Mould profits from pottery

You must have seen or passed by pottery products alongside several highways and key roads in and around Kampala.
You could make your hands dirty while minting money from the ceramics business by offering unique and high-end products where you’re guaranteed some good returns.
Pottery is the process of mixing clay with water; and shaping the mixture into pottery products or pottery ware such as: pots, cups, plates, bowls, vases and candleholders.
Ideally, this idea is a small scale investment and the products are highly demanded by the growing middle and high class who want to accessories and decorate their homes.

Capital
The scale of investment generally depends on the interests of the manufacturer and the demand for the products.
To invest in this kind of business, you need investment capital of about Shs2.7 million ($760).
According to Uganda Investment Authority, this business idea is aimed at producing about 104 pottery products monthly, translating into 1,248 production capacity annually.
With a strategic location, good marketing and exposure, every month you can be assured of $1,560 (Shs5.6 million) in monthly revenue. This is equivalent to $18,720 (Shs63.7 million) annual sales margin.
The business idea aims at production of 104 pottery products per month which translates into 1,248 pottery products per year.
“To keep in business, one has to reinvest at least $9,000 (Shs32.4 million) total investment capital for the first year of project operation,” experts note.

Location
Mr Daniel Joloba, the chief executive officer of Big Finance, a firm that does advisory and consultancy for Small and Medium Enterprises, says: “Whoever is interested in this business should consider three concerns mainly; the location, e-commerce to promote and market the business and have a data base of all clients with their contact details for future communication.”
Breaking down location as a key aspect of growing this kind of business, Mr Joloba shares: “Customers have to physically see what you’re selling-displaying those alongside busy streets with both pedestrians and those driving are key.”
Using e-commerce –buying and selling goods and services or the transmitting funds or data over an electronic network, primarily the Internet – is very important when doing a pottery business too.
“Designing a website for your business will help you to showcase and expose your products to your customers who are in the confines of their offices or homes with just a simple click on their computers or smart phones,” Mr Joloba adds.
Thirdly, Mr Joloba says when you invest in this business; -you should have a data base or bank of clientele contacts because it creates a bond with them.

Production
The production capacity depends on the number of products a manufacturer can make, their sizes and quantity of raw materials used in production.
The technology used involves modeling red clay by using hands, shaping tools and paint for decorating.
Mr Fred Katamba who has been doing this business for close to three-years along Ggaba Road in an interview with Prosper magazine, shares: “After mixing the clay, then modeling of the products into different shapes and size is done. Then the products are exposed to heat to dry then put in a furnace (kiln) for burning to get the final product.”
The equipment and raw materials are both available on the local market.

Market
Market for pottery products keeps growing since some of the products are multipurpose. They are used for various purposes such as: decorations, flower vases in workplaces, schools, hotels and households; while some products can be exported.
The market structure and demand for pottery products is generally wide because they are sold in places like curio shops, hotels and art kiosks, among other places.

Incentives
You can improve your skills with support from Private Sector Foundation Uganda such that you grow your business. With projects like Skills Development Facility, funds can be accessed.