Estrick Pottery Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on Web Sales

Neil — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:29:32 GMT

I definitely remember you! Hope you're still happy with the dinnerware. I love how the whole set of red plates looks all set out on a table.

I love Esty. There's a ton of great stuff on there, especially textiles. I've considered trying it out, but I've got the same problem as you- finding the time to maintain and promote it. It's enough work to keep my main site current. I'm also concerned about the vast amount of products available, and whether or not people will even find my page. Do you find that you get a decent amount of traffic to your page from people just browsing, or is it people who are looking specifically for you?

I do have another page, on wholesalecrafts.com, where I sell to other galleries, and it has worked pretty well. It's got a very nice layout, and it's easy to use. The thing I really like about it as that the galleries prepay for everything. It's much easier to deal with than consignment. I don't have to try and keep track of where my pots are, and don't have to pay to ship back pots that they don't sell. I will take another look at Etsy, though, once I get my main site fully functional, and see if it's worth it. Thanks for the input and for reading my blog, and good luck on the tote bag sales!

Comment on Web Sales

Kristi — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:44:19 GMT

I don't know if your remember us, we bought some plates and bowls in a red color from you last year plus a couple of blue serving bowls as a wedding gift for friends. Anyway, have you heard of Etsy? It is kind of like Ebay for handmade items only, except without the auction. I think the fees are reasonable (20 cents per listing) and there is a small percentage taken for sales. I have a shop where I started selling totebags I've made. I have a few other things on there too. I have seen some people do very well. The hardest part for me is promotion. I barely have time to keep up stock let alone promoting. I've got two kids (2 and 4 years old) for gosh sakes! Anyway check it out www.etsy.com. At the very least, it's fun to see what people have made. Maybe a more affordable way to offer your pieces online.

Comment on Sgraffito Platters

Neil — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:15:32 GMT

Hey there! Good to here from you. I was wondering how you two have been. Thanks for all the kind words- I'm glad my class was worth it for you. Keep making lots of pots!

Comment on Sgraffito Platters

Maureen Johnson — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:12:57 GMT

Hi Neil...your work is wonderful. George and I admire you very much, and all you do. I agree with what you say about us potters sticking together. It gets lonely for sure, especially in the winter months. George and I are still working at establishing a name...a long process for sure. We love and believe in what we do, as we also believe in other potters. It is so much more fun and inspiring to know that we have each other to standby, and support. No man is an Island, and who wants to be? lol lol lol Not us!
I use daily everything I learned from you and thank you so much. We think of you all the time. Hope to see you soon...! Maureen Johnson

Comment on Cone 10 Firing, October 24, Part II

Neil — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:23:25 GMT

Thanks, Alex! Yeah, keeping up with technology is tough when you spend the day playing with extremely non-technological materials. Interesting dichotomy there. I think for any of us to survive as potters, though, we've got to embrace this opportunity to communicate with as many people as possible. Plus it's nice to be able to 'talk' with people about what's going on in the shop after spending the day alone at the wheel. Makes me feel less isolated.

Hope all is going well at your studio. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Comment on Cone 10 Firing, October 24, Part II

Alex — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:07:05 GMT

Mighty fine looking pots coming out of that kiln of yours. NICE. Love the blog. We started one up too. Funny how this technology thing keeps racing ahead of us. Starting to make me feel old.