1. Woodworking Projects That Sell
This is an article from http://www.basicwoodworking2000.com
Woodworking projects that sell are a great way to make some extra cash. If you've been working with
wood for any length of time, you know that it's a rewarding skill to have, but did you know that your
hobby could also provide you with some extra income on the side?
That's right, your creative outlet can also be a way to bring in some extra cash for emergencies,
savings, or just when you want to have a night on the town.
Everyone goes through tough times, but if you can create woodworking projects that sell, you'll have
the ability to take care of yourself and your family whenever you need to. You should make sure you
have some good quality plans at your disposal to get started. That way you'll never have to worry
about ideas for your little business. What you should NEVER do is sell your raw lumber, your tools, or
anything you can use to create woodworking projects that sell! This is vital! Don't do it.
Factors to Make Woodworking Projects That Sell
There are some things you can do to make sure your projects will sell. People buy things for any
number of reasons, but you can raise your chances by understanding why they specifically buy
woodworking pieces.
• They're Unique – The more you can use words like “hand crafted”, “rare”, or “limited make”,
the more people will perceive your pieces to be worth. Help them understand that this isn't
something you can walk into a big-box store and throw in your basket with diapers and candy.
It's a rare, well made item of good quality and high value. Wood is a great medium because it's
automatically perceived as something valuable. You can make any item unique by adding a
different finish, using different wood, adding a personal touch like a wood-burning design or
other rustic attachment.
• They're Interesting – Everyone wants to have interesting items in their homes to show off to
friends and family. If you want to make woodworking projects that sell, tap into this mentality.
Use contrasting colors in your projects. Use a dark finish on one part and a light finish on
another. Use odd angles, make unusual designs and shapes, and most of all, be interesting.
• Tickles a Fancy – Everyone has that thing they love more than anything. I knew a carpenter
who wanted to make some extra money for himself and get an excuse to spend more time in his
shop. In order to earn woodworking projects that sell, he started using scraps in the shop to
build models of expensive cars, like Mercedes, BMW's, and Jaguars. He showed a finished
Jaguar model to a doctor friend of his who drove one. The doctor was enthralled! He instantly
offered him anything he wanted for it. If you can find a project like that that people want to
show off, you'll make money every time. Just find some good plans and modify them to fit
your project.
In order to make sure you have a quality product, you need to follow a fine set of plans. If you have a
collection of plans already, you can use them (with some tweaks) to create your items. You can also
use them as a base template for woodworking projects that sell. If you follow the guidelines above,

2. you can create any number of interesting items. I always recommend this collection for the best quality
collection of plans. You'll always have something to build or design from if you have that.
Other Tips and Tricks for Woodworking Projects That Sell
• People have it in their heads that hardwoods are more valuable than softwoods, even though the
cost difference can be very small, if you buy them right.
• Use deep, rich finishes. They provide the color contrast mentioned above, and they make the
project look more expensive.
• Keep a notebook of your costs. When you make woodworking projects that sell, you need to
make sure you're making a profit. I recommend doubling whatever it cost you to make the
item.
• Number and sign your work. Just like an artist, when a woodworker numbers and signs the
work, it makes it look and feel more valuable to the owner. It makes the whole project look like
a premium item.
• Don't say you like to make woodworking projects that sell, tell people you make “wood
sculptures”. Keep the truth to yourself.
Where to Take Woodworking Projects That Sell
• Flea Markets
• Yard Sales – if they're your own, sell your stuff. If it's elsewhere, offer to pay the owner a
commission on any sales made.
• Ebay or Etsy.com – This is a website for handcrafted items like yours. Remember, the same
rules for woodworking projects that sell still apply. Value, value, value.