Tips for Mother of All Pottery Sales 2024 Sales Success

Tips for Mother of All Pottery Sales 2024 Sales Success

If selected for MOAPS 2024, we provide the following tips to have as successful a sale as possible. They are tips, not rules. These recommendations are from years of hosting this event as well as experience in other sales.

Pricing

Similar items should have the same or similar pricing throughout the sale as other artists. Mugs shouldn’t be priced below $40.00. Consider your material and firing costs. You can research online to see what other artists charge for their work. Seeking artists who have similar work will give you a better idea of what you can and should be charging for your work. Make sure you are evaluating your work honestly and then comparing it to artists with a similar style and amount of experience. We do not want any artists underselling and undervaluing their work. Make prices consistent. Do not charge more or less than you would at any other gallery or location. Customers should be able to purchase your work at any place for the same price. Do not sell work from your studio at lower prices than the gallery.

Separate feelings from facts. Pricing should be based on physical attributes, not personal value (i.e., you just “really” like the piece). Have work available at multiple price points. Smaller, less expensive items are more approachable and attainable for buyers who cannot afford more expensive pieces. Stand behind your prices and do not barter. If you are unsure how to price your work, please reach out to Mac McCusker.

Craftsmanship

No “seconds.” All work should be your BEST work. E.g., No cracks, faulty glaze defects, crazing, or sharp edges. The bottoms of pots should be sanded. Prices should be clearly marked. Ask for personal critiques. All functional work should be food-safe unless it is labeled otherwise.

Function

Make sure that items function well. Handles of mugs should be comfortable to hold. Pitchers and teapots should not drip. Please test your pieces before displaying them. If an item is not oven-safe, microwave, or dishwasher-safe, please label it clearly.

Signature

All work should be signed or have a consistent stamp or chop so that the work can be identified if the sticker is removed.

Returns

Union Project assumes no responsibility for defective work. If an artist’s work is returned due to improper function (the mug leaks, pitcher drips, there is crazing, it is found to be not microwave or dishwasher safe when marked as such), the artist is responsible for replacing or refunding the customer.

Stock

Be prepared and make enough work to sell. Do not waste opportunities to sell your work.
If you are planning to make a certain amount of money, you should double the expected sales
inventory.

Promotion

Take advantage of your social media platforms to advertise MOAPS and The Spotlight Gallery. Self-promotion is not a bad thing! Customers need to know where and when to buy your work! We will distribute a Promotional Toolkit as the event approaches.

Self-Promotion

We want you to sell as much as you can at this event, but customers who don’t buy something the day of are not necessarily lost! MOAPS is an opportunity to meet new people and expand your audience. Bring plenty of business cards with your email, website, Instagram handle, etc. You can also invite people to sign up for an e-newsletter or have available marketing material for your next sale.

Display

Have a variety of items at different price points. Use risers, shelves, and pedestals to create multiple levels so that work can be easily seen. Having all the work sitting directly on your table makes it difficult to see. Place like items together. Refrain from crowding your display area with too many pieces. Re-stock as needed. Cover your table with a tablecloth or unique table covering. Remember that your focus should be on your work, not your tablecloth and shelving. Make sure your prices are visible and consistent.
Your name or business name should be included in your display. Consider getting a professionally printed sign or banner to communicate who you are. Marketing Coordinator, Sam recommends PGHPrintShip.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• November 3, 2023 MOAPS 2024 Applications for Booth Artists, Spotlight Gallery Artists, and Food and Drink Vendors Opens
• January 2, 2024 Booth Artists and Spotlight Gallery Artists Deadline to Apply to MOAPS 2024
• January 5, 2024 Artist Selection Notifications and Table Fee Links Sent
• January 31, 2024 Food and Drink Vendor Deadline to Apply to MOAPS 2024
• February 9, 2024 Food and Drink Vendor Selection Notices Sent
• February 15, 2024 Non-refundable Booth Fee Due
• March 1, 2024 Promotional Toolkit Delivered to all event participants
• April 29 – May 6, 2024 Spotlight Gallery Artists must drop off work during designated times
• May 11, 2024 MOAPS 2024 Event Day