Code of Ethics A Code of Ethics for buying, selling, exhibiting and publishing about American art pottery

This Code of Ethics is subscribed to by all members of the
American Art Pottery Association.
We recommend and urge its adoption by ALL sellers of Art Pottery.

Contracts for pottery sales are binding, whether written, electronic, or verbal.  When a buyer and seller agree to a transaction and a price, that agreement will be considered binding and cannot be changed except through mutual agreement.

Sellers must truthfully and accurately represent pieces for sale as to authenticity and condition, and point out all damage, alterations, repairs and missing parts.

Sellers must clearly price all pottery for sale.

Sellers must provide buyers with their name and/or business name, address, telephone number, and email address if appropriate.  This information must be provided on a receipt, which must be given for all sales.  The receipt should accurately describe the item(s) being sold and the condition of the item(s).

Sellers must state their return policy clearly before a sale is finalized.  They must give any buyer who purchases pottery in person the privilege of return of any piece if the pottery is not as described.  When a piece of pottery is bought, sight unseen, the buyer must be allowed to return the piece for any reason, provided it is in the same condition as it was when sent to the buyer, and within a period of time clearly stated by the seller at the time of the transaction.  The time period suggested by the AAPA is 60 days, and this should be clearly stated on all receipts.  If the sale is a “package” of several pieces of pottery, the seller should specify that any return of one or more pieces will affect a discounted price.

Sellers and buyers must conduct their business dealings with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law.  It is unethical for a third party to interfere with an ongoing transaction without invitation from both parties during said transaction.

If either the buyer or seller believes that the transaction did not adhere to this Code of Ethics, they may, within 60 days of the transaction, present their concerns in writing to the AAPA Ethics Committee for their consideration and possible action by the Board of Directors of the AAPA.  After 60 days, a sale must be considered binding by both parties.