Can I pay by cheque?
Yes, but time must be allowed before dispatch of the items to allow clearance of the funds by the bank.

Can I collect in person?
Yes, we will be delighted to meet you and show you the complete range.

How safe is it to buy through your website?
We are using a very safe, secure and reliable company (SecPay) to deal with our online payments.  You can purchase with your credit card with the confidence that the transaction is absolutely secure. In addition your contact details will kept completely confidential and not passed on to third parties for marketing or any other reason.

Can I pay with any other method other than by cheque or credit card?
Yes, of course there are other options such as postal or money orders or even cash sent by registered post with the reservation that sending cash should be insured - ask at your post office. If you would like to, please feel free to
call us so that we can discuss that directly with you.

Will you post to countries other than the UK ?
We can post to all European countries but the packaging and postage charges will vary according to the individual cases - call us to discuss it.

What is your refund policy?
If after receiving your goods you find that they are damaged we will be happy to offer you a full refund or an exchange product. Returns MUST be made immediately, and be in an unused condition. Unfortunately postage cannot be refunded.

What is your Electronic Communication policy?
When you visit our website, or send e-mails to us, you are communicating with us electronically. You consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by e-mail. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

Do you comply with the online Data Protection Act?
Yes. La Chamba Imports are keen to protect your privacy while shopping online. We will use the information you provide lawfully - (in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998) - and according to the Which? Web Trader Code of Conduct. The information we will collect about you when you place an order includes: Your Name, Address, Phone number, Email address and Credit/debit card details. We will collect information about you to process your order and to provide you with the best possible service. Your e-mail address will not be passed onto other traders. Our shopping cart uses a "cookie" which is stored only on your computer and holds information from your current order (excluding credit card details).

Data collected by this site is used to:
a) Take and fulfill customer orders
b) Administer and enhance the site and service
c) Only disclose information to third-parties for goods delivery purposes

The Clayware:

What is the initial treatment necessary before use?
Each item must be filled to about two thirds full with a half and half mixture of warm water and full cream milk. Then place in a hot oven until the liquid is just short of boiling, reduce the heat and leave in for a further 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, empty the liquid and allow to cool. Then wash normally with detergent, dry and then it is ready for use. This procedure seals the natural tiny pores on the surface of the clay and results in the item being longer wearing and being easier to clean.

On what hot surfaces can I use the clayware?
On all normal types of cooking surfaces. Gas, electric solid, halogen and ring hobs and all types of solid hobs as found on AGA and Rayburn type cookers.

Can I fry a steak in this clayware?
Yes!

What is the material used in these dishes?
Natural Clay from the mines in the area of the Village of La Chamba in Colombia.

How can I clean this clayware?
Normal cleaning with detergent, hot water and brush, mop, or cloth and scouring pads if necessary. Not recommended to be placed in a dishwasher as the conditions can be so harsh as to affect the surface finish.

Is it very heavy?
No. Surprisingly light especially when compared to the cast iron alternatives that some makers produce.

Is it porous?
Yes, but negligable when compared with other clay products. The pores are sealed before first use by heating almost to boiling point a mixture of half water and half milk in the dish at about two thirds full. See FAQ 'What is the initial treatment necessary before use?'

Can I put a hot dish under cold running water?
Not advised, the same as any other ceramic or glass dish, as it could crack.

Will it crack easily?
No, surprisingly strong but obviously does not like careless and rough handling!

Why are there some small blemishes on the surface of my clayware?
Every item is hand made, without the use of mould or machinery. The clay is completely natural and untreated in any way before fireing, consequently inevitably every dish is slightly different in shape and small blemishes on the surfaces are completely normal.

There seem to be small variations in size and shape of dishes of the same type?
Every dish, of the same type and size will have slight variations in shape, curvature etc because each is individually hand made. No moulds or even potters wheels are used which results in truly hand made unique artifacts.

Can I freeze a liquid in my clayware?
Not advised as any rigid container will be liable to crack if the fluid within it is frozen.