Merritt Ceramics Studio - Oakland, California

Mychal Skipper

Extremely Disappointing Experience with Merritt Ceramics!
My cousin purchased a set of pottery classes for my aunt, a cancer survivor, as a thoughtful gift. However, our experience with this shop turned out to be extremely frustrating and disheartening.

The classes were originally purchased before COVID, and when the pandemic hit, my aunt understandably chose to wait until the shop reopened rather than requesting a refund. She was willing to be patient and hoped to use the classes once the situation improved. Throughout this period, my aunt stayed in contact with the shop via email, where they encouraged her to be just “be patient”.

Unfortunately, she missed an important email notification that informed her of when she could redeem the classes. By the time she saw it, the time frame to use them had already passed. Despite her clear communication and the extenuating circumstances, the shop was inflexible and refused to honor the classes.

The lack of empathy and understanding from the staff was truly disappointing. My aunt had been patient and understanding throughout the entire process, and yet the shop showed no willingness to accommodate her situation.

Sadly, I cannot recommend this establishment to others. The lack of customer care in this situation has left a bad taste, and I sincerely hope the owners reconsider their policies and approach going forward.

Kaitlin P.

This studio is a scam shop. I purchased a series of classes for $250 for my elderly mother just before the pandemic. My mother has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years and I grew up here. We saw the shop open and wanted to support. Once covid shut them down they offered my mother a full refund or to wait until classes opened back up. My mom chose to wait for them. She followed up several times to see when they would open and they always said just be patient.

Finally she followed up some time later only to be told that they were opened and she missed a notice telling her that she would no longer be able to take classes or get a refund beyond a deadline that they came up with. They literally just made up a reason to keep everyone's money and not make good on the classes. TOTAL SCAM. I hope nobody spends their money here or supports a business that takes advantage of elderly people on fixed incomes.

Alexander Travis

This place took advantage of my elderly aunt, right before the pandemic she paid for classes and then unfortunately the big shut down happen, they offered to honor the payment for classes when they reopen or a full refund and my aunt chose to support and wait but she continued to follow up and they tell her to remain patient they send her a notice with an impossible deadline to claim the class and the refund will be invalid. This isn’t the first I’ve heard from other locals on the community. This place has no honor system.

Shaniah Ritzie

It’s disheartening to hear about how this business handled an Oakland elder and close family friend. Taking money without providing the promised service especially from an elder who would rather participate in the class at a later date than to accept a refund. Businesses should operate with integrity, not take advantage of those who trusted them.

Isaac Alexander

I saw an online review about how this place doesn't want to honor an elderly woman's deal she bought from them for two hundred and something dollars. At a time like this, when people don't have money to give away, this is sad and could be a death blow to the business. Hope they decide to do the right thing because this post is kinda going locally viral.

A Last

Took an intro to wheel class with a couple friends. Justin was our instructor and he was super friendly, patient and encouraging through the whole class. It flew by and we were really excited to do it again! They'll fire glaze our pieces and we'll pick them up in a couple weeks ?

Brogan Stich

An awesome Ceramics studio. They offer a variety of classes and spaces for all skill levels. The Teachers are all helpful and will try to make sure you come away with pieces you're proud of. Parking can be a little tough in this area so make sure you're there early.

Megan Webb

Wonderful community of artists and people who are love ceramics. Fabulous studio that is well stocked with equipment, tools, clay and lots of glazes. The space is kept very organized and clean. Owners and staff are very kind and generous with their time and expertise.