Cost effective ways for new guys to get bonsai pots

[Lorax7]

I'll throw it out there just because some folks just don't think of it, but thrift stores often have pottery, and hardware stores often have diamond tip hole bits. Got some of my better and more interesting looking pots that way.

A caveat regarding this: most pottery that wasn’t made specifically for bonsai tends to lack feet to elevate the pot and leave a gap for drainage. It doesn’t tend to matter when the pot is up on a bench that has gaps between the supporting boards, etc., but it can present a drainage problem for winter storage if you’re not actively thinking about the drainage situation when placing the pot on the ground for winter.

 

[ShadyStump]

A caveat regarding this: most pottery that wasn’t made specifically for bonsai tends to lack feet to elevate the pot and leave a gap for drainage. It doesn’t tend to matter when the pot is up on a bench that has gaps between the supporting boards, etc., but it can present a drainage problem for winter storage if you’re not actively thinking about the drainage situation when placing the pot on the ground for winter.

Yes!
I hadn't thought of that myself the first time, until someone here pointed it out to me.
Those little rubber sticky pads for such uses will do in a pinch, but often you'll find that the bottom of the container as a but of a lip that raises the bottom of the dish ever so slightly. Taking my Dremel with a grinding wheel to that lip helps. An angle grinder or any of a dozen other possible tools will also do the trick, just be careful and take your time.

 

[Paradox]

Wigerts Bonsai and Brussel's Bonsai both sell pots that range from inexpensive Chinese pots to more expensive hand made pots from various artists.

I would be careful just buying a bunch of pots. You'll end up with a lot of pots with no tree for them. Buy a finished pot when you know you have a tree for it. That said though, I think it's a good idea to keep some plastic training pots around in case of emergency

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

In my experience, absolute best was to buy pots at Bonsai Shows. This way you can see and feel the workmanship live and in person. I am lucky enough to live between Chicago and Milwaukee, which means at least 3 shows a year with vendors. I also am willing to travel to see a Bonsai show, from Columbus OH to Cleveland, to Minneapolis, to Atlanta, and even to a Denver bonsai show once. When I was working, I would try to visit bonsai vendors when ever sent on business travel. Pots tuck into luggage or can be shipped if you are flying. But do make bonsai one of your reasons to hop in a car and drive for 3 or 4 hours. (or more if you want) Luckily, I enjoy driving. ABS website lists many shows, the forum here lists them also.