Lewis Patterson on sun 30 mar 08
Hi
I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission work.
Since I'm still on the learning curve, I was curious to see what anyone
thought about pricing. I don't want to over charge, but I need to be able
to pay rent and eat too.
Here's what she wants
10 11'' plates
10 8'' plates
10 cereal bowls
6 coffee mugs
2 serving platters
2 very large bowls (like for salads, cookie dough, etc)
1 large pitcher
And maybe some other stuff, like candlestick holders, or some cream and
sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants the set in colors I already have developed.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Lewis Patterson
Colorado School of Mines
Ric Swenson on sun 30 mar 08
In 1976 I charged $2400 for such a set.
=20
Ric
=20
"...then fiery expedition be my wing, ..." -Wm. Shakespeare, RICHARD III, A=
ct IV Scene III Richard H. ("Ric") Swenson, Teacher, Office of Internation=
al Cooperation and Exchange of Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, TaoYang Road, =
Eastern Suburb, Jingdezhen City.JiangXi Province, P.R. of China. Postal cod=
e 333001. Mobile/cellular phone : 86 13767818872 < RicSwenson0823@hotmail.c=
om> http://www.jci.jx.cn/http://www.ricswenson.com
> Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:48:50 -0500> From: lpatters@MINES.EDU> Subject:=
Dinner Set Pricing> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG> > Hi> > I'm a student in=
college, and just got my first serious commission work.> Since I'm still o=
n the learning curve, I was curious to see what anyone> thought about prici=
ng. I don't want to over charge, but I need to be able> to pay rent and eat=
too.> > Here's what she wants> > 10 11'' plates> 10 8'' plates> 10 cereal =
bowls> 6 coffee mugs> 2 serving platters> 2 very large bowls (like for sala=
ds, cookie dough, etc)> 1 large pitcher> > And maybe some other stuff, like=
candlestick holders, or some cream and> sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants th=
e set in colors I already have developed.> > Any advice would be greatly ap=
preciated.> Thanks!> Lewis Patterson> Colorado School of Mines> > _________=
_____________________________________________________________________> Clay=
art members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org> > You may look =
at the archives for the list, post messages, change your> subscription sett=
ings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/>=
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@vis=
i.com
_________________________________________________________________
Watch =93Cause Effect,=94 a show about real people making a real difference=
. Learn more.
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Gail Galusky on sun 30 mar 08
Hi, Lewis -
It depends on the kind of work you make and how much time you spend per piece with your embellishment and details. Do you handbuild, throw, jigger, etc.?
If you wheel-throw, and your pieces are among the average of what you might find at an art fair here in Indianapolis, the approximate price ranges of what I have seen is as follows:
11" dinner plate - $40-75
8" salad/dessert plate - $20-30 (I'm guessing here - I don't see that many in this size)
6" or so cereal type bowl - $18-25
6"-7" tall coffee mug - $18-30
16"-18" serving platter - $75-100
16" diameter, 8-9" deep bowls - $60-80
1/2 gallon, 12-14" tall pitcher - $60-95
These are prices yanked out of my sad and sorry cobwebby grey matter. I hope they are close - I am sure that others will have input as well.
Good luck, and don't cheat yourself. Only you know how long it takes you to make something. Think about what you would make per hour plus benefits if you were at a job. Don't forget to factor in all of the following:
Prep time and cleanup time
Throwing time(include do-overs - sometimes things go awry)
Trimming time
Kiln loading/unloading time and Firing costs
Clay and glaze material costs
Glaze formulation, prep, and mixing time
Glazing time
Pot cleanup and finishing time
I am sure I am forgetting something. It is difficult to factor in all the work times, because what you are doing isn't very linear - it is easy to lose track of how much time you spend on something.
Gail Galusky, Praying Mantis Pottery, Indianapolis
-------------- Original message from Lewis Patterson : --------------
> Hi
>
> I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission work.
> Since I'm still on the learning curve, I was curious to see what anyone
> thought about pricing. I don't want to over charge, but I need to be able
> to pay rent and eat too.
>
> Here's what she wants
>
> 10 11'' plates
> 10 8'' plates
> 10 cereal bowls
> 6 coffee mugs
> 2 serving platters
> 2 very large bowls (like for salads, cookie dough, etc)
> 1 large pitcher
>
> And maybe some other stuff, like candlestick holders, or some cream and
> sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants the set in colors I already have developed.
Lois Ruben Aronow on sun 30 mar 08
I regularly do dinnerware commissions. I would charge $200 for the 4 piece
set of plates, sides, bowls and mugs. $200 each for a serving platter.
