Price a small collection for a market

Pricing individual pieces is math. Pricing a collection is strategy.

The exercise

Select 10 finished pieces of varying size and complexity. For each one, assign a price using a consistent formula.

Your formula should account for

• Materials: clay + glaze + firing share
• Time: all labor from wedging to finished piece
• Skill level: advanced techniques (lidded jars, carved work) command higher prices
• Market positioning: what do comparable pieces sell for locally?

Write a one-line justification for each price

• "Small bowl, simple glaze, 45 min total time: $28"
• "Lidded jar, carved surface, 3 hours total: $85"

Reality check

• Are your prices consistent? (Similar pieces = similar prices)
• Would you buy these at these prices?
• Are they competitive with local craft markets?
• Do they actually cover your costs + pay you fairly?

The hard part

Pricing is emotional. You made these. But the market doesn't pay for sentiment: it pays for quality, function, and beauty. Be honest about where your work sits.