wike on sat 15 nov 97
I'm relatively new to working with clay; however, the young
lady who gave me lessons who is on this list, Hi Jan, was using
a really interesting ball opener devise. I tried it and
couldn't believe how great it worked. All the folk potters use
one. The bottoms are so smooth and the opening is really even.
I took her basic idea and made a base. The ball opener is
made from everyday hardware store item and goes on the wheel
table without holes. I thought that new people and others might
benefit from this devise, so I spent many hours taking
pictures, coming up with a parts list and tools list, drawing
and scanning, and writing instructions for assembly and for
use. I bought an ad in Ceramics Monthly to sell the plans, but
I only got one order. (The ad was $32, and the plans were $20.)
Do any of you have any ideas about where I should sell these
plans? I really was excited since the ball opener works so
well, is easy to assemble and use, and is inexpensive. Thank
goodness I didn't go after a patent! If I had a choice between
a Giffin Grip and the ball opener, I would take the ball
opener.
--
CyberHugs, Patty
Wike@twave.net
Ron or Sue Corl on sun 16 nov 97
Patty,
I will be blunt. $20 is to much to pay for something that I cannot see
and try. Especially since that is just for plans. I know what it is like
to put hours and hours into something and then lose money or make
minumum wage at best. I think as artists we all do.
Your market for the opener would only be people who have a hard time
opening efficiently ie. bad wrists, backs, students, older people,
handicapped. Really quite a large audience. Change your add to focus on
these people since you can't win over others without them trying it out.
Lower the price to $5 and I bet you will sell at least enough to make
minumum wage! Ha Ha.
Only teasing about the minumum wage. Things like this need to make money
by volume not price. Try selling a mug for $200 dollars next to one for
$10. The vast majority of people can afford the $10 mug and you'll sell
a lot. The $200 mug will probably sit there even though it's worth every
penny.
And, get a testamonial from from someone who uses it professionally.
That always helps the credibility of the add.
Good Luck,
Ron
Big Baby Head Studio
> I spent many hours taking
> pictures, coming up with a parts list and tools list, drawing
> and scanning, and writing instructions for assembly and for
> use. I bought an ad in Ceramics Monthly to sell the plans, but
> I only got one order. (The ad was $32, and the plans were $20.)
David Hendley on mon 17 nov 97
Hi Patty,
How about writing an article about the ball opener?
You'd get paid for your writing and photographs
and anyone who's interested could try making one.
I'm sure the pottery magazines would be interested.
BTW, I have a friend, here in Texas, who used one
for his production bowls and plates.
It really can be a useful tool.
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
At 09:58 AM 11/15/97 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I'm relatively new to working with clay; however, the young
>lady who gave me lessons who is on this list, Hi Jan, was using
>a really interesting ball opener devise. I tried it and
>couldn't believe how great it worked. All the folk potters use
>one. The bottoms are so smooth and the opening is really even.
> I took her basic idea and made a base. The ball opener is
>made from everyday hardware store item and goes on the wheel
>table without holes. I thought that new people and others might
>benefit from this devise, so I spent many hours taking
>pictures, coming up with a parts list and tools list, drawing
>and scanning, and writing instructions for assembly and for
>use. I bought an ad in Ceramics Monthly to sell the plans, but
>I only got one order. (The ad was $32, and the plans were $20.)
>Do any of you have any ideas about where I should sell these
>plans? I really was excited since the ball opener works so
>well, is easy to assemble and use, and is inexpensive. Thank
>goodness I didn't go after a patent! If I had a choice between
>a Giffin Grip and the ball opener, I would take the ball
>opener.
>--
>CyberHugs, Patty
>Wike@twave.net
>
>
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
See David Hendley's Pottery Page at
http://www.sosis.com/hendley/david/
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