: GEP - Viewing Profile

potterychick, on 21 May 2013 - 10:31 PM, said:

Did the overheating problem happen the first time you stacked your kiln like this? If so, the longer firing time could account for all the extra heat in the room.

Once, a potter called me freaking out because her kiln (with a kiln sitter) had still not shut off after 18 hours. She hadn't owned the kiln very long, and up until then, her glaze firings had taken about 9 hours. Turns out it was because she had stacked the whole thing with shelves 1 inch apart, to fire tiles. I was surprised at how much more energy it consumed.

Can you try another load that does not have as many shelves, and see what happens?

I have a vent-a-kiln. My studio will get pretty warm in the summer when firing the kiln, but never over 100 degrees. That could also be because I'm in a basement that tends to stay cool.

Mea

I got over my shyness by teaching classes. Been teaching pottery now for 6 years, before that I taught lots of design and computer graphics classes. I was terrified the night before my first class, but I got used to it pretty fast. I can definitely say that this experience makes me very comfortable with strangers at art festivals.

So maybe instead of looking for a class to take, look for a class to teach!

It's also a very effective form of salesmanship ... to teach people about your work.

Mea

I've never supplied for restaurants before, but those are definitely two different situations.

I'm pretty sure the coffee shop should not get a wholesale discount, because they are not reselling the mugs, they are buying the mugs for themselves. If they are buying a decent volume of mugs, maybe you could throw in a modest discount, like 10 or 15%, knowing that you might get some customers from the exposure.

The brewery is reselling the mug, so they should get a wholesale price, 50% off is very typical.

Again, I've never supplied for restaurants so maybe somebody else here has more experience with these scenarios?

Mea

clay lover, on 21 May 2013 - 08:24 AM, said:

On that specific question, for me the answer to make sure, when a customer picks up a mug/cup/bowl, it feels light and well-balanced and comfortable to hold. I want them to visualize themselves using it, and for the pot to become one of their favorites. Not only will this command higher prices, it's more likely they'll become repeat customers, and tell their friends how much they enjoy the pot. Which leads to higher prices :-)

Mea

Mark C., on 21 May 2013 - 11:24 AM, said:

Yes.

When you have something that is specialized like that (in addition to all the good ideas above) prepare and rehearse an explanation that is thorough enough but not too long. Then be prepared to deliver it over and over. And over and over. The hard part is to deliver it every time as if you have not already said it 10 times that day already.

Mea