Have a passion for clay and craftsmanship? Starting a pottery business lets you turn that creative spark into a profitable venture. Whether you dream of seeing your ceramics on store shelves or want to build a studio that reflects your unique style, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to launch and grow your pottery business—from sourcing materials to securing funding and marketing your creations.

You don’t need a massive investment to get started, either. With the right tools, a clear plan and a focus on quality, you can turn your studio into a thriving business that connects with customers and celebrates handmade artistry.

In this guide

• Is a pottery business profitable?
• Step 1: Develop a business plan
• Step 2: Estimate startup costs
• Step 3: Secure funding
• Step 4: Choose a suitable workspace
• Step 5: Purchase pottery equipment
• Step 6: Obtain the necessary licenses and permits
• Step 7: Source quality raw materials
• Step 8: Market your pottery business strategically

Is a pottery business profitable?

Starting a pottery business can be highly profitable with the right strategy. While startup costs can vary depending on your space, scale and equipment, many potters keep costs low by working from home and investing gradually in tools like wheels and kilns. Better yet, most pottery equipment is durable and long-lasting, so you’ll avoid frequent replacement costs after making your initial investment.

As demand grows for local, sustainably-made products, the market for handmade ceramics is promising. Home decor shoppers, gift buyers and eco-conscious customers are all seeking personalized, artisanal items, including pottery. If you target the right niche and price your products smartly, you’ll be well on your way toward finding success.

Steps to start a pottery business

Step 1: Develop a business plan

Every successful business starts with a clear roadmap. Your pottery business plan should outline your goals, identify your ideal customers, analyze the competition and include financial projections. Think about how you’ll position your brand: are you selling functional ceramics, artistic statement pieces or both? Your business plan will guide your first major decisions and help attract investors or partners.

Use our free business plan template to get started.

Step 2: Estimate startup costs

Before launching, take time to map out your initial expenses. Understanding what it actually costs to start a pottery business will help you set realistic goals, avoid financial surprises and build a sustainable plan. These initial upfront costs typically include:

• Raw materials
• Tools and equipment
• Workspace rentals or space upgrades
• Licensing
• Signage and branding materials
• Website setup and marketing costs

Once you get started, don’t forget to account for utilities, insurance, point of sale software, packaging supplies and any other recurring costs. Taking a detailed, realistic approach to your budget helps you avoid overspending early on, and gives you a clearer sense of when you can expect to break even.

Step 3: Secure funding

Once you’ve estimated your costs, look into funding options that suit your business model. Whether it’s a small business loan, personal savings, grants or a crowdfunding campaign, the right financial strategy can help you get your ceramics studio off the ground without unnecessary risk. Some entrepreneurs also consider partnerships or angel investors to support their long-term growth.

Step 4: Choose a suitable workspace

Finding the right location is key. Your studio should match your production goals, fit your budget and suit your customers’ needs. You might start with a home studio, join a shared maker space or lease out a dedicated shop. Regardless, prioritize proper ventilation for kilns, access to water and power, storage and accessibility if you plan to host workshops or in-person sales. A welcoming and functional space can become a cornerstone of your pottery brand, and help reduce the chance of having to move shop down the line.

Step 5: Purchase pottery equipment

Investing in reliable equipment pays off in quality and efficiency. Your essentials might include:

• One or more pottery wheels: choose based on your production volume and preferred style (electric vs. kick wheel)
• A kiln or access to a kiln: these are a major investment, but crucial for firing your pieces. Some beginners start by renting kiln time at local studios
• Sturdy work tables: large, easy-to-clean surfaces are ideal for shaping, trimming and glazing
• Hand tools: a collection of ribs, wire cutters, loop tools and sponges will cover your basic needs
• Shelving and drying racks: proper storage helps with drying, organization and inventory management
• Safety gear: this include gloves, goggles, masks or respirators and proper ventilation
• Packaging materials: to safely deliver finished pieces, you’ll need bubble wrap, boxes, labels and fillers

If you’re wondering how much it costs to start a pottery business, equipment is likely your largest expense. That said, many tools are built to last, and you can often start small and upgrade as your business grows. Prioritize quality and consider buying secondhand when it makes sense—just be sure to inspect used items carefully.

Step 6: Obtain the necessary licenses and permits

To operate legally, you’ll need to register your pottery business and comply with local regulations. This may include a business license, zoning approvals, tax IDs or health certifications (especially if you plan to sell food-safe wares or run classes). Staying compliant not only protects you, it also builds trust with customers and partners.

Step 7: Source quality raw materials

The quality of your ceramics starts with the materials you use. To create pottery that looks great, performs well, and stands the test of time, it’s essential to source high-quality raw materials from suppliers you can trust. Some examples include:

• Clay: choose the right type for your work, whether it’s stoneware, earthenware or porcelain. Each has unique firing temperatures, textures and finishes
• Glazes and stains: these influence both the look and feel of your finished pieces. Test new glazes before applying them at scale to ensure compatibility with your clay and kiln temperature
• Decorative materials: this might include underglazes, slips, wax resists or specialty finishes that set your work apart and make every piece unique

As your business grows, developing strong relationships with raw material suppliers will help ensure you have access to the quantities and quality you need to meet demand.

Step 8: Market your pottery business strategically

Marketing is how your pottery finds its people, and turns them into loyal customers. To build awareness and drive sales, focus on creating an online presence that reflects your brand and values. Start with a simple website or online ecommerce store that features high-quality photos, compelling product descriptions and clear branding. This becomes your digital storefront and a central hub for your marketing efforts.

Social media is another powerful tool. Use it to share behind-the-scenes content, highlight new pieces and engage directly with your audience.

Beyond digital channels, consider joining craft fairs, partnering with local retailers or running marketing campaigns. The goal isn’t to be everywhere, but to be consistent and authentic wherever you show up. People don’t just buy pottery, they’re buying into the maker behind it.

The bottom line

From starting a business plan to marketing and everything in between, we’ve covered the basics of what it takes to start a pottery business. Now it’s time to put those plans into action, and build a business that truly reflects your craft.

Before you start selling your goods, consider POS and payments solutions from Lightspeed. Lightspeed has everything a new retailer needs to sell online and in-store, manage inventory, generate reports and so much more.

Talk to one of our product experts to learn more.