Question
I've done woodworking as a hobby since I was 3 years old and started doing it as a career 3 years ago. Now I plan to start my own business. I have experience ranging from store fixtures to AWI certified woodworking, and have done work for friends who are quite pleased. My father left me all the equipment that would be required and I have a 16x48 shop that is. The business will at first be mainly side work and hopefully grow into something else. Any advice on starting out?
Forum Resonses
I started my business by calling everyone in my local synagogue listing and offering to do small repairs and cabinets and adding to my repertoire as I learned. I now have 3-4 fulltime cabinetmakers and over $100,000 in paid-for machines and make a very nice living. I work hard but also have time for my children and hobbies. With a positive attitude and realistic goals, you can fulfil your dreams.
To get started, I invested about 2k on full color brochures of my work. That was the best money that I have spent. I have also joined a referral service in my area, which refers me a good bit of work.
I do a combination of custom designed furniture, built-ins and cabinetry, and interior mouldings and millwork in a small 400 square foot shop. I have totally outgrown my shop and am looking to move and construct a larger facility.
This all sounds great, and it has been. However, the process is not always easy. There are numerous things that have presented difficulty, like sometimes having to learn on the fly because a job needs to get done, trying to keep up with what seems to be mounds of paperwork, and spending a lot of money on larger equipment. I'm sure that you understand the risks but when you love what you do, things sometimes seem to fall in place.
