How to sell products

[farmerkev]

Seeing how this is only my second post, let me say a little about myself. I am 16 and am a junior in HS. I got my start in woodworking a a little kid spending nights at my grandparents. Grandpa would let me think of a special project or let me help with whatever he had going on. He was an AMAZING woodworker who tought himself everything, while fighting a winning battle with alcoholism. Without woodworking who knows what might have happened. He died a few years ago, and I have since found myself taking a GREAT love for the hobby, and as I near the end of school, I find myself planning on going into carpentry/construction.

But enough chit chat, I was wondering if anybody could offer ideas about how to sell my projects. I never make anything huge, due to shop space and tools. But have made projects such as a wall shelf, hanging display case, plant stand, and a few others, my current project is a DVD stoarage cabinet. I find great joy in the hobby and would love to put a few extra dollars in my pocket. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. I look forward to lots of advive and hope I can give some advice myself now and then.

[Terry Mac]

Hello Kev, and welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you've already got a fantastic start to your woodworking career. Would like to see some pics of your projects. We love pics around this place.

Selling your wares has been a topic that we all have discussed. Some of the others will be along to give you better advice than I can, but let me try to take a stab at it.

Not sure where you live, but when I was growing up the town where I lived had a yearly carnival and craftshow at the fairgrounds. You might see if something like that occurs where you live. Have a few projects done, and set up shop, or card table, and get your projects out in the open for people to see.
You might even try an add in the local paper.

I think the real issue is getting your name out there and doing quality workmanship.

Good luck and have fun around here.

[Don]

Hey, Kev - here is a thread on the subject, some good stuff from the guys on the forum.

http://www.woodworkingbuzz.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347&highlight=sell

dawjr

[Turn Two]

Kev...

I have done both custom and production woodworking. Production SUCKS!!!

I have 16,000 cedar landscape lights in a single developement! Whoopeee-freakin-dooooo

My unequivical advice is to find an incredibly finite market. Attempt to find clients with huge egos and bottomless pockets.

When I tell peeples that I sculpt vintage racing cars out of exotic woods, they always are dumbfounded. I may have the smallest demographic going!

Focus, Focus, Focus.

A person who has spent $5,000,000.00 on a 1957 Ferrari Pontoon Testerossa is playing with 'walkin' around money' when it comes to one of my sculptures! He can place it on his mantle or coffee table and tell all his buds... "I have a REAL one in the garage!!!"

Do not attempt either mass production or competitive situations!

Best of luck......

Michael~

[Don]

Finding a niche and becoming the best is great advice, Michael. Even niche markets have more than enough potiential customers available.