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Competition?


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Only one local potter who maybe is a competetitor and only at my two local shows as we share the the same pie of customers

It's direct

he is a friend and I have zero issues with it-our work is very different but both are funtional

 

At all other shows I never even look at others work much yet alone pricing-I do not care what they sell it for these days.I stopping looking at  others pricing about 20 years ago . 

I think its good to have a choice for the public.

My whole model is reasonable pricing for great snappy glazes on forms that function well.I want to sell in volumes as I go a LONG ways to market so I need to sell a lot. I want the customer to be able to buy the pots and return next year foir more. They remember me and always come back. I will add my prices are slowly edging up as my production and volume drops.So far I have not hit the (its to expensive for me price points)

I have always had a strong sense of the transaction of selling my work needs to work for both parties-if its to high price then its not working as I sell less and do not return-if its to cheap I run out.Its always a balance-good value works for me.

 

Indirect

wholesale

consignment

never felt any competetion mostly as I always come thru steady with product-others tend to flake.

 

Mark

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When I sell direct to public I prefer markets where there are a lot of other potters. I find that when the public is aware that there is a lot of potters work to look at it becomes a draw to that market/event for pottery buyers. It comes down to what style the customer is looking for.

 

That being said, I've seen Mark's (Cortright) work, and I'm glad I'm not selling in the same area. ;) I would have a tough time competing with his prices. Yup, I didn't mean to look but I did.(felt a bit like a voyeur) :blink:

 

At markets I don't look at local potters work or prices. We all have our reasons for pricing the way we do, it doesn't do any good to second guess yourself by comparing to others.

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Direct:

 

1. am part of a potters co-op: 12 potters, one shop, only pottery...so customers come specifically for pottery. My paperclay work differs markedly from production potters in group means fewer sales but higher prices. Complications do arise with inconsistant pricing as each potter prices differently, some consider labour/hours, some not as have other incomes as well.  Taking many meetings to get consensus on this.

 

2. part of art gallery shops.....have been going to many art galleries looking at exhibitions and gallery shops, often know quality, artists, products, pricing etc before accepting placement there, my paperclay work differs markedly from other products.

 

3. individual or group exhibitions....my paperclay work differs from other potters in area so not a lot of similarities for competition; or exhibit with 2D artists (painters/ printmakers) or very different mediums such as textiles

 

4. market days/craft fairs...do check to see which other potters are due to be there, get an idea of best stock to take so have few 'double ups'  but similar pricing issues...... some even come along to sell off the things they make in hobby classes....obviously do not go back to those markets again!

 

 

Indirect:

 

1. said market days/ craft fairs...I sell porcelain/silver jewellery as well as regular pottery so must compete with other jewellers, am usually the only potter withporcelain  jewellery so if people specifically like porcelain they do come to me.... but much competition on pricing as costume jewellery can be very cheap and porcelain beads come in from China so others who do not actually make porcelain can undercut prices..... must compete on 'handmade' aspect....also competeing with lampworkers, silversmiths etc...not a big seller at all but only takes up small space on tables so keep it with me.

 

2. said market days/ craft fairs....to compete with textile artists, paper crafts, costume jewellery, printmakers, candle or soap makers etc...take only production work not gallery work, try to match my product to complement other products...eg, candle/soap/jewellery/yarn holders, trays, bowls,  use slip casting rather than throwing (unfortunatly am slow) then decorate individually to create variety, keep smaller portable stock refer other enquiries to website or galleries.

 

 

Whew, what a ramble....time for coffee!! Looking forward to seeing others answers!

 

Irene

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When it comes to head-to-head selling at a show, I have always pledged to NOT compare myself to other potters in a competitive way. This attitude has always served me well. It would be way too easy to get discouraged if you care how much others are selling. Remember that once you adopt a negative attitude at a show, customers run away.

 

These days I am observing, at the shows that I choose, the potters all have a distinctive and well-developed style, enough that we are not competing for the same customers. At a recent show, I was near another potter whose work is gorgeous but very different from mine. I frequently saw customers carrying shopping bags from her booth who barely glanced at my booth. And I'm sure she was noticing the same thing. Generally I find that when I had a good show, so did the other potters. And vice versa.

 

So this is where competitiveness is a factor for me ... I need to get into these shows, and I know there are a set number of spots for ceramics. I am competing with other potters at the jurying stage. This can be tricky. Recently, I told another potter about a small show that I really liked. Then I didn't get into that show. Now I'm wondering if I should have kept it to myself. Oh well, I'll just try again next year and try not to worry about that. Also, I did a show that was new to me this year, and had a great show. Then another ceramics friend told me she didn't get into that show this year. Now I wonder if I displaced her. It's not always pleasant but it's the reality of this type of work.

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