Hi Everyone,
I currently have a one man shop building fine furniture and custom pieces. I’ve worked with a hand full of interior designers and a couple of architects; on several occasions I’ve had inquiries about other types of pieces (not necessarily my own) and have done some research. I found several furniture makers willing to make furniture as subcontractors or for resale.
My thought is if I give up a percentage of my time in the shop and spend it in marketing a line of fine hand made furniture (a dozen or so pieces made to order) maybe I could improve my bottom line. I don’t mind doing that since at this point it’s become more of a job, specially dealing with designers and their ideas instead of being able to do my own thing. I originally came from the corporate world so I’m very comfortable with the business end of things i.e., marketing, sales, etc.
My question is does this make sense and is there anyone out there currently doing this that can provide me with a little info.
I appreciate any comments, suggestions and or advise that you can give me.
Regards,
Replies
As I read what you said, you're essentially becoming a salesman? Sure, why not? I'm sure there's a lot of guys out there who would love to have someone trying to sell for them. I know from experience, that selling is extremely time-consuming, especially when you first start out. To make custom furniture professionally, you have to be both, something that most find real hard to do.
Or perhaps you are saying using other wood workers to make pieces for you which you then sell? In that case, you become a wholesaler and have to layout the $$$ for inventory and then hope you sell it. Straight commision sales would be the safer bet, wouldn't it?
Dave of Fla.
Hi Sarge,
I have no personal experience but I have a cousin in Canada who went to college to learn furniture making (up to then I didn't know there were degrees in FWW). He told me that building furniture for a living was a great way to starve.
Perhaps if he had someone like you marketing for him, he wouldn't be a finish carpenter today.
I think it goes back to marketing basics:
1. Is there a need?
2. Can I fill it?
3. How do I set myself apart from all the others?
Good luck in what ever you decide.
Peter
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