I had an interesting discussion with a student today. He works after school for a local “woodworker” small shop, 5-6 man shop – furniture, arch. millwork, etc. They do mostly custom pieces and have a couple of “lines” that are “standard” small production types pieces (tables, cabinets, entertainment centers, etc.). From his perspective, they do much more arch. millwork, than furniture – something that they would rather do more of, but do need to “pay the rent”, so they do the custom millwork stuff.
My question, what do most of you (pros) do to make sure that the bills are paid? Do you “compromise” and take on the jobs that you know will pay, steady or cost effective…or work on only items you “want” to do? As with all things in life, there are compromises…
Thanks,
Donkey
Replies
wood donkey
If I had my choice, and it were a perfect world, I would only make furniture. It's my passion, and what I want to do. However, I find myself making more money on built-in cabinetry jobs, and doing more and more of them in the last 4 to 5 years. Also, I have a moulding maker, and make mouldings for local builders. The mouldings are great for filling time in the shop, and keeping the woodshed circulating, if you know what I mean.
If I win the 200 million lottery, I'll only make furniture from now on. Until that happens, with 1 kid in college, and 2 on the way (18 and 17), I concern myself with keeping the cash flow positive, and not worry too much about what I'm building, as long as I'm not working cheap. That is something I just refuse to do. If you're good, get paid. PERIOD. Don't lower your prices because of needing improvement on sales technique. Learn to sell, not to lower price.
My .02.
Jeff
What Jeff said.
The majority of the work coming out of my shop is cabinetry, mantles, interior bits, boat parts, etc. The bottom line is, well, the "bottom line". There are mouths to feed and a mortgage to pay. I do have shop rates. If a client is willing to pay, then I'm willing to work. It's not always fun. The worst job ever to slide across my saw was built from Melamine. Horrible stuff! Was it a "compromise"? Absolutely not. All checks cash the same.
In a perfect world, yes, I would be making furniture. My furniture, that is, with my style, my wood choice and my finish. Then again, if the world WERE perfect, I would be too busy fly fishing to bother with wood...
Regards,
Craig
Jeff and Craig,Thanks, that's what I thought I would hear. As I alluded to earlier, I am a teacher, I guess that it relates to what I enjoy teaching as to what I am expected to because of state standards etc.Thanks for your input.Donkey
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