Introduction
Have you ever wonder if you've got what it takes to run your own business? This is your opportunity and all the hard work has been done in setting it up for you. Pottery painting parties are a fun way to inspire children and adults to get in touch with their creative side - you can help them do it and make money at the same time.
The Mustard Seed has been the fulfilment of a dream for me. Having studied psychology, I knew I wanted to do something more creative, that would bring people happiness too. Its been great to share a small part in some of the happiest moments of peoples lives (birthdays, hen days, and other celebrations). Building it up from scratch and seeing it grow and take shape has been very fulfilling. Although it has not been the main family income, its has paid for the car, holidays and lots of accessories! I've only ever run the Mustard Seed part time, pregnancies and children have always put a limit on the time I could devote. However it has worked really well in amongst family life and is incredibly flexible in that way. Running it from home premises has meant the overheads on the business are virtually non existent. At busy times, I always knew I could take less bookings or go on maternity leave without financial consequences. It would have been great to take it further and develop its true potential, but I'm going to pass that baton on. Through the Mustard Seed I have developed an interest in fused glass work and this is now the direction that I'm heading in. I'm producing my own work and selling it in local outlets. With two 'spirited' children under 3 there just isn't time for both, so I've got to let this one go.
The Business
The Mustard Seed is a pottery painting party service which has been trading since 2006 and has made a profit in every year with gross Margins of > 50%. 'The Mustard Seed' has innovated within this market to bring novel solutions and flexibility to the children's pottery party market. Pottery parties were initially offered as a hosted party in clients' homes but have since diversified to offer a "Takeaway" collection service. The Mustard seed has also pioneered a profitable mail order service which few in this industry have been able to achieve. This has greatly expanded the reach of the company beyond its locality and enabled it to service customer requirements around the country. The full commercial potential of this has not been fully exploited since the business has been run as a part time venture. The Mustard seed would therefore fulfil a similar requirement but also offers potential for rapid growth via its mail order service.
Key Assets Included in the Sale
Equipment.
Studio 2 large 10 sided kiln. 30.5" x 39.5" x 47 (height includes a 9" stand).
Kiln shelves, posts, and 2 sets of different sized plate stackers
Glaze, drill and mixer, fettling knife and dipping tongs
Bisque and paint stock
Large number of high quality brushes - separate sets for adults and children
Palettes (approx 70) and sponges
Party guide booklets, colour charts, design stencil packs and carbon paper
All packaging needed to run the mail order service
Banding wheel
Large selection of painted pieces for demonstration at parties and for babyprints (hand and footprints on plates and mugs)
For the paint and go service - mini plastic bottles (to fill with acrylic paint), aprons, and packs of disposable brushes
Technical 'knowhow'
Included in sale is the technical known how to run our services efficiently and profitably. Full training and after sales support will be provided during a transition period. In particular the suppliers and methods for safely running a mail order service are included - we have never had a piece of pottery broken in transit using our system. Important contacts of insurers, courier company, packaging companies and artwork designers will all be passed on - it has taken time and trial and error to find the best in each area!
Website domain.
Marketing is a real issue for any small business, its not easy to get your message out there and in front of the right people. It can also be very expensive. Our domain name is so effective at leading customers to our website we have no need of any other forms of advertising!
www.potterypainting.co.uk is the highest ranking website in the UK and world wide for search terms related to children's pottery painting. The URL is a mature stable domain with plenty of backlinks and a well optimised web architecture. The website is a constant source of enquires and business and is a virtually free route to market. some example search terms are listed below.
Search term Search Engine Search Rank pottery painting Goggle.com 1# pottery painting party Goggle.com 1# pottery party Goggle.com 1#Logo and outstanding party bookings
The logo for the mustard seed is included as part of the goodwill associated with our brand. Through the website we are well known in the business and have many happy customers. We are continuing to take booking for all times of the year. Outstanding bookings will be transferred to the new owners.
Your Requirements
The business can run from a small work shop or large garage. Power is required for the kiln but there are no special requirements. The business would suit a creative and entrepreneurial person to develop the service full time or as a part time venture.
The Deal!
We are offering the business with a guide price of £14k. If you are interested then please contact Rob Powell 02380 470757 or feel free to e.mail your further questions to rob@primerdesign.co.uk.
Equpiment