What will I be doing?

If you enjoy making things with wood, consider turning your hobby into a full-time business as a woodworker. A woodworker designs, makes, finishes and markets products made of wood and related materials. The finished products can include toys, birdhouses, carved figures, crafts and furniture, depending on what one chooses to specialize in. Woodworkers can easily work and sell from home.

What will I need to start?

The key to success as a woodworker is craftsmanship. You must know your trade. If you have experience as a professional or hobby woodworker, you may already have the needed skills. If not, start now on getting them.

You’ll also need tools. Which tools depends on what wood products you will be making. You may choose to carve wooden figures or make coffee tables or kitchen cabinets. The tools for each job are different.

You’ll also need a source of materials at prices that offer you a profit. You may be able to establish a wholesale or contractor’s account through a local lumber retailer or a national mail-order supplier, which can be found through trade magazines.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers will be decided by what you make and how you sell it. If you sell small wooden craft items at flea markets your customers will be individuals that visit your booth. If you carve decoys your customers may be individuals, retailers or even wholesalers.

To reach your potential customers, learn as much about them as you can. What do they want? How much are they willing to pay? Where do they shop for these products? Who are your competitors? Become a customer for your product so you can learn how the customer buys.