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How to Make Money Selling Pottery as a Side Hustle!

how to make money selling pottery

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Ready to find out how to make money selling pottery?

If you’re a passionate potter looking to turn your hobby into a profitable venture, look no further! 

Selling pottery can be a fun and rewarding way to monetize your creative skills while doing what you love. 

And guess what?

There’s no reason to worry if you’re a beginner. You can do this side hustle even as a newbie!

If you’ve been sculpting and molding clay for years, you’ll discover some additional money-making ideas too.

Of course, selling your own pottery goes beyond just creating beautiful pieces.

 It does require strategic planning, marketing, and understanding your target audience.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for pottery into a profitable enterprise, let’s dive into the world of pottery sales and discover the key steps to success. 

Get ready to unleash your creativity and embark on an exciting journey of entrepreneurship in the realm of pottery!

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How to Make Money Selling Pottery

1. Sell Pottery at Craft Fairs

Craft fairs are an excellent spot to promote and sell your pottery.

Why?

Because they are dynamic events where artists, artisans, and crafters come together to display and sell their handmade goods.

You can set up a booth at a craft fair which allows you to present your pottery in person, engage directly with potential customers, and share the stories behind your unique creations. 

Not to mention, craft fairs are filled with fun and are just so lively! 

You will really enjoy attending them because there’s a sense of excitement and curiosity both for you and the visitors who are specifically looking for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces.

At a craft fair, potters like yourself can showcase the versatility of your pottery, and display functional items like mugs, bowls, plates, and vases, as well as decorative pieces such as sculptures and wall hangings. 

What’s great about showcasing your products in this way is that the physical presence of the pottery allows customers to appreciate the craftsmanship, texture, and glazes up close, making it easier to make a connection and spark interest. 

Not only that, but craft fairs often attract a diverse range of individuals, including art enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking unique gifts, offering potters a wide customer base to tap into.

So, if this sounds like you, try looking into selling pottery at craft fairs as you’ll get to liaison directly with customers, showcase your unique creations, and build connections within the creative community.

2. Open an Online Pottery Shop

While craft fairs have their place, most folks simply LOVE shopping online.

They don’t have to get dressed, commute or get into any hectic activities to purchase what they like.

Why not take advantage of this and open your own pottery shop?

It’s one of the most convenient and accessible ways to sell your pottery creations to a global audience. 

Imagine selling your excellent products worldwide!

With the rise of e-commerce stores, establishing an online shop has become super easy.

 Starting your own online pottery shop will allow you to display pottery pieces with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and an organized inventory. 

One of the best ways to get started is with Shopify.

It’s an e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create and operate their online stores. 

It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features to help entrepreneurs sell their products effectively.

Your online shop provides customers with the opportunity to browse and purchase pottery from the comfort of their homes, at any time convenient to them. 

It also eliminates the limitations of geographical location, enabling potters to connect with pottery enthusiasts from around the world. 

You could get creative and offer various categories of pottery, such as functional items, decorative pieces, or even limited edition collections. 

To get more sales you should definitely use social media and digital marketing strategies to drive traffic to your store, attract potential customers, and engage with your audience. 

I highly recommend creating an online pottery shop as the flexibility and scalability will help you to grow your business and connect with pottery enthusiasts worldwide which is a viable avenue for selling your unique creations.

3. Offer Pottery Classes

woman holding pottery

Taking pottery classes is like embarking on a thrilling clay-filled adventure! It’s a chance to dive into a world of creativity and get your hands dirty in the most delightful way. 

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Pottery classes unleash your inner artist. You become a master magician, transforming a lump of clay into a masterpiece. It’s like being in a magical land where your imagination knows no bounds. You can sculpt unicorns, create talking teapots, or fashion funky fruit bowls—the possibilities are endless!

They’re also a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Say goodbye to stress and hello to therapeutic clay therapy! As you mold and shape the clay, you’ll feel all your worries slip away. It’s like having your own Zen garden, but with squishy clay instead of sand!

This could be the perfect advert if you do choose to offer pottery classes in your neighborhood. 

It’s a great opportunity to make money with pottery especially if you’re an experienced potter looking to share your knowledge.

 As a pottery instructor, you have the opportunity to guide students through the pottery-making process, teaching them various techniques, hand-building methods, and wheel-throwing skills. 

You could start by creating a structured curriculum where you can help students develop their pottery skills from the basics to more advanced techniques, fostering their creativity and building their confidence. 

Pottery classes can be a supportive environment where students can connect with fellow pottery enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and inspire each other’s artistic journeys. 

Not only are students learning a creative hobby, but they also are able to engage their senses, explore their artistic abilities, and experience the therapeutic benefits of working with clay. 

This is the perfect way to share your passion for pottery while generating a potential revenue stream. 

