put some better info on your website about ordering ahead, or have some more commonly bought materials pre-weighed, so people like me who are used to SPS and make the drive out know what to expect and aren't left waiting around for an hour and made to feel guilty by your employees for asking for items to be weighed out. I hate inconveniencing people and would've happily called ahead if I had known I was...

I heard of this studio by word of mouth and started communicating via email. Had very informative and also very kind and friendly exchanges which motivated me to make an in person visit. I have been taking my pottery to a different fascility almost twice the distance for firing service and had been looking for a closer option and perhaps less limited. Spun pot not only offers firing service but a more extensive range so I was particularily interested. Google gave very concise direction; it was easy to find and there was plenty of parking available. The studio is very welcoming, cozy, and inviting; very well lit with lots of room. There is a lot of pottery of all types attractively displayed in the front of the studio as you walk in. Super friendly welcome from the proprietresses, April and Jenn. There were perhaps 8 or so people busy working on projects scattered throughout the studio and the space. It is a very inviting work space I was immediately drawn to. I introduced myself and April recognized my name from our email exchanges. After a few minutes of conversation Jenn offered to give me a tour and elaborate on the fascilities and services. I was so impressed and excited. I will absolutely be taking my work here to fire and I am very excited to take my grand daughter to this studio. I'd definitely like to take a few classes here. Love the space, am inspired by the atmosphere, and really enjoyed meeting April and Jenn. Very woman friendly and...

Buyer beware. I had been here a lot before, but never again. They mispriced items and when I brought it up to them they admitted they overcharged me, but would not refund me for their error. They treated me like I was a criminal looking to scam them when they overcharged me. The customer service is good or bad based on who you get and the person I got was rude and should never work with customers. They are always out of stock of random items and they will try and pressure you to buy their house brand of products. I try to be a good customer and I have never had a problem like this anywhere my entire life and I have never been treated as poorly as here. I recommend buying online for your needs as I will be doing...