Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Apr 05, 2021 08:45am | #1

   Raise either the standard for the jobs you are willing to take, or your pricing. If this results in fewer jobs you'll remain on schedule. If it results in better cashflow you may find yourself ahead of schedule. It is counterintuitive, but turning down less attractive work to improve your quality of life is a sign of success.

2. 
   kudzupatch | Apr 05, 2021 10:18am | #2

   Not to be a smart alek but start saying no. Turn down work you can't do. You don't have to take everything that comes you way. And that is a good problem to have!

3. 
   esch5995 | Apr 05, 2021 04:26pm | #3

   I agree, be more selective and raise your prices. It is common for hobbyist turning pro to both fear turning away any work and underestimate the true value of your time and your true costs, both mistakes can lead to a very short professional career. What may at first appear to be a huge success can quickly become the formula for failure.

4. 
   MillstShop | Apr 06, 2021 06:28am | #4

   Do a Search in FWW for Nancy Hiller. Lots of great information.

5. 
   drew_z | Apr 06, 2021 12:13pm | #5

   You may find some good information in the Knowledge Base at WoodWeb, an online forum for professional cabinetry and woodworking. There are many threads about starting up, and a few about doing so while still working other jobs.

6. 
   curmudgeon | Apr 06, 2021 05:05pm | #6

   Over 45 years working with small businesses in an effort to help them succeed, particularly start-ups... In my experience, underbidding, under pricing and simply not charging enough almost always is among the top 5 reasons a start-up fails. It can be tough to find that sweet spot on pricing. It may be helpful to consider the following:

   1. The prospect/ customer is wanting to hire you because they either can’t or do not want to do it themselves.
   2. The craftsman / tradesman KNOWS what the job takes. Yet they always ask themselves... “what would I pay to have someone do that for me?” The question often better is, “if I had no clue about how to do this, or doubted my own abilities, but really needed it done what would it be worth to me? That’s likely a better number... one that will more closely match the buyers understanding of value.
   3. You’re running a business, NOT working for an hourly wage. You have equipment to pay for, maybe space to pay for, insurances, taxes, and costs traveling to/from jobs... on and on and on. Your prices must also cover those costs... and get you a return on your investment.
   4. Your skills, training and experiences have VALUE.
   5. Being the lowest price provider often leads to failure.

   And, last but not least, you can almost always lower the price, but it’s tricky at best to raise the price if your quote is not getting you to where you want to be.

   Many said above, RAISE YOUR PRICES , BE MORE SELECTIVE.

   Best wishes!

7. 
   jharveyb | Oct 15, 2021 08:56pm | #7

   I've been a professional woodworker for over 40 years, with quite a few woodworking friends over the years. Some thoughts:
   1) One make or break for your business is overhead. Keep it as low as possible. My partner and I bought our machinery and equipment using cash (no interest), built our shop with cash, and purchased more when we had the money. If we went on vacation for a month, we had only electricity and phone to pay (and not much electricity if we weren't using it.)
   2) If you know other competent woodworkers, and you don't have the time or interest to do a job, explain to the customer that you can't do their project in a timely manner (or that the other guy specializes in that work) and send him to the other guy, and ask the customer to be sure to come back when you are going full speed. Make sure the other woodworker knows that you have sent him the customer, and ask him to send you work when appropriate. In this part of the country (central Tennessee) the woodworkers generally are friends and help each other (may not be the same everywhere...)
   3) Schedule work for later when you are going full time. If you can get to it earlier, they won't complain.
   4) In general, you want customers who want YOU to do their project. Being in a competitive bid situation is a recipe for business failure, as it will be very difficult to make enough money per hour. You'll be bidding against guys who are going out of business but don't know it yet. Charge enough to the folks who want you.
   Having said all this, pricing is always a difficult part of being a custom woodworker. I'm still doing projects I've never done before, and can't really know in advance how long it will take. Some of my customers are comfortable with time and materials pricing, which I prefer. Even then, hourly rate can be difficult to determine, balancing fairness with what you need.
   Good luck, both now and in the next phase!
   Harvey

8. 
   largeb | Oct 15, 2021 09:39pm | #8

   Scam? Certainly off topic.

9. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Oct 18, 2021 11:31am | #9

   Thanks. I must have missed that one. Zapped it!

10. 
    john_c2 | Feb 10, 2022 06:56pm | #10

    Spam