How to Sell Pottery at a Market

Selling pottery is a great weekend hobby or it can be a full-time business. Open-air markets are great places to sell pieces straight from the owner to the customer. Getting started in this business is easy, once you have your inventory ready.

Instructions

1. Find a local market that allows freelance vendors to set up shop. Many towns have Saturday markets or farmer's markets. Also, check the classified advertisements in local papers under the "Sell" heading to find other open-area markets.

2. Price all your pottery pieces clearly. Place stand-up signs made from note cards in front of each piece. Never put glued stickers on your pieces. You will be asked to bargain, so know in advance which pieces you are willing discount.

3. Research your pieces so you can give customers accurate information. Be sure to show them any bottom stamps or other identifying marks. If the piece does not have a particular marking, offer whatever information you have about the piece.

4. Keep identifying manuals on hand that shows the pieces you will be vending. If you have pieces that are not in your manuals, offer other authenticating information.

5. Prepare a small contract in which you mark the piece's condition in detail. Have the customer sign the contract and give him a copy to avoid having an item returned that was damaged after purchase.

6. Clean your pieces before displaying them. Keep fragile pieces boxed with pieces of cellophane covering them for viewing. Clearly mark items that are too fragile to be handled.

7. Search garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops for pottery to sell yourself. You can often make great purchases by being educated on how to identify pottery. Look for complete sets, as they're often more valuable to collectors.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay current on appraisal values of pottery so you can price your items according to market value.

• Date all the pieces you have for sale, as this is one of the first questions potential buyers will have about pieces.