What do you look for when you buy ceramics in person? I think, after watching my customers in person, a lot of people gravitate to the look of the piece - whether its the glaze, the colour, the shape or the texture. But there are other things to consider when buying ceramics at all, and even more when you're doing it online.
Firstly, when buying your pieces online, is to check the dimensions of the particular piece that you're interested in. So many people, in forums or posts, write about how the "mug was so much smaller than expected" or the "picture on the website was deceptive and I wouldn't have paid (enter dollar amount here) if I'd known it was so small". It's true that photographs of products can be vastly different from reality, and create an expectation of what you're actually going to receive. To avoid this terrible disappointment, it is very important to check the dimensions in the description of the product. To be honest, if a description doesn't have measurements listed for an item, I simply don't purchase it. The biggest take away would be to always check before you hit the buy button.
Secondly, if it is a functional piece of ceramics, such as a mug, plate or bowl intended for use with food, please make sure that it's made with a food safe glaze. Not all glazes are equal, and some are very much not safe to be used with food. We don't want to ingest some of the stuff contained in some glazes. Either check to see if it says "food safe", or find a way to ask the ceramicist directly, just to be certain.
Thirdly, closely connected to the previous point, is to make sure you know whether it is dishwasher safe before you go ahead and toss it in the machine. As previously stated, not all glazes are equal, and some glazes, whilst very beautiful to look at, are not supposed to be put into the dishwasher. Also, some ceramics are not robust enough to be put in the dishwasher for fear of breakage. Like, delicate porcelain wouldn't handle the heat of a dishwasher. When in doubt, ask the artist.
Fourthly, look for variations. Handmade ceramics don't look identical, and that's a part of their charm in my opinion. If you actively look for these variations, this ensures that you have a unique item with an obvious human touch rather than mass-produced factory ceramics.
Fifthly, and lastly, is a point very close to my heart, being a ceramic artist born and bred in Australia... Choose Australian Made! Where possible, support local artists and businesses. Better still, support local small businesses. This support means everything to the artist because without you buying, they have no business.
The last note I have to share is to say...love what you buy! I mean, ask the questions, make the notes, check the details and all of that jazz, but above all...fall in love with the piece. Buy it, own it, love it!! It's one of a kind, just like you!