I need help pricing

[Former_Member]

I have had an account on etsy for a long time but have usually been to busy with school and life to get around to posting items. I have this teapot that just came out of the kiln and I like it but I'm unsure of the market for this piece. On the one hand, I think it's pretty nice, on the other it is a test since I have never thrown double walled and I just wanted to try it for some political/social comentary teapots that I plan on making for a show. So I don't really need it and would like to know much to price this for.

Note: this is functional, the fish on the inside of the pot are hand built


http://www.flickr.com/photos/63796391@N08/6858050479/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63796391@N08/6858050767/

[Former_Member]

Good morning,

Pricing is so subjective, but it's obvious that this piece is a high-end item. I'm sure you know that many pottery collectors limit themselves to a theme in order to create a cohesive collection, and many choose teapots as their focus. Therefore, you can price a teapot like this quite high.

My main advice to you would be to use the other three photo slots in the listing, to show the detail. Also, use up all your tags (maybe do a search of other high-end teapots to see what they use for tags) to make it easier for serious collectors to find you.

Lovely work, by the way!

[KbOriginalsetc]

It is lovely! Search other teapots for a start. Sometimes projects have a lot more time invested than what we ever get out of it sold. Use your best judgemnt-but avoid pricing with your heart-as it seems you really love it. Maybe you should keep it for yourself! :)

[Former_Member]

@ Lisa, that's good advice on searching other peoples tags. I will look that up. And I guess I will take more pics.

@ kim, thanks. I like it but I definately don't love it. I've been doing this long enough to no longer be attached to things I make. I just don't want to short change myself. It took me a week to make. you know a few hours every day but it was a real bitch to dry. That took forever. As for the pieces to follow. I might use them for my portfolio for grad school so I can't skimp on the time. Quiet frankly, I just want to get rid of it. I'm tired of looking at it. On to bigger and better!

Here's the listing

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92807521/lilly-pad-double-walled-teapot

[Former_Member]

For students, I've heard the advice, "price it for what it would take to convince you to make another one," meaning, you learned lots in the making and can streamline your process with this knowledge. Don't incorporate the learning curve into your work.

That said, I find it helpful to keep track of how long it takes me to make a piece. That allows me to pay for materials and firing, and then to pay myself a living wage. I generally value my time at $15-$20 per hour for functional work.

[GoldhawkPotteryEtc]

I have made a small number of intricate pieces - that I don't sell here on Etsy. They've taken a long time to make. I know I likely can't sell them here on Etsy - or if I post them it might take a very long time to sell. I am still trying to figure out how to price those types of pieces, but if I choose to make more, I will get better and faster at making them so hopefully my price can something more affordable to a wider audience. I guess you have to find the balance.

[Former_Member]

It truly depends on how much inventory you make and how quickly you want that piece to "fly" off your shelves. My shop has affordable pieces that take much less labor and time. Just examine your goals. I currently create sculptural work that rarely sells, but it's not in my "Etsy brand" for my shop. It's high end gallery work as opposed to my functional pottery. If it doesn't sell, send it to a gallery.