Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/23/2010

Question
i was wondering if it would be a good idea to try and start my own wood shop. For building corner cabinets, coffee tables, and other stuff along those lines. I love to build stuff out of wood and find it very enjoyable to do so. I have axes to all the tools to do so but I'm afraid of not being able to sell my work. I have built a variety of different table and cabnits and have had alot of comments on them.

Answer
Hi Lewie,

Your question about starting a woodworking company came at a good time, as I have been quite busy building pieces this holiday season. And it's forced me to think about what I am doing, and try to decide if it's worth it or not.

By all means, it takes a special type of person to own their own business, especially in this current economic climate. You must be on top of your game with everything from suppliers pricing to coming up with sensible designs for your customers. If you don't do a good job coming up with price estimates, you will lose money on every job you do. And that is a sure way to be out of business quickly.

That said, I can't stress enough that being a woodworker is quite enjoyable, when it's going smoothly. There's nothing like watching people take delivery of your work and marvel at it's quality.

So as far as your question goes - I have to ask a few questions first. Do you already have tools and a space to work in? If not, acquiring those can be quite expensive. Do you have a streamlined way to work? Working out of your garage isn't going to do.

Customers? Do you have them? Have a way of getting them? I'm not just talking about friends and family, I mean a steady stream of people coming to you to build things.

I don't mean to be mean here, but your question to me contained quite a few misspellings - that will not cut it in the business world. You're going to have to supply drawings and price quotes to people. If they see anything that is less than professional, they will not hire you to make their piece. So you're going to need to step up your level of professionalism. Do you have access to a simple invoicing program? And a simple design program? You'll need both.

Finally, the main thing here is your work. I suggest you get some unbiased opinions about your work and see what people think. Not your family. Someone who will give you an honest opinion. If you work is good, people will buy it. If it's not, they won't; it's that simple. You'll need to figure out how to sell it - be it a gallery or store, or through interior designers. But figure that out first, before you start your business.

There is no savings by buying custom furniture, in fact, it is more expensive that what you can buy in a store. So people have to have a reason to buy from you. If your work is compelling enough, they will seek you out. But you're going to have to do a lot of work before you get to that stage in your woodworking career. That is the answer to the question you seek and answer to - are you up to that challenge?

I hope this helps, I've only given you things to think about, but no one can really answer that question for you but yourself. Write back if there are more things you wish to discuss. Good luck with your decision,

Jamie in Vegas


__________
Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com