I love that you’re talking about this! I’m a ceramic artist and pricing my work is seriously one of the hardest things. I like what you say about not undercutting other artists, and I think that’s important. There are plenty of people who do however, and I don’t feel threatened by them. My work is unique enough that I’m not worried about someone else selling cheap pottery because they can afford to because it’s a hobby. I’ve built enough of a social media following that I don’t feel like I’m in direct competition with other makers in my area or on similar platforms: the people that are following me are following because they like my art specifically. I can drive traffic to my website for sales from my Instagram, so some potter charging $20/mug for work that looks completely different than mine doesn’t seem to depress my earning potential. It can definitely be damaging to the activity in general, however, if everyone starts thinking “a mug should cost $20” instead of “I’m buying a unique piece of usable art from this artist.” I think it’s very, very hard for me to charge enough to reflect the amount of work each cup took, and I’m grappling with that right now. I may reduce the amount of cups I sell at a time, and switch to a “drop” model rather than a “stocked sale.” Like dropping 10 cups for a higher price point, rather than 40 for a lower price point. Finding the balance between labor and cost is the single most difficult thing I’m grappling with right now as an artist to be honest. It’s scary because I don’t want to price myself out of the market, being a relatively small, mostly unknown artist. It’s also tough because the amount of people willing to spend $100 on a mug is much smaller than the amount of people willing to spend $50. Maybe it isn’t true, but it feels like I could run out of collectors too quickly if I tried selling my cups for what they’re worth, at $100 a piece. It’s a weird catch-22. I’ve also noticed that it’s easier to sell sculptures and wall pieces at a higher price than functional ware. I’m not sure why that is, but I have an easier time selling a $200 wall piece than I’d have selling a $200 cup that took an equal amount of labor. Value is a weird thing.
Hey professional potters in the making, You have one amazing pottery teacher! All of the points Ms Green went over are spot on when it comes to selling pottery and they're important. Marketing Psychology and upholding the respect of the craft of pottery are probably the most important in my opinion - both are interrelated and I'll explain... A part of marketing psychology is that detail Ms Green mentioned about people maybe thinking your piece is "cheap" if it's priced too low. For example, if you were presented with 2 new iPhones - one for $800 and another for $500, you may wonder what's wrong with the lower priced one. It works the same way with your pottery. I think the example in the video was a $5 bowl. Finding that sweet spot of not shorting yourself but not overpricing a piece comes with experience over time. There's a "dark side" to this whole marketing psychology thing though.... sometimes when you price handmade items for a price that is legitimately what they are worth (all that time, effort, supplies, costs, etc that you took to make it) seems to be "overpriced" in a potential buyer's eyes. This is where the second important part I mentioned comes into play. If you truly feel that you have priced your piece at the appropriate price using all of the info Ms Green provides in this video and someone says, "Are you willing to take $[insert a lower price here]?" Please remember to hold true to your work. This isn't a yard sale or bargain outlet. YOU, not a machine, made this literally from earth and fire. Your piece is a one of a kind. It's ok if that person doesn't buy your piece - it doesn't mean that there's something wrong with your pricing. Stick to your guns and don't let them think that just because you're in high school that your pieces should be super cheap. By upholding that standard and respect of the craft over time and believing in yourself, you can educate people about what it takes to make a piece of pottery. Every one starts at the same point - zero. You're getting better by the day and you're creating and learning - don't lose sight of that and be kind to yourself. You are amazing and your art is worthy. You got this! (Wish I was in the area bc It's stop by to support you!!🥰🤩)
This is actually my second attempt at giving my opinion on this subject. This has always been such a pickle for me and I always seem to find myself on the other side of the fence. I respect everyone right and desire to price the work any way they like because it is a piece of them not me. I understand the concept of being respectful to other potters and trying not to confuse the buying public but it isn't always easy. Each of us has taken different paths to get to where we are I understand we won't all see things the same but it's difficult when it a group that you respect and value. The fact that I didn't find clay till I was 37 and established in a different profession dictated that I was to treat my passion for clay as a hobby, at least until I retire. (in seven days that is). I completely understand all that goes into produce good clay work. My path took me from a communal college setting where you pay cents on the dollar for materials in lab fees to setting up my own nicely appointed full functioning home studio. I