You can offer classes in your own studio or collaborate with local art centers, community centers, or educational institutions to reach a broader audience.

4. Create Pottery Subscription Boxes

Do you like ordering subscription boxes?

Subscription boxes are fantastic because they offer a delightful surprise, convenience, and a curated experience. 

They provide a regular delivery of carefully selected products tailored to specific interests, such as beauty, food, or hobbies. 

Subscription boxes create anticipation, introduce subscribers to new products, and foster a sense of community. They are a fun and convenient way to discover, explore, and enjoy new items without leaving the comfort of home.

Selling pottery subscription boxes is a brilliant way to earn some cash while sharing the joy of pottery. 

A pottery subscription box is like receiving a treasure chest filled with clay wonders delivered right to your doorstep. 

As a pottery artist, curating these subscription boxes allows you to showcase your creativity and provide a delightful surprise for subscribers each month. 

Each box can feature a carefully curated selection of pottery-related goodies, including clay samples, tools, glazes, and even exclusive pottery pieces. 

Your subscribers will get the opportunity to explore different techniques, experiment with new materials, and expand their pottery skills from the comfort of their own homes. 

What I think is great about selling subscription boxes is the element of surprise and if I were purchasing these, I would be eagerly anticipating the arrival of each month’s collection. 

When starting your pottery subscription biz, try to create quality boxes so that your customer can enjoy the therapeutic process of creating with clay while receiving some inspiration.

 Creating these products not only allows you to reach a wider audience but also creates a vibrant community of pottery enthusiasts who can connect, share their creations, and inspire one another. 

5. Sell Pottery through Consignment Boutiques

If you’re looking for another way to make money with pottery, here it is!

You could try selling pottery through consignment boutiques because it’s a surefire way to get eyes on your creations and reach a wider audience.

If you manage to partner with boutiques, you actually get to display your pottery pieces in a physical retail setting and get sales consistently.

Consignment is great because it offers an arrangement where the boutique showcases your pottery from which you’ll receive a portion of the sales proceeds.

This way you can leverage the boutique’s established customer base, foot traffic, and marketing efforts to expand your reach. What I also like is that it creates an opportunity for you to receive direct feedback from customers, understand their preferences, and potentially secure repeat orders. 

Using consignment boutiques can promote your business which is a BIG plus! With your name out there, you can in the future open your own physical store where customers are already aware of your products. 

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It’s also possible that selling at one store can open doors to new opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and future partnerships. 

Consignment boutiques create a win-win scenario, where potters can showcase their craftsmanship and creativity while bringing the beauty of pottery into the lives of individuals who appreciate and value handmade art.

6. Sell Pottery at Art Galleries

Art galleries are exceptional venues for showcasing pottery due to their unique ability to elevate pottery to the status of fine art.

These venues provide a curated and visually appealing setting that highlights the beauty and intricacies of pottery. The gallery’s aesthetic presentation enhances the overall impact and appreciation of the pottery pieces.

Art galleries provide a prestigious platform that elevates pottery to the status of fine art.

When you display your pottery pieces alongside other artistic mediums, you can more quickly reach an audience that appreciates the value of handmade and unique creations. 

Because art galleries offer a curated space where pottery can be displayed as individual pieces, you can tell a story through your work and engage viewers on a deeper level. 

The gallery setting also provides a professional environment for potters to present their artistic vision, with proper lighting, signage, and knowledgeable staff to assist potential buyers. 

This can not only boost a potter’s credibility but also open doors to networking opportunities and collaborations with other artists.

 It can lead to exposure to collectors, art consultants, and interior designers who frequent galleries in search of distinctive pieces.

In other words, you can make it BIG!

Selling pottery at art galleries is an exciting endeavor that allows potters to tap into the art world, gain visibility, and share their creative expressions with a wider audience.

7. Create Pottery Kits for DIY Enthusiasts.

Pottery kits are incredibly awesome because they provide everything needed for a pottery adventure right at your fingertips. 

With a pottery kit, you can dive into the world of clay and unleash your creativity without the need for a fully equipped studio. 

These kits offer a convenient and accessible way to experience the joy of pottery, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast.

This can include anything from clay and tools to instructions and inspiration, pottery kits make the process of creating beautiful pottery pieces easy and enjoyable

They empower individuals to explore their artistic side, resulting in a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

You can make money creating these products because they provide aspiring potters with all the essential tools, materials, and instructions needed to embark on their own pottery adventure. 

Each kit typically includes clay, shaping tools, a pottery wheel or hand-building techniques guide, and even a set of glazes for adding vibrant colors to the finished pieces. 

However, you can add your own creativity to the mix with other tools and activities. 

