Help understanding the Traditional Pottery market

[CountryLoveCrafts]

I want to promote a new range of glazes and underglazes and I am not sure where to advertise to target traditional potters (we have an established base of contemporary "paint your own" pottery customers in the UK but traditional pottery is new to us).

Has anyone got any ideas?

How did you find your existing suppliers - was it through a magazine, website, yellow pages, word of mouth? Do you subscribe to any publications? Do you attend events and if so, which ones?

Any advice would be gratefully received thank you. Images show examples of glazes & underglazes. As you can see, the colours are quite vibrant so I am not sure that they will even appeal to the traditional pottery market. Please let me know what you think - good or bad - as any feedback will help.

[Daesul]

I think they look lovely, there's nothing wrong with bright colours - just look at Clarice Cliff's work!

I've always used most of my existing suppliers because they were used by the college where I trained, and the catalogues were always around. Others I found on internet searches. And one of the ones I use in addition now, I discovered on here - Toppot Supplies!

It might be an idea to send out leaflets/catalogues to colleges and arts centres.

[Daesul]

I just had a look at your website and it's a bit of a mish-mash. Quite hard to find one's way around, maybe that's why you're having problems. I clicked on some of the items to have a better look and there are no prices displayed. I frequently comparison shop so this would just put me off, and I'd end up going elsewhere.

Not meaning to be critical, just constructive!

[CountryLoveCrafts]

Thank you but I think you are being polite about our website. I hate it!

We are days away from launching our new site. Other than the odd browse on this place, the new website has taken up 100% of my work time in the last month or two - I'll be glad when it is up and running.

When we go live on the new site, I'll send you a message. I would be very interested in your feedback then - good or bad.

By the way, I love your bowls and reply to my thread. Thank you.

[Daesul]

Yes, please do, I'm always interested in new products that I may want to try out.

[Melissa]

Hello. I agree with Daesul, at uni they suggested company's to get supplies from, and since leaving I stuck with those - I did a little pottery painting with people when I left uni until I got a part time proper job - I came across your website back then when I was searching for suppliers for that - unfortunately I went elsewhere becasue I found it hard to use your website. sorry! However, you are half way there because at least people are finding your site, so with a new better site you should do well! :) I would be interested in seeing the new website if you could PM me when the website is up - I love colour and so your new glazes maybe useful! Thanks. Melissa

[zombiecazz]

how about Potfest. I can't put a link up yet. But a load of potters go there each year. I think there are about 3 across the UK. I agree with the local colleges thing too. It's where I'm learning and getting all my info.

[0103media]

I am not sure where to advertise to target traditional potters

As most of you know the reason for the forum and ukcraftwebsites was due to my dad being a potter... now in my dad's case he makes all his own glazes from hand but then he's being doing about 50+yrs :)

Could you send out samples to established say for a few pots maybe ?

Other than that I can only suggest stuff along lines of starter kits, I you have a customer base for contemporary then offer them more tradtional glazes

Hope that helps a little

[potpartner]

now in my dad's case he makes all his own glazes from hand but then he's being doing about 50+yrs :)



That's right i think most potters make their own glazes up using raw materials. for one it makes your glazes unique to you and secondly it is a far far more economical way to glaze pottery.

[fairysparkle]

Look as i see it bold is good and attracts the eye ,lovely work x