first purchased glazes, then moved to mixing my own to work towards trying to control each aspect of the process and quality. It's been close to a 30 year education but sacrificing 38 years of my life working rather than potting allowed me to set myself up a very nice retirement making pots. But make no mistake, that 38 years was a high price and it sucked. So yeah....OK, I know what it takes to make nice ware and I also understand paying a premium for very good work is reasonable. I fed my addiction for clay when I was working by buying beautiful work by some of the finest American potters I found and I paid happily. I even travelled across the country to do so happily. They get a premium for decades of work and dedication to their art/craft. They are the best I've found. But not everyone makes that level of work. There are many many many levels of talent that take shape and occupy shelf space at craft fairs, shops, galleries, art leagues and there should be just as many levels of prices. I've been a member of a clay guild that had an expected price guide with minimums and when I priced my work for a sale at their suggested minimum +15% to start, they lost it and insisted I raise my prices. (but not until they bought all they wanted) hmm. For me, in my area, I want my clay work to be approachable by any and all. I know $35 as a minimum price for a mug would be too much for me to ask even though mugs are a bit more involved. (edit) I have to be mindful in my very blue collar area that people are sensitive to higher prices. Even at my prices I've been to a fair with nice work and some people have snorted about high prices.(end edit) We all have very different ideas on pricing. If it is a huge deal within a group, then go to the expected price sheet with low end cutoffs and if it's a problem with some then let them leave the group as I did or find a compromise. I've come across low end work where I was appalled at their price but that is their work and their value so I don't feel I'm any more justified in telling them you are hurting me by shocking potential customers. It is theirs to price as they want. Again, for me, I know what it takes me to produce work and what I think it is worth. If you have customers that can't see and understand high quality regardless of one potters the price tag then maybe they should pass on their purchase until their understanding improves and they are a confident buyer. As I said this whole subject is a bit of a pickle for me. I hope I did not offend anyone because I would never intend to do that. I respect you ideas and appreciate your nicely produced video.
Another thing to consider is where you are located. You may be able to charge a higher price in NY but not in OK. You need to know your ceramic community and and see what are the going prices. Do not undercut yourself but be realistic. If you are selling out at a each show you need to raise your prices to find the sweet spot. I have been doing shows for several years and feel comfortable where my prices are for my region. Good Luck and Good Potting!
I think when you said something about how the price that people spend on your work is how much value they will have for your piece is a huge key into your success as a potter. Also more so on the business end of things, people love to buy pots from local artist and they love that idea! I know it might be weird to say now but you’re an artist! Say it loud and proud and really feel that while at your booth selling. 💕 good luck! How exciting for everyone!
You said it! I found it useful when I started pricing work to find comparable pieces out there and see what they were priced. That gave me a good idea of where my work should be priced.
Thanks Dara for your expertise! I work very hard to be extra efficient and cost aware in my studio. Making runs of 20 or 30 of the same item, mixing my own glazes to save cost, throwing with foot tools to minimize trimming, choosing decorating methods that are not time consuming. This allows me to price items on the lower end of the scale, sell more and still make a great wage. And selling more means making more so it is a good way to increase skills. That said I view my work as more craft than art. True time consuming art (like the cool mug I bought from you!) is definitely worth the higher price.
Fully agree with your explanation! Having only recently started to price my own wares, I asked various creative people and other potters for their suggestions on pricing and am now confident that these will be fair to the pottery community (very important!), fair to myself (also not to be underestimated) and not underpricing myself. So talking to your teacher/other potters is a good suggestion! Good luck with the sales :)
Yes that's all the key points put across clearly thanks. I would also factor in 'losses' ie the cost of those art pieces that never make it to market. As an ex-gallery owner I feel that one point could be emphasised more strongly... especially for newer potters. That is that despite totting up all your costs if the overall price is seen as too high in the market you will not sell. This is dispiriting, makes NO contribution to your costs, and costs you storage space. This is especially a problem if you make forms which have to compete against bargain basement items. If your perfect mug or bowl looks like a commercial one in a supermarket you'll struggle for higher price no matter how much love and expertise went in.
