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It's A Lot More Than Just The Money.


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I have sold some pottery through a small gallery through the years, but I just finished a 2 day event where I had my own tables. This was a first for me.   I did really great.  But mostly I want to share how truly gratifying it was to interact directly with the people buying my pots.  I watched them fondle, admire, smile.  I talked to them about my pots.  They told me why they liked them...what they were going to use them for, or if they were going to give them to someone.  I told them a bit about the process if they were interested.  What a rush!

 

That being said...it was a lot of work!  I'll do it again next year...by then I will have forgotten how painful it was to pull this together.  You know, the anxiety, the hurry. etc.  Gosh, I've only got 12 months left.....

 

Oh, and I was really glad I read everybody's sage advice on this forum.  It really helped, and I think was one of the reasons why I did so well.

 

Thanks everyone!

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Congratulations,

It does make a difference to sell directly to buyers rather than

a gallery. I would continue doing business with the gallery and plan

to attend next years craft show. Make more of what sold, and make

things that you know will sell. Make the gallery a test resource

and have on hand items that sell well in the gallery.

Many of the people who bought things will seek you out next year to buy

new items.

Don't spread yourself thin over the next 12 months. Just concentrate

on the two venues, gallery and show.

Take care,

 

Alabama

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good for you!!!   it is worth the trouble to find that there are people out there who REALLY LIKE your stuff.  makes all the empty hours in the studio seem not so bad.

 

another good feeling day is the Empty Bowl event that might happen somewhere near you.  take good bowls, not seconds, and watch the interaction of the people who pick a bowl and then explain why THAT one and not another one that is similar.  since they are donations to charity, you can experiment with surface decoration, shape and colors you might not want to risk on things you sell.

 

the Bluemont fair is this coming weekend.  i don't have enough stock, too lazy these last few weeks, but i will enjoy the crowds and interaction.

 

when is your next event?

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That's a great experience you had and you you sound very enthusiastic about meeting and interacting with the people who are looking at your work. That is a huge part of selling pottery and it is very gratifying to hear their comments and be able to talk about what you love doing. Congratulations.

 

Paul

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Yes, Alabama, you have described my plan for the future.  Old lady, that's the only event I plan on doing in addition to the year round gallery sales.  I've been invited to do more but have declined.  I want to remain a joyful potter, not a harried potter, and am extremely fortunate to have a good retirement which allows me to do that.  No guilt here about that.  I worked really hard all my life for this and intend to enjoy it.

 

Empty Bowls is a really cool idea.  I participated last year and it was great.  A big hit at our small community art center.  This year I am even helping man (woman) the studio during empty bowls open studio time.  It's also fun to get together with other local potters and throw bowls together. I highly recommend it to everyone.  There probably is one pretty near everyone, in the states anyway.  I don't think it's gone anywhere else yet.

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