Start a pottery studio

Typically $15,000 to $80,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $15,000 to $80,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
How it charges: Per course, with open-studio memberships and workshops.

Wheels, a kiln and a space wired and vented for it
Clay, glazes, shelving and somewhere to dry work
Liability insurance and a signed waiver from students

What goes wrong early

The kiln and its electrical work cost more than expected
Firing and drying take studio space and time
Courses need enough sign-ups to run

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. Wheels, a kiln and a space wired and vented for it. Clay, glazes, shelving and somewhere to dry work. Liability insurance and a signed waiver from students. Typically $15,000 to $80,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per course, with open-studio memberships and workshops.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (selected work, your story and a way to reach you) and turns on booking reminders, win-back and membership ending reminders. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (selected work, your story and a way to reach you) and turns on booking reminders, win-back and membership ending reminders. You approve anything that matters.

Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Win-back. Invites customers back when they haven’t come in a while, counted from their last visit.
Membership ending reminders. Tells members before a membership that won’t renew ends, so they can keep it.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a pottery studio?

Typically $15,000 to $80,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a pottery studio part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a pottery studio need a license?

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per course, with open-studio memberships and workshops.

What goes wrong early?

The kiln and its electrical work cost more than expected. Firing and drying take studio space and time. Courses need enough sign-ups to run.