Replies

1. 
   geedubbee | Apr 13, 2020 12:07pm | #1

   Posting the same topic in multiple sub-forums can get you irregular responses. Maybe Ben would pull one of them for you.

2. 
   user-7680762 | Apr 13, 2020 12:15pm | #2

   I did not mean to post multiple. I posted the second because i my first didnt go threw. I dont inow how to delete the first

3. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Apr 13, 2020 01:40pm | #3

   Fixed... here is GeeDubBee's response on the other post.

   GeeDubBee | Apr 13, 2020 12:06pm | #1
   Nancy Hiller has some great articles relating to being in business here on FWW.

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2020/04/09/from-the-bench-the-problem-with-passion

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/08/22/business-insurance-is-non-negotiable

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/01/25/work-life-balance-pro

   Etc.

4. 
   BossCrunkReboot | Apr 14, 2020 03:38pm | #4

   Marry somebody with a good, steady job.

5. 
   Dugger66 | Apr 14, 2020 10:37pm | #5

   Keep track of all receipts and expenses. Worst part of the job. Other than that, best wishes.

6. 
   user-7680762 | Apr 15, 2020 09:25am | #6

   Thank yiu guys! My wife is a techer and i am a disabled veteran so we both have steady income. And my wife keeps track of all mo ey coming in and goi g out on quickbooks

7. 
   mrossk | Apr 15, 2020 10:12am | #7

   Though there are many things that will contribute to success or failure, I humbly submit that attention to detail will be important in all areas. Check your spelling and/or typing. If you were communicating with potential clients, it does not seem very professional to have so many errors. I'm not trying to be snarky! Good luck to you.

8. 
   daverichards | Apr 15, 2020 10:39am | #8

   Some years ago I worked had summer job working for a professional woodworker. He told me if I wanted to follow in his footsteps that I should have enough money squirreled away to live without an income for at least two years.

   As mrossk mentions, communication is incredibly important. Written communication is especially important because it is often the first contact a potential customer will have with you.

9. 
   user-4622261 | Apr 15, 2020 01:45pm | #9

   ...and as part of 'expenses', keep track of time spent. You can't spend 30 hours on a project that you are selling for $300 and have $200 of materials in.

   You will face a lot of pressure from people who say things like, "Well, I can get that for $300 at {IKEA, Wal*mart, Wayfair,...} Wish them well.

10. 
    BossCrunkReboot | Apr 15, 2020 03:17pm | #10

    A rule of thumb that's worked for me over the years is charging a minimum of 5x raw materials and supplies for standalone furniture. This is a minimum, with only upward adjustments. Some work is straight repro stuff while other work is custom design. The latter will call for a much higher multiple, or an outright design fee.

    If you do built-ins, kitchens, etc., then you'll need to look at what local guys are charging and riff off of that. There's a lot more local competition for that kind of work, and you can expect your potential customers to get other bids besides yours. In the era of the internet, if you're doing furniture then you're competing with everybody you see who writes articles for Fine Woodworking and then some. The competition is rather stiff, but the world is essentially your marketplace since your work can be shipped practically anywhere, so there's that.

    Be prepared for people who think you can be competitive with department stores, IKEA, etc. Try to resist the urge.