ideas of how to sell some pieces - Woodworking Talk

JMendez035 · 07-08-2008, 12:29 PM

i am working on a couple pieces right now, and i just wan some ideas on like how i could possible start selling them

Evil Scotsman · 07-08-2008, 02:05 PM

Good Luck! (I don't mean that sarcastically, but sincerely!)
My suggestion would be the following:
1. Create a website
2. Craigslist
3. Ebay

Of course all (depending on what your making/selling) would have to be local pickup.

Then there are craft shows, trade shows and don't forget the front lawn. I would love to eventually have the skills to be able to do this.
Again Good Luck!

mdlbldrmatt135 · 07-08-2008, 02:09 PM

http://www.etsy.com/index.php

jeffreythree · 07-08-2008, 06:17 PM

I second etsy.com, and have a firm no for ebay. Too much cheap junk there to compete against and the fees are high. Etsy is only $.20 for a 4 month listing. At that price you can afford to wait for a buyer at the price you set. A recent article stated they had 10 million item searches a month.

Boardman · 07-08-2008, 06:53 PM

This is the biggest conondrum of all for woodworkers. I've been down this road and am starting to see the destination after a few years.

You can maker absolutely great stuff and not be able to find the venue for selling it. My first objective was galleries - it gave me a sense of accomplishment tyo get something accepted by a gallery. But...most around here want 40% off the top, so you have to mark it up so high it won't sell, or be happy with the fact the gallery will make more from it than you do. My experience - 2 years and no sales via galleries.

This year I did an art fair deal in the neighborhood I live. Spent $225 ans sold about $1500. But this was a fairly upscale art fair where people weren't peddling $20 watercolors. I also have been trying to establish myself in the area as a woodworker for interior woodworking and have some success. So the exposure and name recognition was good. I'll probably do it again next year.

But you need to be able to selectively target and advertise to a specific type of customer that will actually spend the money for quality hardwood products - not an easy deal.

My opinions...

Ebay/Craigslist - they're looking for CHEAP and will not appreciate the time and quality that goes into hardwood items.

etsy. etc... - Do I really want to expend my efforts on customers miles away from a serviceable area? Not me. Some people have done well on them, but it just doesn't fit my plan to establish a local clientele.

It's a tough road...you have to be dedicated to the goal. Which can be a great payoff if you put the ffort into it.

joesdad · 07-08-2008, 08:17 PM

Jm, where is Rochester New Jersey? North and Central Jersey is a great place to find clients willing to spend the dough. Problem is in the last couple years people have tightened up a bit on their wallets and it's not the free for all it used to be. Quality work will always command a good price, and there are still plenty of places to get your name out there. I posted awhile ago about wanting to ease out of the business and I'm still considering my options even though my calendar is pretty full right now.

There is a market for one-off pieces. You only need to wow the pants off a couple good customers and they will pass your name around like wildfire. With that also comes the same treatment should you leave a customer feeling less than satisfied. I've only had one really bad experience with a customer and it took some creative posturing to calm the flames even though I wanted to equally drag this ladies name through the mud.

If you're anywhere near me, I could grab your name and possibly hook you up with some jobs. I can tell you this also, most of my clients hire me not only because of the work, but how I present myself. They're people who need to like the person they're paying.
Your image is important in high dollar areas. I'm not talking about clothes and what you drive (however cut offs and a tank top is not suggested). I'm talking about not sounding like someone with a fifth grade education who says "Huh? Trust me I've seen plenty of people with great technical skills blow a job because they were either to hot headed, or impatient. After that your golden.

I started on my own ten years ago, went in clean cut and eager to please. Now I have hair halfway down my back and my shorts could use a couple stitches not to mention all the dried wood glue spots that I always scratch myself on. But I have a pretty nice reputation and people trust their friend's judgment, and all my work is referral based.

Blow out a couple small really nice pieces and try what others have suggested. Something that you'd be willing to let go for a nominal price, this way you can get a feel for what people like and then you (your work) are out there sitting in someone's house like a beacon for someone to inquire about.

I'm only giving you suggestions if you're looking to earn some attractive money for what you love. For me it's a living. I would love nothing more than to not have to do this for a living, and just do it for fun, and practically give the stuff way, but... that's the choice I've made.

From what I've seen of your work, you're ahead of the game.

Good Luck.

creative novice · 12-03-2008, 03:14 PM

i live in the sticks, on an off road from the sticks and this past summer we set out some old farm implements, gardening implements, a chain linked dog kennel and countertop.....all within a few weeks . the first day the farm implements were not out in the yard 3 hours until they sold! the rest sold and with the exception of the countertop and the dog kennel, they all sold without advertising them. the other two i placed an ad through the local internet free classisfieds site. we were absolutely amazed and in turn kept setting things out! we did have a small plastic dog house stolen also! this would not work with furniture but u get your product where people see it and it goes! Some flea markets are cheap enough to set up a space at. we have a large one in our town the first sunday of the month april-oct and i believe the rate for a space was 10 dollars last time i checked. local auctioners in the winter also will rent firehalls and offer to sell pieces from multiple providers.

dbhost · 12-03-2008, 06:00 PM

Consignment shops are another option, but the fees can be kind of high...

Craigslist postings

Most importantly though, word of mouth...

The guys I know making real bank at a creative endeavor have worked long and hard to build up their client base, and they simply work on commissioned pieces. While woodworking and sculpture are different, they are very much the same... You could try making things for the home, that friends see and ask about, give away some gift items, and make CERTAIN you brand your stuff. Also copyright any of your unique designs...