Monday 23 May 2011

I've hit another brick wall.

OK I'm not sure I should do this blog!
I've got some kind of virus and have spent the majority of today in Bed.
and it's not good to write stuff when you are feeling down.
But I feel as if I have hit a brick wall ( Again )
I put a post on 30th July 2010 with the same title.
In the last post I talked about reaching another level.
Well it feels like I have done that now but this is bringing it's own
worries and problems.
I am not complaining at all, but this is what the blog is all about
sharing the problems I am encountering as and when they happen.
I can not make pots fast enough at the moment.
Well I could but I don't want to churn out crap!
I have a number of shops asking me to supply them at the moment
and they want to see a structured price list and terms and conditions.
Plus some want more discount than others, and here I am struggling to make enough pots.
At first glance it's easy to say no to some of these shops,
But at the same time it's all about increasing peoples awareness of me.
I never did complete the Rubik's Cube.
I am strong enough to say no to people, but I can't seem to get my head around
all the Terms and conditions stuff. There are not enough hours in the day.
If anyone has some suggestions I would be most greatfull
if you want to email anything to me

I have so many small shows to do over the next few months
I'm feeling the pressure.
Not something I thought I would be saying.
as ever the only way out of this pressure is to tackle one thing at a time
and pot my way out of it.
I hope this wasn't too bad.

But you guys come up with some gems sometimes
and I feel as if I need a bit of Potter input.

5 comments:

Anna M. Branner said...

When you are feeling sick everything always seems THAT much more overwhelming. I just finally set up an etsy shop and was overwhelmed by THAT. You have every right to feel the way you do...but just driving on is my only advise. I know you will get some good stuff from everyone else!

This is what happens when you make awesome pots. :)

Lori Buff said...

Could it be time to hire someone?
As far as terms and conditions you need to think about what you can deliver on a comfortable schedule, what you want to earn and what you want them to charge. You also want to think about returned work, sadly that happens even with the best pots. When you're feeling healthy again you'll feel less stress I'll bet.

Hollis Engley said...

Paul, I've found the hardest thing in the world to say is "no." I'm always flattered when someone wants to show my pots in their shops, or wants me to make something that I'd really rather not make. But I'm afraid to say no to any order, for fear that would shut the whole thing down. I guess I would say that if you don't want to take on a worker or an apprentice, maybe you just need to take a hard look at how much you can produce alone, and then figure out how many shops should carry your stuff. You're making great quality work and it seems to me that if people find out about it, they'll come to Barrington Court to buy it. That and buying at the fairs that you do.

ang design said...

you don't need to work faster just smarter ..... take your time to figure this one out...you'll get it sorted :))

gz said...

You either have to decide
1. this is the retail price of this pot...wherever...
or,
2. this is what the wholesale price is, I cannot afford to sell it for less.

It isn't easy, never has been.

Harvest on the Farm TV appearance

It’s great to be back on the Blog! The most exciting thing that’s happening right now, is that I’ve been asked to appear on Channel 5’s TV s...