Creative Invoice Template

Free Ceramicist Invoice Template

Invoice templates for ceramicists billing galleries, clients, and retailers for studio pottery, commissions, and ceramic workshops.

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What is a Ceramicist invoice?

A ceramicist invoice is issued by a studio potter or ceramic artist to a gallery, retailer, private client, or event organiser for studio ceramics, bespoke commissions, wholesale orders, or workshop teaching. Ceramicists create functional and decorative objects in clay through hand-building, wheel throwing, slip casting, and various surface decoration techniques. UK studio ceramics is a vibrant sector with strong collector interest and growing retail appeal. Ceramicists may sell direct to collectors, through galleries and craft fairs, wholesale to gift shops and homeware retailers, or teach workshops as a significant income stream. Pricing for studio ceramics reflects the significant time invested in making, firing, and glazing each piece. Commissions require additional design time and carry risk of kiln losses that must be factored into pricing.

What to include on a Ceramicist invoice

Common ceramicist invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Handmade mug (per piece) 35 piece
Bespoke commission (per hour) 55 hour
Wholesale order (per piece, min 10) 18 piece
Ceramic workshop (per participant) 65 participant
Tile commission (per tile, glazed) 45 tile
Packaging and shipping 12 parcel

How to invoice as a ceramicist

For bespoke commissions, take a 50% deposit before beginning work. Clay work involves significant kiln time and materials; the deposit covers these before the client has received anything. For workshop bookings, take full payment or a non-refundable deposit at registration. Workshop no-shows represent significant lost income and the materials cost is incurred regardless of attendance. For gallery and craft fair sales, keep records of all sales (date, piece, price) for your self-assessment tax return. Cash sales must be declared. For wholesale orders, issue a formal invoice with clear payment terms. Retailers often request credit accounts; decide whether to offer credit terms and set appropriate limits.

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Frequently asked questions

How do ceramicists price their work?
Ceramicists typically price work by calculating material costs, firing costs (kiln rental or electricity), time at an hourly rate, and a margin for overhead and profit. A common formula is materials + time + overhead, then pricing to market to ensure the result is competitive within the studio ceramics market.
What is the difference between studio and industrial ceramics pricing?
Studio ceramics are handmade one-off or small-batch pieces that command premium prices due to time and skill. Industrial ceramics are mass-produced and priced for volume. Gallery-grade studio ceramics can sell for hundreds of pounds per piece; wholesale functional ware is priced lower to be commercially viable for retailers.
Do ceramicists need insurance?
Public liability insurance is recommended for ceramicists who teach workshops or sell at fairs. Product liability insurance covers claims arising from faulty products. Most craft fairs require exhibitors to hold PLI as a condition of participation.
Should ceramicists charge VAT?
VAT registration is required when annual taxable turnover exceeds £90,000. Studio ceramicists selling directly to consumers and through galleries may reach this threshold if their work commands high prices. Standard rate 20% applies to handmade ceramics.
How do I invoice a gallery for consignment sales?
Consignment arrangements mean the gallery takes a commission (typically 40-50%) on work sold. Rather than invoicing the gallery directly for the work, the gallery holds your stock and pays you after a sale. Request regular statements from the gallery and invoice them for the works sold, net of their commission.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Ceramicist invoice template straight away after signing up.