Pottery Maker Marketing Plan
Pottery Maker Marketing Plan
Pottery Maker Marketing Plan
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Confidentiality Agreement
___________________
Signature
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Name (typed or printed)
___________________
Date
4.0 Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Break-even Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Sales Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 Expense Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.0 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1 Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Marketing Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.3 Contingency Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Kaolin Calefactors
Kaolin Calefactors (KC) is an Oregon company that designs and manufactures production and
custom dishware. The designs can be anything that the customer would like, however, Sue
Glazer's genre is modern or popular art. The typical customer is either someone purchasing a
handmade gift for a friend/relative, or someone who is interested in owning unusual everyday
dishware.
Kaolin Calefactors is a unique business opportunity that will allow Sue Glazer to combine her love
for ceramics and parlay this affinity into a money making venture. Sue will leverage her creative
artistic skills to create innovative and attractive designs that will generate a strong demand.
Additionally, by offering low production, as well as custom designs, Kaolin will win over
customers because of the great deal of flexibility. Kaolin will gain a loyal customer base through
a customer-centric business model. This business model makes the customer's satisfaction the
highest priority.
Kaolin Calefactors will leverage its competitive advantage of a customer-centric business model
to rapidly gain market share in the custom dishware niche. Profitability will be reached by month
nine and revenues for year three are projected to reach $78,000.
Kaolin Calefactors is a start-up company located in Eugene, Ore. Marketing will be a critical
component of the business to ensure success and profitability. The basic market need is a
creative, unique, ceramic dish maker.
Kaolin Calefactors possesses good information about the market and knows a great deal about
the common attributes of the most prized and loyal customers. Kaolin Calefactors will leverage
this information to better understand who is served, their specific needs, and how Kaolin can
better communicate with them.
Page 1
Kaolin Calefactors
Target Markets
Gift purchasers
End consumers
The profile for Kaolin's typical customer consists of the following geographic, demographic, and
behavior factors:
Geographics
• The immediate geographic area is the city of Eugene with a population of 130,000.
• A 50 mile geographic area is in need of our services. This is for the local customers, the
website will allow Kaolin Calefactors to reach anyone within the United States with
Internet access.
• The total target is estimated at 41,341.
Demographics
• Female.
• Married.
• Ages 28-55.
• An income over $40,000.
• Have at least a college degree.
Behavior Factors
Page 2
Kaolin Calefactors
Kaolin Calefactors is providing its customers with a wide selection of handmade ceramic
dishware. Kaolin seeks to fulfill the following benefits that are important to their customers:
• Selection. A wide range of choices for styles and finishes of ceramic dishware.
• Accessibility. The patron can have the finished products shipped to them anywhere in
the United States.
• Customer service. Kaolin's customer-centric business model ensures complete customer
satisfaction.
• Competitive pricing. Kaolin's prices are competitive relative to other handmade ceramic
dishware.
The market trend for dishware is an increased demand for creative and artistic designs as well as
custom design work. This trend can be explained in part by the fact that during the mid-nineties,
the market was flooded with mass production artsy dishware. The market was soon overwhelmed
with tons of similar dishware that tries to appear artsy, but because of the large scale of
production, was just garish designs.
After the market was flooded with so many similar, common designs, demand was generated for
custom artists to produce dishware and other ceramics that had unique artful designs and were
not mass produced.
Market Forecast
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
Gift purchasers
End consumers
20,000
10,000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Page 3
Kaolin Calefactors
In 1999, the ceramic dishware market in the USA reached $765 million dollars in revenue. The
mass market is forecasted to grow at an unexciting 4%, however, because of a recent increase in
demand, the custom handmade niche is forecasted to grow at 7.5% for the next several years.
9.00%
8.00%
9.00%
7.00%
8.00%
6.00%
7.00%
5.00%
6.00%
4.00%
5.00%
3.00%
4.00%
2.00%
3.00%
1.00%
2.00%
0.00%
1.00%
0.00%
Gift purchasers End consumers
The following SWOT analysis captures the key strengths and weaknesses within the company,
and describes the opportunities and threats facing Kaolin Calefactors.
2.2.1 Strengths
Page 4
Kaolin Calefactors
2.2.2 Weaknesses
2.2.3 Opportunities
• Participating in a market niche that is growing at a faster rate than the larger general
ceramics market.
• Increased sales opportunities from mail-order customers who use the website to gain
information and see examples of Sue's artistic ability.
• The ability to increase the profit margin as variable costs are decreased due to operating
efficiencies.
2.2.4 Threats
• Competition from a large reseller of dishware who might steal some of Sue's designs and
have them produced offshore.
• Quality control problems with the raw materials that could render an entire batch of
products ruined.
• The continued decrease in the cost of dishwashers (the decrease in cost can generally be
correlated by harsher handling of the dishware to be cleaned by the dishwasher) making
it conceivable that handmade dishware will have to be washed by hand.
2.3 Competition
• Assorted craftspeople. This group of competitors is serving the segment of people that
are purchasing ceramics as gifts.
• Other potters. This group is the most direct competitor in terms of business activities,
but not necessarily the most vigorous. The reason they are not the most vigorous
competitors is because most potters that sell their products make cups and vases.
Therefore, while they are direct competitors, not many are making competing dishware.
Page 5
Kaolin Calefactors
Please note that the use of the term production is not the traditional usage. While Sue does have
production designs, all this means is that she makes them for inventory regardless if there is an
order for them. Production in this case does not take on the typical association of "mass
production."
The pieces of dishware that are offered are serving platters, dinner plates, bowls, coffee cups,
and saucers. Other pieces can be created at the request of the customer. The dishware comes in
several different shapes and glazing options. Kaolin Calefactors products are expensive. KC is not
trying to compete on price, KC will be making high-quality pieces that are all handmade. Some
of the more elaborate designs adds significant amounts of time of construction as well as adds to
the price. The price/positioning strategy will be the upper end of the market.
Kaolin Calefactors is still in the speculative stages as a start up company. Its critical issues are to
continue to take a modest fiscal approach; expand at a reasonable rate, not for the sake of
expansion in itself, but because it is economically wise to; and continue to build brand awareness
and develop the customer base.
Kaolin Calefactors will use a three-pronged approach to marketing. The first prong is becoming
visible at the regional arts and crafts fair. The fairs are a collection of artists, craftsmen, and
prospective customers who come together at an event to sell and buy goods. Sue will set up a
booth at these fairs and bring a stock of goods which she can sell on-site. Additionally, Sue will
have portfolio of past works that will act as a catalog. Sue can take orders at the fairs and then
ship the finished goods. These fairs are a good place for networking because it is common for
gallery buyers to come to the shows looking for artists that they can buy products from. Sue
forecasts that she will be able to develop several strategic relationships with galleries that she is
introduced to from the fairs.
Kaolin Calefactors will also use their website as a place to disseminate information and accept
orders. The website will have an extensive catalog of the 12 current production designs, as well
as most of Sue's past designs, acting as a catalyst or suggestion for the prospective consumer to
place a custom order. Sue also accepts drawings and sketches of proposed custom designs
submitted over the website. Sue will then draft a proposal project and display it over the website
awaiting the customer's OK to proceed with the project.
Page 6
Kaolin Calefactors
The third prong to the marketing strategy will be getting Sue's works into galleries and art
stores. This marketing strategy will be accomplished by traveling to different galleries and craft
stores, meeting with buyers and convincing them to stock Sue's products.
3.1 Mission
Kaolin Calefactors' mission is to design and construct the finest dishware pottery. The designs
will be innovative, modern, or custom to the client's wishes. We exist to attract and maintain
customers. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. Our services will
exceed the expectations of our customers.
Page 7
Kaolin Calefactors
3.5 Positioning
Kaolin Calefactors will position themselves as the premier artist concentrating on ceramic
dishware. Kaolin Calefactors' low production line and custom design work will be attractive to a
wide range of people who appreciate functional art. Kaolin Calefactors will leverage their
competitive edge to increase their customer base and reinforce the Kaolin brand.
• This customer-centric approach is quite intuitive and effective for several reasons. It is
intuitive for Sue because while it is obviously important for the business to make money,
Sue believes that if she treats the customers properly the profits will happen as a by
product of this approach (this is assuming that the proper financials controls are in place).
This approach is effective because it is far cheaper to maintain a happy customer than it is
to attract new ones.
3.6 Strategies
The single objective is to position Kaolin Calefactors as the premier source for individually
designed, artistic ceramic dishware. The marketing strategy will seek to first create customer
awareness regarding products/services offered, develop the customer base, and work toward
building loyalty and referrals.
The message that Kaolin Calefactors seeks to communicate is that it offers the most creative and
unique artistic dishware. This will be communicated through a variety of methods. The first is a
presence at the regional arts and crafts fairs where a booth will be set up and a small display will
be filled with Sue's designs.
A website will be used as a complete catalog of designs and design options. Customers can order
their products on the site, as well as submit custom requests. The last method of marketing
message communication is through a targeted presence at art/crafts stores as well as art
galleries. Having a presence at these galleries will increase the visibility and develop brand
awareness of Kaolin Calefactors.
• Pricing: The pricing scheme is designed to track both material costs as well as time spent
in creating the product.
• Distribution: The products will be distributed through the booth at art and craft fairs, the
website, and select galleries/stores.
• Advertising and promotion: These activities will be accomplished through an active
presence at fairs, utilization of a website, and visibility at select galleries and stores.
• Custom service: Obsessive customer service is the mantra. Customers will be satisfied
even at the expense of short-term profits. This recognizes the business model that
presumes long-term profits will be maximized by taking care of the customer.
Page 8
Kaolin Calefactors
4.0 Financials
This section will offer a financial overview of Kaolin Calefactors as it related to the marketing
activities. Kaolin will address break-even analysis, sales forecasts, expenses forecasts, and how
those link to the marketing strategy.
The Break-even Analysis indicates that $4,449 will be needed in monthly revenue to reach the
break-even point.
Break-even Analysis
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
$0
($1,000)
($2,000)
($3,000)
($4,000)
$0 $1,600 $3,200 $4,800 $6,400 $8,000
Break-even Analysis:
Monthly Units Break-even 22
Monthly Sales Break-even $4,449
Assumptions:
Average Per-Unit Revenue $200.00
Average Per-Unit Variable Cost $34.00
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $3,693
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Kaolin Calefactors
The first month of business will be used to set up the work studio as well as line up retail sales
outlets and schedule upcoming craft fairs. There will be a bit of business occurring in month two
with a steady increase by month five.
$6,000
$5,000
$4,000
$1,000
$0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sales Forecast
Sales 2001 2002 2003
Gift purchasers $21,436 $42,457 $49,854
End consumers $19,292 $38,211 $44,869
Total Sales $40,728 $80,668 $94,723
The marketing expenses are to be budgeted so that there is an increase in monthly expenses to
correspond with increased activity at the various fairs. The expenses for the website will remain
constant throughout the year and will consist of a monthly maintenance expense. The expenses
for gallery/store implementation will increase when trips are taken to regional cities to increase
the geographic range of the customer base.
Page 10
Kaolin Calefactors
$800
$700
$600
$500
Art fairs
$400
Website
$300 Gallery networking
$200
$100
$0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5.0 Controls
The purpose of Kaolin Calefactors' marketing plan is to serve as a guide for the organization. The
following areas will be monitored to gauge performance:
Page 11
Kaolin Calefactors
5.1 Implementation
The following milestones identify key marketing programs. It is important to accomplish each
one on time, and on budget.
Milestones
Website online
Art Fair #1
Gallery networking #1
Art fair #2
Gallery networking #2
Milestones Plan
Milestone Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department
Marketing plan completion 1/1/01 2/1/01 Sue
Website online 1/1/01 2/1/01 $600 Sue
Art Fair #1 1/1/01 4/15/01 $500 Sue
Gallery networking #1 1/1/01 4/15/01 $250 Sue
Art fair #2 1/1/01 7/31/01 $500 Sue
Gallery networking #2 1/1/01 7/31/01 $200 Sue
Totals $2,050
Sue will be solely responsible for all marketing activities other than website creation and
maintenance.
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Kaolin Calefactors
Page 13
Appendix: Kaolin Calefactors
Table 4.2 Sales Forecast
Direct Cost of Sales Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Gift purchasers $85 $111 $174 $238 $272 $299 $342 $382 $404 $438 $442 $457
End consumers $77 $99 $157 $214 $245 $269 $308 $343 $364 $394 $398 $411
Subtotal Cost of Sales $162 $210 $331 $452 $517 $568 $651 $725 $768 $833 $840 $868
Page 1
Appendix: Kaolin Calefactors
Table 4.3 Marketing Expense Budget
Marketing Expense Budget Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Art fairs $100 $100 $50 $500 $100 $100 $500 $100 $200 $200 $100 $100
Website $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50
Gallery networking $75 $100 $150 $250 $100 $75 $200 $150 $100 $75 $75 $75
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $225 $250 $250 $800 $250 $225 $750 $300 $350 $325 $225 $225
Percent of Sales 23.68% 20.24% 12.84% 30.08% 8.22% 6.74% 19.60% 7.03% 7.75% 6.64% 4.55% 4.41%
Contribution Margin $564 $775 $1,366 $1,408 $2,273 $2,547 $2,426 $3,240 $3,400 $3,741 $3,877 $4,012
Contribution Margin / Sales 59.32% 62.76% 70.16% 52.92% 74.78% 76.26% 63.40% 75.97% 75.25% 76.36% 78.45% 78.59%
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