$140 for a large bowl. Pitcher - about $90. This would not include luster
or custom glaze. Your prices may vary depending on production method, clay
body, etc. (I use porcelain)
I would also "round down" a little for quantity. Be sure to get 50%
non-refundable in advance. Make sure you let the customer know up front
what you charge for packing (6% is common) and what the shipping cost will
be.
Don't forget to make some overage.
Hope this helps.
...Lo
**********
Lois Aronow Porcelain
Brooklyn, NY
www.loisaronow.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Lewis Patterson
> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:49 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Dinner Set Pricing
>
> Hi
>
> I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious
> commission work.
> Since I'm still on the learning curve, I was curious to see
> what anyone thought about pricing. I don't want to over
> charge, but I need to be able to pay rent and eat too.
>
> Here's what she wants
>
> 10 11'' plates
> 10 8'' plates
> 10 cereal bowls
> 6 coffee mugs
> 2 serving platters
> 2 very large bowls (like for salads, cookie dough, etc)
> 1 large pitcher
>
> And maybe some other stuff, like candlestick holders, or some
> cream and sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants the set in colors
> I already have developed.
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks!
> Lewis Patterson
> Colorado School of Mines
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages,
> change your subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the
> list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
Hank Murrow on sun 30 mar 08
On Mar 30, 2008, at 8:47 AM, Lois Ruben Aronow wrote:
>
> I would also "round down" a little for quantity. Be sure to get 50%
> non-refundable in advance. Make sure you let the customer know up
> front
> what you charge for packing (6% is common) and what the shipping
> cost will
> be.
>
> Don't forget to make some overage.
Dear Lois and Lewis;
Since you will have to make(or would be well-advised to make) double
the order so that there are 10 good ones to pick from: I always
charge full price for dinnerware sets.
The benny that I provide, is that I always include "one extra, to
break', as that always happens, and if they have one extra it
assuages the sadness when it happens.
Impossible to suggest how to price as I am unfamiliar with your
wares. After 50 years of potting, I still am somewhat ambivalent when
it comes to assigning value to my work, let alone anyone else's.
Cheers, Hank
Lois Ruben Aronow on sun 30 mar 08
My rule of thumb is to make 1/3 over. I sell the overage, or extras, on
Etsy or at local sales, and never have a problem moving them. I also sell
them at full price, rather than the price they would have been valued in the
set.
Pricing is indeed such a difficult thing. I find that, when selling large
complete sets, marking down a tad for quantity is what will make or break
the sale. Even when someone orders a 24-setting service, they are
appreciative if I throw in an extra piece, or knock 5% off the price. I
also find that offering a price break every 4 settings entices them to buy
more.
Definitely different for everyone, but that's what works for me. You can
see my work here: www.loisaronow.com
...Lo
in fabulous Brooklyn, NY
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Hank Murrow
> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:46 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Dinner Set Pricing
>
> On Mar 30, 2008, at 8:47 AM, Lois Ruben Aronow wrote:
> >
> > I would also "round down" a little for quantity. Be sure
> to get 50%
> > non-refundable in advance. Make sure you let the customer know up
> > front what you charge for packing (6% is common) and what
> the shipping
> > cost will be.
> >
> > Don't forget to make some overage.
>
> Dear Lois and Lewis;
>
> Since you will have to make(or would be well-advised to make)
> double the order so that there are 10 good ones to pick from:
> I always charge full price for dinnerware sets.
>
> The benny that I provide, is that I always include "one
> extra, to break', as that always happens, and if they have
> one extra it assuages the sadness when it happens.
>
> Impossible to suggest how to price as I am unfamiliar with
> your wares. After 50 years of potting, I still am somewhat
> ambivalent when it comes to assigning value to my work, let
> alone anyone else's.
>
> Cheers, Hank
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages,
> change your subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the
> list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
Steve Mills on sun 30 mar 08
Plus 16% to cover Coffee, Toilet, Telephone, and general interference time.
Steve
Bath
UK
Gail Galusky wrote:
Hi, Lewis -
It depends on the kind of work you make and how much time you spend per piece with your embellishment and details. Do you handbuild, throw, jigger, etc.?