So hard to figure! I’m about to embark on my first craft fair in Brighton Colorado. Only been at this a year and a half or so. I see very little in this community to use as a guide so hmmm 🤷♀️
Everything you said. If you sell at a good price, it allows you to be generous and gift pieces too! It also keeps the creativity possible…keep records of your expenses (time, fees, materials,etc.) as well as your sales. Record each piece and what it sold for and where. I do have a friend rate. It’s easier to deliver and I don’t have the overhead of selling at a fair or a gallery. However, these are not giveaway prices.
There’s a difference between covering your costs, and marketing. Marketing is about understanding demand and creating opportunities for income. It’s not about what other people’s work is worth - it’s about what your work is worth to the buyer. If buyers won’t buy at your price, then you may need to make a less costly object that fits with your customer’s expectations or a more desirable object that is more costly to fit with your customer’s desires. Marketing isn’t about advertising - it’s about meeting demand or creating demand. No one wants your art necessarily - they want an art, and if they connect with your art they will buy it if they can afford it.
Very good video. It’s tough to navigate pricing between the time, experience and artistry and the value to the public. I know and understand why a mug is say $50. A consumer however may have a cupboard of mugs and may not be willing to spend that. They don’t care if it took you x amount of dollars and x amount of time to make. How are you going to make that a special buy. Personally I have art I’ve spent $$ on because I engaged in some way with the artist, or it expressed an event or experience I relate to , say a trip to Yellowstone or finding it at a shop on a trip to Maine or it had a design I related to, or it was customized to be special in some way to me. I can crank out a bunch of mugs. How do I make mine stand out to make someone part with their hard earned dollars. How do I price it to make it worth my time but worth it to my consumer.
Hi I'm a hobby potter I live in a village Spain, quite a few Brits , Spanish & Brits will not pay any thing like what you said a large beautiful door number with flowers and butterflies on the 8in number, 5€ and they put it down, red glazed poppy's on steel stems 2ft 6€ the stems cost 60cents.,they just will not pay what things are really worth, hope this gives your student a different view,
All very true - the very first time I participated in an art sale, I undercut myself. One of my friends came by and looked at my work and prices - and wondered - what is wrong with this bowl that it is so cheap? Nothing! I just didn't have the confidence in myself at that point.
I love that you’re talking about this! I’m a ceramic artist and pricing my work is seriously one of the hardest things. I like what you say about not undercutting other artists, and I think that’s important. There are plenty of people who do however, and I don’t feel threatened by them. My work is unique enough that I’m not worried about someone else selling cheap pottery because they can afford to because it’s a hobby. I’ve built enough of a social media following that I don’t feel like I’m in direct competition with other makers in my area or on similar platforms: the people that are following me are following because they like my art specifically. I can drive traffic to my website for sales from my Instagram, so some potter charging $20/mug for work that looks completely different than mine doesn’t seem to depress my earning potential. It can definitely be damaging to the activity in general, however, if everyone starts thinking “a mug should cost $20” instead of “I’m buying a unique piece of usable art from this artist.”
I think it’s very, very hard for me to charge enough to reflect the amount of work each cup took, and I’m grappling with that right now. I may reduce the amount of cups I sell at a time, and switch to a “drop” model rather than a “stocked sale.” Like dropping 10 cups for a higher price point, rather than 40 for a lower price point. Finding the balance between labor and cost is the single most difficult thing I’m grappling with right now as an artist to be honest. It’s scary because I don’t want to price myself out of the market, being a relatively small, mostly unknown artist. It’s also tough because the amount of people willing to spend $100 on a mug is much smaller than the amount of people willing to spend $50. Maybe it isn’t true, but it feels like I could run out of collectors too quickly if I tried selling my cups for what they’re worth, at $100 a piece.
It’s a weird catch-22. I’ve also noticed that it’s easier to sell sculptures and wall pieces at a higher price than functional ware. I’m not sure why that is, but I have an easier time selling a $200 wall piece than I’d have selling a $200 cup that took an equal amount of labor. Value is a weird thing.
Hey professional potters in the making,
You have one amazing pottery teacher! All of the points Ms Green went over are spot on when it comes to selling pottery and they're important. Marketing Psychology and upholding the respect of the craft of pottery are probably the most important in my opinion - both are interrelated and I'll explain... A part of marketing psychology is that detail Ms Green mentioned about people maybe thinking your piece is "cheap" if it's priced too low. For example, if you were presented with 2 new iPhones - one for $800 and another for $500, you may wonder what's wrong with the lower priced one. It works the same way with your pottery. I think the example in the video was a $5 bowl. Finding that sweet spot of not shorting yourself but not overpricing a piece comes with experience over time.
