Author Topic: First Time Making Money Woodworking  (Read 3884 times)

jed2009

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First Time Making Money Woodworking
« on: June 20, 2017, 08:57:27 PM »
Hey all,

Just wanted to share a pretty cool moment.  I have been honing my woodworking skills for a couple years now.  I built my first coffee table with a handsaw and some nails.  I have upgraded to some quality power tools and continued to refine my technique over the years.  My stuff isn't perfect, I enjoy the rustic/handcrafted look. 

The other week, coincidentally two people asked me if I would make something for them.  A couple of end tables and a pallet headboard.  I was a bit unsure since my work is "imperfect" but let them know up front.  I didn't know how to charge, so I set it for materials plus hourly rate of $30.  I ended up selling the end tables for $80 total and the headboard for $90.  I knocked them both out in a weekend! 

I learned I definitely underestimated my labor hours, as it took around 9 compared to my estimated 5.  One person also said "is that all?" when I gave them the headboard quote.  Oops! 

This was exciting for me as I have never made money doing woodworking.  I have made a few bucks doing basic automotive stuff like shocks, brakes etc. but selling a work of art is different.  Just thought I'd share my experience!




nereo

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2017, 08:19:24 AM »
Congrats.
I think those two customers got a steal of a deal (whether that style furniture is your cup of tea or not).  Someday I hope to sell some of my own work, but for now I have more home projects to fill.

Take some good pictures (better lighting + closeups) and store them for later use. Word is likely to get around and you'll want some images of previous projects.

jed2009

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2017, 11:49:06 AM »
Thanks both of ya!  Nice to hear you think they got a steal.  I delivered the tables yesterday and the customer was so excited.  It was really cool to see I made them happy plus made some cash on the side.  I will definitely try to take some nicer pictures (I have a set of tables at home).  Maybe I'll try to get a picture with the headboard installed so it looks more natural on a bed/wall.

neo von retorch

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2017, 11:54:27 AM »
Great tables - I'd love to build something like that for my wife. Charge more - people will be happy they got "more valuable" hand-crafted goods ;)

Vindicated

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2017, 11:56:25 AM »
Way to go!  Nice craftsmanship.

Just remember, your work may never be "perfect" in your eyes, but it's clearly beautiful to your customers.

I'm curious, you said you charged materials + $30/hr.  Then did 9hrs of work.  Shouldn't that be $270 + materials, rather than $180 total?  Or did you only charge for 5 hrs because of your estimate, then materials were $30?

MasterStache

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #5 on: June 22, 2017, 12:23:54 PM »
Good work. I just shared some of my recent work on FB. I built a Credenza with sliding barn doors and a Farmhouse Table. Hoping to drum up a little side business money. Lots of compliments but no takers yet. I don't expect to make a killing but a few hundred bucks here and there would be great. I just enjoy the work.   

jed2009

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #6 on: June 22, 2017, 12:40:11 PM »
Neo - Good point :)  There are lots of how-to's out there, that's how I learned! 

Vindicated - Thanks!!  Thatis a good call on the perfection thing.  Yes, my estimate was 5 hours and the materials were only $30 since I had most of the pallet wood already for the headboard.  Will definitely get a bit more aggressive next time!

Beginner - Thank you.  That's awesome!  It's tough to get interest for sure, mine just randomly came.  Leverage your friends and work peers.  My two random firsts were my fiance's friend and a friend from work.

privatevoid

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #7 on: June 22, 2017, 01:21:49 PM »
Those are great! I've done a little amateur woodworking myself - still learning dovetail joints on a birdhouse, though. Congrats

MrsDinero

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2017, 01:33:55 PM »
Those are great! Those are perfectly on trend too!

I saw on a local FB page someone was selling custom farmhouse tables with pine or white fir for $350.  I'm considering having one made for our home.  On one hand I know I could make it myself for less (I have built such things when I was younger), on the other hand I don't have the time.

Tyson

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2017, 01:37:06 PM »
Nice.  Now double your prices :)

neo von retorch

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #10 on: June 22, 2017, 01:48:03 PM »
Nice.  Now double your prices :)

Ha yes - and try to divest somewhat from the "per hour" idea. I mean, some work is tedious. Some work takes lots of experience or a nifty skill or an expensive tool. In the end, the value to the buyer is... often completely unrelated to all those things. But generally if it takes more work and more skill, it's going to be more valuable. The cost of materials also only really translates to value when it's some kind of visually exotic wood. I suppose when you sell more items, you'll just get a feel for what you want to charge anyone. I know you're doing it for love of the craft, and sometimes charging more and making it profitable isn't really adding to the joy you have in creating.

jed2009

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Re: First Time Making Money Woodworking
« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2017, 10:33:54 AM »
Fun update - the person who bought the pallet wall paid an extra $30 on top of my initial $90 quote!  So I made $120 from that one.  THAT was cool!

Private - Thanks!  Nice, I am definitely far away from the "fine" stuff like you are doing.

Mrs - Thank you!  Hey you could always try to squeeze in the time and save $350 :D

Tyort - Good idea, I am definitely going to re-adjust them.

Neo - I agree.  I love it but of course, the more money I can make the better as well! 

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!