If you wheel-throw, and your pieces are among the average of what you might find at an art fair here in Indianapolis, the approximate price ranges of what I have seen is as follows:
11" dinner plate - $40-75
8" salad/dessert plate - $20-30 (I'm guessing here - I don't see that many in this size)
6" or so cereal type bowl - $18-25
6"-7" tall coffee mug - $18-30
16"-18" serving platter - $75-100
16" diameter, 8-9" deep bowls - $60-80
1/2 gallon, 12-14" tall pitcher - $60-95
These are prices yanked out of my sad and sorry cobwebby grey matter. I hope they are close - I am sure that others will have input as well.
Good luck, and don't cheat yourself. Only you know how long it takes you to make something. Think about what you would make per hour plus benefits if you were at a job. Don't forget to factor in all of the following:
Prep time and cleanup time
Throwing time(include do-overs - sometimes things go awry)
Trimming time
Kiln loading/unloading time and Firing costs
Clay and glaze material costs
Glaze formulation, prep, and mixing time
Glazing time
Pot cleanup and finishing time
I am sure I am forgetting something. It is difficult to factor in all the work times, because what you are doing isn't very linear - it is easy to lose track of how much time you spend on something.
Gail Galusky, Praying Mantis Pottery, Indianapolis
-------------- Original message from Lewis Patterson : --------------
> Hi
>
> I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission work.
> Since I'm still on the learning curve, I was curious to see what anyone
> thought about pricing. I don't want to over charge, but I need to be able
> to pay rent and eat too.
>
> Here's what she wants
>
> 10 11'' plates
> 10 8'' plates
> 10 cereal bowls
> 6 coffee mugs
> 2 serving platters
> 2 very large bowls (like for salads, cookie dough, etc)
> 1 large pitcher
>
> And maybe some other stuff, like candlestick holders, or some cream and
> sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants the set in colors I already have developed.
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
---------------------------------
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Sally Guger on sun 30 mar 08
I've been trying to figure out dinnerware pricing as well- since everything has gone up since I owned and operated a studio and gallery 15 years ago. I ended up looking at the Longaberger pottery prices online last night as a comparison- since my sister is a Longaberger basket "consultant."
For mass produced very ugly (in my opinion) small bowls they get $39 for two. Twenty bucks for a small slip-cast all one color bowl. My prices keep going up-in an attempt to catch up with the rest of the world. I'm at about $75 a place setting of 4 pieces.
I also make twice as many pieces as I will need so I can choose the from the best. Sal
Lewis Patterson wrote:
Hi
I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission work.
Since I'm still on the learning curve, I was curious to see what anyone
thought about pricing. I don't want to over charge, but I need to be able
to pay rent and eat too.
Here's what she wants
10 11'' plates
10 8'' plates
10 cereal bowls
6 coffee mugs
2 serving platters
2 very large bowls (like for salads, cookie dough, etc)
1 large pitcher
And maybe some other stuff, like candlestick holders, or some cream and
sugar bowls. Luckily, she wants the set in colors I already have developed.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Lewis Patterson
Colorado School of Mines
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
Live, Give, Love
Beyond All Expectation.
Sally Guger
Lakespur Blue Pottery & Sculpture
Lodi, Wisconsin, USA
http://www.saukpr.k12.wi.us/~gugersa/the_art_teachers.htm
---------------------------------
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Veena Raghavan on sun 30 mar 08
Steve,
Good to have you back on Clayart, but sorry you did not make it to NCECA.
Missed you. Hope you make it to Pheonix, or failing that, to Philadelphia.
Veena
In a message dated 3/30/2008 9:03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
original.mudslinger@YAHOO.COM writes:
VeenaRaghavan@cs.com
Tony on mon 31 mar 08
I rarely sell my work, but have been involved in selling through various
businesses for many years.
Rather than give a % discount I'd suggest that you offer extra pieces. Once
you make a set of 10 of each,
to make 1 extra of each hardly costs any extra (less than 5%), but a 10%
discount is 10% less into your pocket.
Tony Schlosser
Sydney Australia
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Lois Ruben Aronow"
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 9:01 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Dinner Set Pricing
> My rule of thumb is to make 1/3 over. I sell the overage, or extras, on
> Etsy or at local sales, and never have a problem moving them. I also sell
> them at full price, rather than the price they would have been valued in
> the
> set.
>
> Pricing is indeed such a difficult thing. I find that, when selling large
> complete sets, marking down a tad for quantity is what will make or break
> the sale. Even when someone orders a 24-setting service, they are
> appreciative if I throw in an extra piece, or knock 5% off the price. I
> also find that offering a price break every 4 settings entices them to buy
> more.
