Ep 512: Working with Retailers with Steve Tubbs

The Maker's Playbook

Wholesale… The assumption is there’s no way to reasonably make a living, as a maker, by doing wholesale. But is that true? Since I’m generally pretty skeptical of any sweeping statement that says an entire concept doesn’t work for anyone, at all, I jumped at the opportunity chat with Steve Tubbs, an ex-retailer turned potter, when he mentioned his entire business is wholesale. While it might not work for everyone, it’s definitely working for him and the nothing-short-of-brilliant ordering schedule he has that allows him to plan out his entire year’s work by spring time!
Guest Resources:
Steve Tubbs Instagram - @stevetubbspottery
Resources - https://www.stevetubbspottery.com/
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray

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Chapters

1. Steve Tubbs (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Steve Tubbs (00:02:58)

3. Balancing Life and Pottery (00:07:52)

4. The Importance of Packaging and Shipping (00:24:34)

5. The Value of Wholesale and Retail Shows (00:35:22)

6. Starting a Craft Business: The Early Days (00:37:10)

7. Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition (00:37:39)

8. The Challenges of Wholesale Pricing (00:37:49)

9. The Art of Pottery Making: Techniques and Preferences (00:38:33)

10. The Importance of Pricing and Cost Management (00:38:44)

11. The Joy of Creating: Finding Your Passion in Pottery (00:42:11)

12. The Business of Pottery: Managing Time and Production (00:44:23)

13. The Role of Retailers in a Wholesale Business (00:48:53)