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Lauren Herzak-Bauman | Episode 1143
Lauren Herzak-Bauman is a ceramic artist who creates functional pottery and installations. Lauren’s work explores the beauty of materials, elevates everyday experiences, and prompts reflection on the transformative power of art.
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As a wholesaler how do you keep your quality and consistency up when you have such a small staff?
Lots of communication. So we work really hard at the beginning on training and we stay in touch through a weekly meeting adn constant feedback. And giving good, critical, positive feedback is the key. Making sure they feel supported even through there might be room to improve.
Do you require minimum orders when people are ordering from you?
I have a really low minimum price point because I have pieces ranging from a really low number, 20 dollar wholesale and up. So I just ask for a $250 minimum.
When you have minimum order, who pays shipping?
My clients pay shipping. It’s expected that they will work the shipping into their cost, but it is also important to note that my wholesale pricing is different than retail pricing, right. And often it’s not just half the amount, sometimes it’s more than that.
How much lead time do you require?
When we are in our busy season, which is spring and fall, we say 8 weeks lead time. Sometimes we can get a small order done really quickly. Sometimes we have to split an order and spread it out.
How much is the ordering process is automated where you don’t have to talk to the customer?
I’d say it’s fifty-fifty. I sell in person and I also sell on a website called Faire, a great website if someone is looking into wholesale. So sometimes I don’t talk to those people at all and their order goes out and our relationship is really minor. And sometimes we talk for an hour at a trade show and we get to know each other’s whole life story. I welcome both.
How often are you creating new lines?
I create new work once or twice a year depending on my schedule. And I try to drop new releases twice a year.
Why do you love wholesale work?
I love wholesaling because I get the best of a lot of different things. I often get to form really wonderful relationships with my buyers. I get to spend more concentrated time at home and in my studio, which means ultimately I get to have more time to create and make. It is a gift. There’s a freedom in it for me.
Book
Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Contact
Instagram: @laurenhb