I thought I'd take time to share some information about my Home Sales. I've been having a sale at home since 1996. The first ones took place in my father's front yard. I set up some tables and put out the pots. That was before I had any computer experience so I used a photocopier to make a black and white flyer that I sent to family and friends. It was a good beginning and I have carried on ever since.I have 3 or 4 Home Sales a year. Usually in March, June, September, and November/December. The Holiday sale runs two weekends including the Friday after Thanksgiving and the first weekend in December. The others are held one weekend.
I think one of the best things a potter can do right from the beginning is to start collecting names and addresses of people who buy your pots or who are seriously interested. I have been doing this since 1996. I stay away from just putting my mailing list out in my booth for just anyone to sign. I find I get lots of people who for some reason just want to put down their info. and never come out here. If someone buys a pot I ask if they would like to be on the list. Or if I am talking to someone and I see that they are genuinely interested I'll ask them.
You don't have to have a fancy showroom or space to have a Home Sale. For years I would clean up the studio and show in there. If you have a deck, or porch that would work too. Some folks even open up part of their homes and display the work. Or you can set up outdoors. I have found that people love seeing where the pots are made and where and how the artist lives. It gives them a story to connect to. They connect to you and to the work and to the enviroment in which it is made. When they pull that pot out at a dinner party they'll say to their friends, "We drove out to Shelby to Ron Philbeck's pottery. It was such a great day, the pots were great, we talked to Ron and Sarah and had coffee. I really loved this baker and I had to buy it."
How do I know that happens? Because I've been that person. I've gone to Home Sales that other potters have for years. It's a great experience.
Okay so this is getting long and there's more info to share so I'll do that in Part 2.