Start a Ceramics Business

What you will be doing. Crafts are a good way to make money doing something that you are good at and like to do. Pottery used to be localized to fairs and small town festivals. People would create their art while onlookers watched. Pottery has mainstreamed with the invention of places where you can pay a charge and create your own unique piece to take home.

If you like making pottery bowls, vases, plates, and other such items, you can make money at it. The more unique your pieces, the better they will sell. Pottery can be functional or used as a conversation piece. How you specialize in your business is up to you. If you create functional items, be sure that they can withstand harsh detergents, hot and cold foods and drinks, and constant wear and tear. Reliable products are purchased again and again.

How to start. If you are a potter, you already have the equipment needed to get started. What you want to look into is what is selling right now. You can experiment with your designs. Adding new glazes and shapes to everyday items are unique. Taking classes to learn how to create other ceramic creations can expand your business inventory when the time is right.
A digital camera will enhance your website by providing pictures of your artwork. If you want to appeal to the potters themselves, carrying a line of supplies will increase your start up costs depending on the price of the items.

Start up costs. For the serious potter, what will be needed are time and extra supplies to create an inventory to sell. If you don’t have a website already, consider building one. A website is seen by people all over the world. Budget in for the cost of a domain name and website hosting.

Skills needed. Potters should be artistic. The business depends on being able to offer new and unique designs for ceramic artwork. This business requires marketing skills on the part of the business owner to get their name and product out to the public. Use every opportunity at your disposal to talk about your business venture. Networking with other potters locally and on the web will provide tips and helpful information to enhance your knowledge of the business.

Marketing. Purchase a space at craft shows, flea markets, fairs, bazaars, and other venues. Teaching classes to future potters gives you a chance to show how you do what you do and bring business to your website and the product. Offer to hold a few free classes for craft stores in exchange for carrying samples from your line on a trial basis. Once the product takes off, offer to conduct pottery classes at a discounted rate.

With all the assembly line produced products around, people are looking for unique artwork to display. Your pottery can find its way into specialty stores and boutiques as well as craft and home stores.