Handmade

Pottery and ceramics

Make mugs, bowls, planters and decor from clay and sell them at markets, online and to cafes and shops.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Makers who have learnt pottery and have access to a kiln, either their own or a studio's.

In South Africa: Strong in metros and tourist towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
  • Sewing, crafts or handmade (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R199 to R259 per mug

Published SA prices for handmade mugs: about R230 (Ryno Ceramics), R199 to R259 (Rialheim). Sales volumes are not published.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R1 000 to R30 000
Every month
Clay, glazes, kiln firing (electricity or studio fees), packaging.
Payment fees
Cash, EFT, Yoco at markets, marketplace fees online.
Margin
Good, but breakages and failed firings cost.

How it is paid: Price per piece; sets and custom orders. Our viability score for it: 50 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Price one mug including clay, glaze, firing and hours
    • Sell a small batch at one market
    • Success signal: a batch sold and a reorder from a shop

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Find kiln access (your own, a studio or shared firing)
    • Choose two products to perfect
    • Cost one piece with your pricing worksheet

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Fire and photograph your first batch
    • Book a market or approach a cafe

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Offer sets and custom orders
    • Agree consignment terms in writing with one shop

Drying and firing take weeks per batch. First income usually takes 21 to 150 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Pottery and ceramics: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Gift buyers, cafes, decor shoppers.

Beautiful, everyday pieces made locally.

Is there demand?

SA potters publish handmade mug prices: about R230 (Ryno Ceramics) and R199 to R259 (Rialheim). Pottery classes start at about R250 (Mmupi and Clay), a way in if you do not have a kiln.

MarketsInstagramCafes and gift shops on consignmentBob Shop and AYA Africa

Getting customers

Markets and Instagram, then shops and cafes.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesListing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)Partnerships with other businessesResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Kiln and glaze safety: use lead-free, food-safe glazes
  • Breakage in courier boxes: pack well
  • Firing costs: share kiln loads

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with batches, sets and wholesale to shops.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Only sell pieces as food-safe if the glaze is food-safe.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start pottery and ceramics in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 000 to R30 000. Recurring costs: Clay, glazes, kiln firing (electricity or studio fees), packaging.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 60 days, and between 21 and 150 days. Drying and firing take weeks per batch.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Only sell pieces as food-safe if the glaze is food-safe. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (4)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy