Frequently Asked Questions

 GUEST QUESTIONS

• What is ceramics?

• How do I find a studio in my area?

• I want to visit a studio, what can I expect?

• What can I do to ensure that I have a good time at a ceramic studio?

• How do I buy a piece once I have found it?

MEMBER QUESTIONS 

• Why did you create CeramicsNetwork.com?

• Why should I join?

• Can I add my studio to the Network studio directory without joining?

• What are the site features?

• How much does it cost to join?

• How do I save by joining the Network?

• How do I update my information?

• Do I own my studio data on the network?

• What are the system requirements for the applications?

• Will you put any cookies on my computer?

• What if I decide I don’t want to be a part of the Network any longer?

• What if I find an error in your information?

What is ceramics?

 Ceramics is a fun, safe and easy hobby for the entire family.  In ceramics, we create with clay.  The building techniques include hand building, throwing on a wheel or using molds to cast pieces.  Most ceramic shops and studios will concentrate in one or more of these areas to create a piece.  Once the piece is created, it is fired in a kiln to make it a durable and usable item.  Finally, there are a variety of techniques used to decorate the pieces.  The pieces can vary from utility to purely decorative.  This is what makes this hobby so exciting.  The combinations of building techniques and decorating techniques means you will never run out of possibilities.

How do I find a studio in my area?

To find a studio in your area, simply click on the “Studios” button on the left hand of the screen.  All of the studios in CeramicsNetwork.com are organized by state and city.    If you don’t find a shop in our Network in your area, don’t give up.  Check your local listings for a studio in your area. 

I want to visit a studio, what can I expect?

Studio owners and operators are some of the nicest people we know.  You can expect to find a friendly smile and someone that is anxious to bring more people into the ceramics hobby.  More often than not, you will find that the person behind the counter at a ceramic studio is also the owner.  Most are family owned and operated. 

What can I do to ensure that I have a good time at a ceramic studio?

There are some things you can do to ensure that you have an exceptional time at a studio.  Remember to be careful.  Although clay, once fired, is very durable, it is breakable.  If it is in the green ware stage (before being fired), it is very fragile.  Also, make sure and wash your hands before you touch any pieces.  Oils in our hands can cause some issues later.  Lastly, ask and follow any studio rules.  Rules are put in place to make sure everyone is safe and has a great time!!

 How do I buy a piece once I have found it?

 Once you have found a piece you want on CeramicsNetwork.com, there are two options.  Preferably, you have found a shop on the Network that has the mold.  To contact the shop, check out their contact information in the “Studios” page.  You can email, phone or fax many of the shops in our Network.  Many studios will also have their pricing information on the site.  If there is no shop on the Network, you may be able to order the mold or piece from a distributor or the mold company.  Click on the Mold Company information.  Note:  Many molds have been discontinued and can no longer be ordered from the mold company or distributor.

MEMBER QUESTIONS

Why did you create CeramicsNetwork.com?

 We own and operate a very small studio in rural St. Johns Michigan.  We love the craft, but felt like there was more that we could and should be doing.  Out of our own need for more information and a desire to help other studio owners, we developed CeramicsNetwork.com.

 Why should I join?

 Ultimately, you should join CeramicsNetwork.com because it is a sound business decision.  We cannot guarantee that you will save bundles of money right away by joining the Network, but the potential is there to save and increase sales.  We provide world wide access to your specific inventory for the same fee many internet providers charge to build and host a static site.  In addition, we can take your database mold management tasks off your hands.  We will make sure that your data is safe, secure and that it is available to you when you need it. Time is money and we want to save you both.  Lastly, you should join to be a part of a movement to help this industry not only survive, but thrive. 

 Can I add my studio to the Network studio directory without joining?

 Absolutely, for a one-time fee of $50.00, we will add your studio to our studio directory.  We will provide contact information including name of studio, address, phone, email and fax.

 What are the site features?

 The site features can be broken down into two categories.  First, site guests get access to information on all aspects of our industry.  This includes access to the database, links to other sites, directory of studios on the Network and much, much more.  Second, members have a choice of joining for in 3 separate plans.  The plans are outlined in the “Features” link on the left hand side of the screen.

 How much does it cost to join?

 It is a bargain to join CeramicsNetwork.com.  There are three plans to choose from ranging from less than $9.00 a month to 44.95 per month. 

PLAN ONE:  Let us develop and maintain a website for your business on CeramicsNetwork.com and give your shop a world wide presence instantly:

• For the first year, try our introductory rate of 8.95 per month. 
• After the first year, the rate will go to $9.95 a month. 
• Save even more by paying for a year in advance for and save $1.00 per month on both the introductory rate and the regular rate.  That’s only $95.40 for the entire first year!!
• You also get a FREE email account!

PLAN TWO:  Let us manage your mold inventory on CeramicsNetwork.com:

• For the first year, try our introductory rate of 44.95 per month. 

• After the first year, the rate will go to $49.95 a month. 
• Save even more by paying for a year in advance and save $5.00 per month on both the introductory rate and the regular rate.
• You also get a FREE email account!

PLAN THREE: Let us manage your mold inventory and let us develop and maintain a website for your business on CeramicsNetwork.com that will give your business a world wide presence instantly on CeramicsNetwork.com:

• For the first year, try our introductory rate of 49.95 per month. 
• After the first year, the rate will go to $54.95 a month. 
• Save even more by paying for a year in advance and save $5.00 per month on both the introductory rate and the regular rate.
• You also get a FREE email account!

 How do I save by joining the Network?

 We believe that we can save you both time and money when you join the Network.  We work everyday to come up with new concepts and ideas to help you save.  As the Network grows, access to valuable information grows too.

• Save time by letting us help you with your mold inventory.
• Increase sales by putting your inventory on the Internet and taking orders via email.
• Save money by using our site as a one stop shopping location for your information.  You no longer need to by mold catalogues and other resources.

 How do I update my information?

 At this time, you will update your information by sending us a file via email that we can work with to enter and update your data.  We will have your information posted as soon as possible.  In the future we hope to develop an on line data entries screen so you can update your studio information directly.

 Do I own my studio data on the network?

 Yes, you own your data.  At any time, we will be happy to email a copy of your data.  This would be a CSV (comma separated value) file or a file in Excel that you can load on your PC.  If you prefer, we can print a list of the data for you.  However, there is a fee for printing and mailing the list to you.  Please note, the data that you receive will not include the images as these are kept in a separate table in the system and are not a part of the data that you own. 

 What are the system requirements for the applications?

 To access the system, you will need a PC that is connected to the Internet.  We tried to take into consideration the number of PC’s that are still using a dial-up connection.  As with other sites, the speed of the site will depend on the speed of your connection and service.

 Will you put any cookies on my computer?

 We will not load any cookie on your PC.  There is no need for us to do this at this time.  If in the future, this changes, we will let you know and ask your permission to place any kind of cookie on your PC.

 What if I decide I don’t want to be a part of the Network any longer?

 Contracts for the Network are for a term of 1 year renewable each year.  We ask that you honor that contractual obligation.  However, if after the year you no longer want to be a part of the Network, just contact us in writing.  We will remove your information from the Network and email you a final copy of your data.

 If your inventory is to be transferred to another shop, this can be done free of charge if the studio is a member of the Network.

 What if I find an error in your information?

 We want our information to be as accurate as possible.  If you find any errors in our information, please email us right away.  We will take immediate steps to correct the error.