Ceramics studio supplying shops and cafés

Independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, interior designers, and private customers buying direct.

Wholesale orders at a lower price per piece but in volume, plus higher-priced direct sales and commissions. Repeat orders from a few regular stockists give steadier income.

• Producing consistent batches
• Glaze testing and kiln control
• Pricing for wholesale and retail
• Selling to shops and following up orders

• Check the lease terms, business rates and whether the unit allows kiln use
• Public liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and equipment
• Employer's liability insurance if you take on helpers
• Kiln electrical load, ventilation and dust control, so get a qualified electrician involved
• Tableware for food use needs to be food-safe, so check the requirements for food-contact materials
• Slow-paying wholesale customers can strain cash flow

Startup costs are typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on the unit, kiln and equipment, and the stock you make at the start. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for kilns and any electrical work before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many wholesale and private customers you win. That is revenue before costs such as rent, materials and kiln firing.

Check the lease terms, business rates and whether the unit allows kiln use. Also check kiln electrical load and ventilation with a qualified electrician, the requirements for food-contact tableware, and insurance such as public liability.