Is there a shortage of skilled carpenters in your area? Perhaps you would love to see more local artisan shops selling homemade toys and knick-knacks made of wood? Anyone? That’s what I thought. If there are carpenters in the neighborhood, they are probably driving many miles to find jobs in locations all over the region, not just in the town where they live. It’s a tight economy. As for woodworking as a hobby that turns into a profitable market stall, the vendors at those stalls are either doing this for a bit of extra cash or because they love it. Market vendors have to do a lot of traveling and stand around for hours in all weathers to make any money at all. This is not a rich man’s game.
Wood Profits
Isn’t “Wood Profits” a great title, then? If carpenters can make a living, how can someone without the training and a mere DIY-style interest in tinkering with tools earn a living? Let’s consider logic here: if you were going to buy something made of wood, whom would you purchase it from? Probably a professional, or you can try to do it yourself!
On the Other Hand
There are reasons one might want to buy goods from a private guy working out of his home instead of an established person. There are a few scenarios which could benefit an enthusiast trying to start a business.
Experienced carpenters charge a fair bit of money, but you can undercut them. Carpenters also reject very small projects in favor of big ones that pay the mortgage. Casual carpenters, however, could handle these little jobs and also make things that are unique. In the market place, a number of consumers are avoiding import labels in favor of local stuff when they can find it. They do not ordinarily buy wooden items because they are made in India, Mexico, or China. Give them a “Made in America” promise and tourists might pounce on the chance to purchase souvenirs from your workshop.
In a good economy, excellent and even reasonable carpenters are very busy. They can’t always satisfy the need out there. With some help, an individual without official training could, in fact, turn a love of wood into a small profit. Where will that help come from?
Wood Profits
This is what the writer, Jim Morgan, calls the “woodworking bible.” Wood Profits is a reference for every aspect of running a business from carpentry. The text and audio, available online, includes plans for how to build dozens of projects with step-by-step instructions. Learn what tools and hardware you will need and the best sorts of wood to use for a structure or a box to hold trinkets.
Morgan’s “bible” contains legal documents and contracts; samples of what you might need in order to run a legitimate business. With these documents, wood working hobbyists can turn weekend projects into money-making adventures without offending the IRS. Issue receipts to customers so clients can make claims where appropriate.
Along with the basic plans there are “Premium Plans” for special projects, considered a “bonus,” but these come with Wood Profits as a standard feature, so I’m not sure what is a “bonus” about it unless Jim Morgan believes this extra piece makes the $37 cost especially great value.
Not for Beginners
Wood Profits is not for beginners, then why would anyone who picks this up be in need of all the advice about setting up a workshop? Presumably, a seasoned wood worker has all the tools he needs? Then again, the documents sound good. Morgan released his product a few years ago, and it’s still on the shelf. That is a good sign, but there are differing views.
Reviews
There is one single perspective on Morgan’s book; conclusive opinions that this reference is legitimate; and useful. The fact it’s still here, on the internet, is reassuring. If you type “earn money from wood working” or “wood working for money” into a search box. Many blogs and books are listed in the results for pages one and two, and some of them is Jim Morgan’s Wood Profits.
Who Is Wood Profits for?
Although the title implies the reader who applies these techniques is going to make money, I would argue that this really is for a hobbyist. Maybe the tools and tactics in here will lead to profit one day, but most people who know how to work with wood already run a business competently.