The beauty of pottery kits lies in their accessibility and convenience, allowing DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels to experience the magic of working with clay without the need for a dedicated pottery studio.

 They offer a structured and user-friendly approach, with step-by-step instructions and tips to help beginners get started. 

Pottery kits not only enable individuals to create functional or decorative pottery pieces but also foster a sense of accomplishment and pride in their handmade creations. 

They promote self-expression, mindfulness, and a therapeutic experience as individuals immerse themselves in the tactile process of working with clay.

 Probably the best part about creating pottery kits is that it opens opportunities for artists and potters to share their expertise and expand their reach beyond traditional studio spaces.

 Packaging your knowledge and materials into ready-to-use kits allows them to connect with a wider audience, build a community of DIY enthusiasts, and inspire others to discover the joys of pottery.

How to Make Money Selling Pottery FAQ

Can you make a lot of money selling pottery?

Yes, it is possible to make a lot of money selling pottery, but the level of income can vary depending on several factors such as the quality of your work, market demand, pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and business skills.

Is the ceramic pottery business profitable?

The profitability of a ceramic pottery business can vary. It depends on factors like production costs, pricing, sales volume, market demand, and the ability to reach and attract customers. With proper planning, quality craftsmanship, effective marketing, and a strong business strategy, a ceramic pottery business has the potential to be profitable.

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Is pottery a good business to get into?

Pottery can be a good business to get into for those with a passion for the craft and a drive to succeed. It offers a creative outlet, allows for artistic expression, and can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession. However, like any business, it requires dedication, hard work, and a thorough understanding of the market and industry to be successful.

How much money do pottery artists make?

The income of pottery artists can vary greatly depending on factors such as their skill level, reputation, market demand, pricing, and the avenues through which they sell their work. Some pottery artists may earn a modest income, while others with established brands and a strong customer base can make a comfortable living. It’s important to note that success and earnings in the pottery industry can vary significantly from artist to artist.

What pottery sells best at markets?

The pottery items that tend to sell well at markets are functional pieces such as mugs, bowls, plates, vases, and kitchenware. These items are popular because they serve a practical purpose while also showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade pottery.

Is there a demand for pottery?

Yes, there’s definitely a demand for pottery. Handmade pottery has gained popularity as people appreciate the uniqueness, craftsmanship, and artistic value it brings to their homes. Many individuals seek out pottery as a way to add a personal touch to their living spaces or as special gifts for loved ones.

How do I turn my pottery into a career?

To turn pottery into a career, it’s important to develop your skills, create a distinctive style, and build a strong body of work. You can start by establishing an online presence through a website or social media platforms to showcase and sell your pottery. Participate in art shows, exhibitions, and craft fairs to gain exposure. Network with fellow artists, galleries, and potential customers. Consistency, professionalism, and effective marketing are key to building a successful pottery career.

Is it expensive to start pottery making?

It all depends as the cost of starting potterymaking can be affected by the equipment and materials you choose, studio space, kiln, and additional tools. Starting with basic equipment and materials can be affordable, especially if you opt for second-hand or entry-level options. As you progress and expand your pottery practice, you may choose to invest in more advanced tools and equipment, which can increase costs.

What makes pottery expensive?

Several factors can contribute to the cost of pottery. The time, skill, and effort involved in creating each piece are reflected in its price. Pottery that features intricate designs, complex forms, or unique glazes may be more expensive due to the expertise required. Additionally, factors like the reputation of the artist, demand for their work, and the exclusivity of limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces can influence pricing.

Who is the largest producer of pottery?

China is known as the largest producer of pottery in the world. The country has a rich history and tradition of pottery production, with a wide range of styles and techniques being practiced and exported globally.

Make Money Selling Pottery

Making money by selling pottery is not only a practical endeavor but also a fun and creative journey. It allows you to channel your artistic passion into tangible and functional pieces of art.

By embracing your creativity, honing your skills, and exploring various techniques, you can create unique pottery that resonates with customers. Whether you sell through craft fairs, online platforms, galleries, or pottery classes, the joy lies in sharing your artistic expression with others and seeing the delight on their faces when they find that perfect piece.

So, let your imagination run wild, get your hands dirty with clay, and embark on a rewarding adventure that combines artistry and entrepreneurship. Let the beauty and craftsmanship of your pottery bring happiness to people’s lives while also providing you with a fulfilling and profitable business.

Remember, the key to success lies in your passion, perseverance, and the belief that every piece you create has the potential to make someone’s day a little brighter. So go ahead, embrace the world of pottery, and let your creative journey unfold with each pottery piece you sell.

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Meika is a stay-at-home mom of one who believes that every mom should have the chance to build her very own business and thrive while doing it! She'll give you awesome tips on how to make money legitimately with side hustles, online jobs, and business opportunities!

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