Pottery studio supplying shops and cafes

Gift shops, galleries, home goods stores, restaurants and cafes buying in bulk, plus some direct customers online and at shows.

Wholesale orders priced per piece or per set, repeat orders from stockists, and higher-margin direct sales and custom restaurant sets.

• Producing consistent batches
• Costing and wholesale pricing
• Pitching to shops and buyers
• Managing production schedules and stock

• Check zoning for a workshop or light manufacturing use and any local business license
• Kilns need suitable electrical supply and ventilation; check lease terms, landlord permission and fire code
• Restaurant tableware should use food-safe glazes; check any testing or labeling expectations
• General and product liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire help
• Shops may pay slowly and orders can be uneven, so keep cash reserves and consider deposits
• Register with your state for sales tax and collect resale certificates from wholesale buyers

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your workshop, kiln size and equipment. Check lease terms and landlord permission, since kilns need suitable electrical supply and ventilation that meet fire code.

Check zoning for workshop or light manufacturing use, any local business license, and food-safe glaze testing or labeling expectations for restaurant tableware. Register with your state for sales tax and collect resale certificates from wholesale buyers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your orders and range. Shops may pay slowly and orders can be uneven, so keep cash reserves and consider taking deposits.