More than once members have expressed concern about shipping pieces of their work, both within Britain and Internationally because they have been told that there is no way of insuring them.

Is this something that others have encountered and overcome?

I would welcome any thoughts/advice on this issue.

Stephen

I now have a page on my facebook account for Studiopottery.co.uk if anyone would like to become a fan?  i plan to show images from the latest updates to the site on a regular basis and hope for some discussions?

Stephen

I have recently had some updated images from Nick and a reminder of his show with John leach at Muchelney in September this year. He also now has a new website: www.nickreespotter.co.uk which is well worth a look. A couple of the new pots are shown below, but have a look at them all and more on his website.

Since May we have received 7 reports of what appear to be high pressure sales techniques from a business known as Vardis, seeking advertising in a directory with the indication that proceeds will go to charity.  The reports received have shown dissatisfaction with the quality of material provided, doubt with the advertising value and the high pressure to sign up ‘then and there ‘ for amounts from £199 to £399. These might be exceptions, but there are sufficient to argue caution. The Forresters Fund for Children, clearly from comments on their website, appear to have had some benefit by way of receipts from Vardis, but what percentage of sales this is we do not know.  This may be a genuine attempt to raise funds for this worthy charity, but from the reports we have had we would at least take care before agreeing to contribute.

Generally……it is suggested FOR ANY sales approach by phone  - you should be careful and questioning. For example:

1. Do not agree to any telephone sales from any company on the phone unless you are satisfied of their bona fides and do not agree to pay any money immediately in any circumstances. Ask for a week to consider it and tell them you will phone them back with your decision once you have seen an example of what they propose in writing.

2. Ask them for more details of what they are offering, and if a charitable element….how much goes to charity and the name(s) of the charity(charities) concerned, so that you can check with them. Consider whether you would agree to this promotion if a charity was not involved – try to separate the charitable aspect from the business aspect.

3. Request details of the way in which your advertising will be published, whether there are certified advertising (e.g. ABC) figures available, and for reference to existing advertisers. Get an understanding of whether their target market will actually benefit your business. How will they distribute your advertising and to whom?

4. Telephone sales techniques are designed to be persuasive and tend to try and get the recipient to make an instant decision. This is neither necessary or wise and one should always seek to make the decision later when you are not under pressure.   The golden rule is never to commit to expenditure which you have not sought immediately. Very often in the cold light of day your decision may be different.

We hope these comments will be useful as we seem to be facing an increasing level of ‘cold calling’ and if others wish to tell me of instances where they have faced similar cold calls we would be happy to receive them.

Prue Cooper has just delivered an interesting talk and demo at West Forest Potters. She mentioned that she would be willing to do other talks etc… and i could add her to my list. I don’t “precisely” have a list, although i do know a good number of potters/ceramicists who are willing/enjoy giving talks and demonstrations.

If any one would like me to provide a list on the site, let me know and also whether you would like to be on it! Just respond to the blog or email me on talks@studiopottery.co.uk

Jess turner wants some kiln shelves and props for a wood fired kiln reaching temperature of 1350 c, and second hand fire bricks for the same temperature. I have added it to the  Classified section of For Sale. I have made no real effort to encourage For Sale and Wanted 2nd Hand Equipment so far, but if anyone thinks there is a need for this I am happy to get going and ‘add the ads’ There will be no cost for 3 months until it gets going and then only a small admin cost  (£5, $8 or 6euros).

So if anyone has some Kiln shelves and props for Jess, either let me know or look at the For Sale, Classified section of the site and contact him direct.  And any more ads for second hand equipment, to buy or sell, just email me with the details at classified@studiopottery.co.uk and I will add it to the site.

A number of people have suggested this would be a useful addition, so I hope it gets going and we can have a really useful market place. Any thoughts or suggestions, just let me know.