There's a "dark side" to this whole marketing psychology thing though.... sometimes when you price handmade items for a price that is legitimately what they are worth (all that time, effort, supplies, costs, etc that you took to make it) seems to be "overpriced" in a potential buyer's eyes. This is where the second important part I mentioned comes into play. If you truly feel that you have priced your piece at the appropriate price using all of the info Ms Green provides in this video and someone says, "Are you willing to take $[insert a lower price here]?" Please remember to hold true to your work. This isn't a yard sale or bargain outlet. YOU, not a machine, made this literally from earth and fire. Your piece is a one of a kind. It's ok if that person doesn't buy your piece - it doesn't mean that there's something wrong with your pricing. Stick to your guns and don't let them think that just because you're in high school that your pieces should be super cheap. By upholding that standard and respect of the craft over time and believing in yourself, you can educate people about what it takes to make a piece of pottery.
Every one starts at the same point - zero. You're getting better by the day and you're creating and learning - don't lose sight of that and be kind to yourself. You are amazing and your art is worthy. You got this! (Wish I was in the area bc It's stop by to support you!!🥰🤩)
Well said! Thank you 🧡
This is actually my second attempt at giving my opinion on this subject. This has always been such a pickle for me and I always seem to find myself on the other side of the fence. I respect everyone right and desire to price the work any way they like because it is a piece of them not me. I understand the concept of being respectful to other potters and trying not to confuse the buying public but it isn't always easy. Each of us has taken different paths to get to where we are I understand we won't all see things the same but it's difficult when it a group that you respect and value.
The fact that I didn't find clay till I was 37 and established in a different profession dictated that I was to treat my passion for clay as a hobby, at least until I retire. (in seven days that is). I completely understand all that goes into produce good clay work. My path took me from a communal college setting where you pay cents on the dollar for materials in lab fees to setting up my own nicely appointed full functioning home studio. I first purchased glazes, then moved to mixing my own to work towards trying to control each aspect of the process and quality. It's been close to a 30 year education but sacrificing 38 years of my life working rather than potting allowed me to set myself up a very nice retirement making pots. But make no mistake, that 38 years was a high price and it sucked.
So yeah....OK, I know what it takes to make nice ware and I also understand paying a premium for very good work is reasonable. I fed my addiction for clay when I was working by buying beautiful work by some of the finest American potters I found and I paid happily. I even travelled across the country to do so happily. They get a premium for decades of work and dedication to their art/craft. They are the best I've found.
But not everyone makes that level of work. There are many many many levels of talent that take shape and occupy shelf space at craft fairs, shops, galleries, art leagues and there should be just as many levels of prices. I've been a member of a clay guild that had an expected price guide with minimums and when I priced my work for a sale at their suggested minimum +15% to start, they lost it and insisted I raise my prices. (but not until they bought all they wanted) hmm.
For me, in my area, I want my clay work to be approachable by any and all. I know $35 as a minimum price for a mug would be too much for me to ask even though mugs are a bit more involved. (edit) I have to be mindful in my very blue collar area that people are sensitive to higher prices. Even at my prices I've been to a fair with nice work and some people have snorted about high prices.(end edit) We all have very different ideas on pricing. If it is a huge deal within a group, then go to the expected price sheet with low end cutoffs and if it's a problem with some then let them leave the group as I did or find a compromise. I've come across low end work where I was appalled at their price but that is their work and their value so I don't feel I'm any more justified in telling them you are hurting me by shocking potential customers. It is theirs to price as they want.
Again, for me, I know what it takes me to produce work and what I think it is worth. If you have customers that can't see and understand high quality regardless of one potters the price tag then maybe they should pass on their purchase until their understanding improves and they are a confident buyer.
As I said this whole subject is a bit of a pickle for me. I hope I did not offend anyone because I would never intend to do that. I respect you ideas and appreciate your nicely produced video.
Another thing to consider is where you are located. You may be able to charge a higher price in NY but not in OK. You need to know your ceramic community and and see what are the going prices. Do not undercut yourself but be realistic. If you are selling out at a each show you need to raise your prices to find the sweet spot. I have been doing shows for several years and feel comfortable where my prices are for my region. Good Luck and Good Potting!
