Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | May 22, 2008 02:56am | #1

   Start out with 50K.

   John W.

2. 
   MBerger | May 22, 2008 02:07pm | #2

   Don't quit your day job just yet.

   Sorry to say it but a lot of us dream of going pro, shedding the 9 to 5 gig and becoming a woodworker, but the reality is, only a handful of people are successful at this. Some of the best furniture makers (and our authors) have worked decades to command high prices for their furniture and still struggle to make a living. In fact, some probably make more money teaching than building.

   That said, a few other folks on the FW staff (and me at one point in my life) have figured out how to keep a day job but also do work for hire. That way, you still get to experience the joy of building something for a client, but your dinner and health insurance doesn't depend on it.

   Finally, if you are serious about starting a business, I'd highly advice you either take some small business courses at a local community college or talk to the Small Business Administration. They have a free mentor program that teams up successful business owners with newbies. I would wager that the most difficult part of going pro is actually running the business (marketing, sales, customer service, insurance, taxes, etc...) as opposed to building and selling (although that's hard too.)

   Hope I didn't burst your bubble on this beautiful Thursday.

1. 
   thedukentx | May 22, 2008 08:07pm | #3

   Thanks.  That is sound advice.  I really appreciate your answer.