>
> Definitely different for everyone, but that's what works for me. You can
> see my work here: www.loisaronow.com
>
> ...Lo
> in fabulous Brooklyn, NY
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
>> Hank Murrow
>> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:46 PM
>> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>> Subject: Re: Dinner Set Pricing
>>
>> On Mar 30, 2008, at 8:47 AM, Lois Ruben Aronow wrote:
>> >
>> > I would also "round down" a little for quantity. Be sure
>> to get 50%
>> > non-refundable in advance. Make sure you let the customer know up
>> > front what you charge for packing (6% is common) and what
>> the shipping
>> > cost will be.
>> >
>> > Don't forget to make some overage.
>>
>> Dear Lois and Lewis;
>>
>> Since you will have to make(or would be well-advised to make)
>> double the order so that there are 10 good ones to pick from:
>> I always charge full price for dinnerware sets.
>>
>> The benny that I provide, is that I always include "one
>> extra, to break', as that always happens, and if they have
>> one extra it assuages the sadness when it happens.
>>
>> Impossible to suggest how to price as I am unfamiliar with
>> your wares. After 50 years of potting, I still am somewhat
>> ambivalent when it comes to assigning value to my work, let
>> alone anyone else's.
>>
>> Cheers, Hank
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> ________________
>> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages,
>> change your subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the
>> list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots2@visi.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
> http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
>
KATHI LESUEUR on mon 31 mar 08
On Mar 30, 2008, at 8:00 PM, Sally Guger wrote:
> I've been trying to figure out dinnerware pricing as well- since
> everything has gone up since I owned and operated a studio and
> gallery 15 years ago. I ended up looking at the Longaberger pottery
> prices online last night as a comparison- since my sister is a
> Longaberger basket "consultant."
>
> For mass produced very ugly (in my opinion) small bowls they get
> $39 for two. Twenty bucks for a small slip-cast all one color bowl.
> My prices keep going up-in an attempt to catch up with the rest of
> the world. I'm at about $75 a place setting of 4 pieces.
>
> I also make twice as many pieces as I will need so I can choose
> the from the best. Sal
Not to rain on anyone's parade here. But, my question to Lewis is,
are you experienced enough to make this commission. Most of the
people who have responded here have been doing dinnerware for a long
time and have a good handle on consistency. I've been doing
dinnerware a long time. One style available in one glaze.( my most
reliable one) But, a large order still gives me heart burn. Think
long and hard about doing this. The outcome could be very unpleasant
for everyone involved. Dinnerware is hard.
Kathi
Jeanette Harris on mon 31 mar 08
>Not to rain on anyone's parade here. But, my question to Lewis is,
>are you experienced enough to make this commission. Most of the
>people who have responded here have been doing dinnerware for a long
>time and have a good handle on consistency. I've been doing
>dinnerware a long time. One style available in one glaze.( my most
>reliable one) But, a large order still gives me heart burn. Think
>long and hard about doing this. The outcome could be very unpleasant
>for everyone involved. Dinnerware is hard.
>
>Kathi
>
Yes, dinnerware is hard. I certainly second that, but if you choose
to do the work, consider this:
Make sure your customer understands how long it will take you to make
the set. Even a good estimate should be 'padded' with time. It will
take you longer than you think.
Do make duplicates of all the pieces. And lots of them! Stuff
happens. Glazes act up, pieces warp, etc. You want to have back-ups
because let me tell you, duplicating a whole run of work some time
after the fact is almost impossible to do unless you're in the
business of production of a uniform product. Clay varies, glazes, and
firings vary and if your customer cannot live with differences in
pieces, you will be in trouble.
I wouldn't dream of trying to tell someone how to run their clay
business or whether to take on a dinner set--that's strictly up to
you. But make sure you have really good communication about
what-can-go-wrong, what do they expect and how much work/time/cost
parameters are for this project.
I like the idea of giving bonus pieces instead of cutting your price
too. That's a great idea.
Jeanette
Who once got stuck trying to duplicate 1960's tile. I finally did it,
but it wasn't really worth it in the end.
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
http://www.sa-clayartists.org Click on Members, then H
Jeanette Harris
Washingzona
Neal O'Briant on mon 31 mar 08
I checked some prices at New Morning Gallery
in Asheville. Its wedding registry is online at:
http://www.newmorninggallerync.com/registrylist.html
so you can check out what people have registered
for. It looks like dinner plates are in the $32 to
$48 range, salad plates around $18 to $22, cereal
bowls around $18, mugs $18, etc.
I've seen prices lower around here. Some of the
potters at the state fair sell things for about
half the above prices.
Neal O'Briant
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