Great point about location!
I think when you said something about how the price that people spend on your work is how much value they will have for your piece is a huge key into your success as a potter.
Also more so on the business end of things, people love to buy pots from local artist and they love that idea! I know it might be weird to say now but you’re an artist! Say it loud and proud and really feel that while at your booth selling. 💕 good luck! How exciting for everyone!
You said it! I found it useful when I started pricing work to find comparable pieces out there and see what they were priced. That gave me a good idea of where my work should be priced.
Thanks Dara for your expertise! I work very hard to be extra efficient and cost aware in my studio. Making runs of 20 or 30 of the same item, mixing my own glazes to save cost, throwing with foot tools to minimize trimming, choosing decorating methods that are not time consuming. This allows me to price items on the lower end of the scale, sell more and still make a great wage. And selling more means making more so it is a good way to increase skills. That said I view my work as more craft than art. True time consuming art (like the cool mug I bought from you!) is definitely worth the higher price.
Fully agree with your explanation! Having only recently started to price my own wares, I asked various creative people and other potters for their suggestions on pricing and am now confident that these will be fair to the pottery community (very important!), fair to myself (also not to be underestimated) and not underpricing myself.
So talking to your teacher/other potters is a good suggestion! Good luck with the sales :)
Yes that's all the key points put across clearly thanks. I would also factor in 'losses' ie the cost of those art pieces that never make it to market.
As an ex-gallery owner I feel that one point could be emphasised more strongly... especially for newer potters. That is that despite totting up all your costs if the overall price is seen as too high in the market you will not sell. This is dispiriting, makes NO contribution to your costs, and costs you storage space.
This is especially a problem if you make forms which have to compete against bargain basement items. If your perfect mug or bowl looks like a commercial one in a supermarket you'll struggle for higher price no matter how much love and expertise went in.
A good accounting software program can really help with estimating the costs of running your ceramic business.
So disappointed when people say wow so expensive. Not realizing how much work goes into creating
So hard to figure! I’m about to embark on my first craft fair in Brighton Colorado. Only been at this a year and a half or so. I see very little in this community to use as a guide so hmmm 🤷♀️
Everything you said. If you sell at a good price, it allows you to be generous and gift pieces too! It also keeps the creativity possible…keep records of your expenses (time, fees, materials,etc.) as well as your sales. Record each piece and what it sold for and where.
I do have a friend rate. It’s easier to deliver and I don’t have the overhead of selling at a fair or a gallery. However, these are not giveaway prices.
There’s a difference between covering your costs, and marketing. Marketing is about understanding demand and creating opportunities for income. It’s not about what other people’s work is worth - it’s about what your work is worth to the buyer. If buyers won’t buy at your price, then you may need to make a less costly object that fits with your customer’s expectations or a more desirable object that is more costly to fit with your customer’s desires. Marketing isn’t about advertising - it’s about meeting demand or creating demand. No one wants your art necessarily - they want an art, and if they connect with your art they will buy it if they can afford it.
Very good video. It’s tough to navigate pricing between the time, experience and artistry and the value to the public. I know and understand why a mug is say $50. A consumer however may have a cupboard of mugs and may not be willing to spend that. They don’t care if it took you x amount of dollars and x amount of time to make. How are you going to make that a special buy. Personally I have art I’ve spent $$ on because I engaged in some way with the artist, or it expressed an event or experience I relate to , say a trip to Yellowstone or finding it at a shop on a trip to Maine or it had a design I related to, or it was customized to be special in some way to me. I can crank out a bunch of mugs. How do I make mine stand out to make someone part with their hard earned dollars. How do I price it to make it worth my time but worth it to my consumer.
Hi I'm a hobby potter I live in a village Spain, quite a few Brits , Spanish & Brits will not pay any thing like what you said a large beautiful door number with flowers and butterflies on the 8in number, 5€ and they put it down, red glazed poppy's on steel stems 2ft 6€ the stems cost 60cents.,they just will not pay what things are really worth, hope this gives your student a different view,
All very true - the very first time I participated in an art sale, I undercut myself. One of my friends came by and looked at my work and prices - and wondered - what is wrong with this bowl that it is so cheap? Nothing! I just didn't have the confidence in myself at that point.