The demand for wood projects worldwide has always been high due to the skilled woodworkers’ intricate works on wood, which enhance the quality and elegance of a specific area while also amplifying the beauty of surrounding objects in a home or office space.
Woodworking has existed as an ancient occupation for centuries, becoming a common interest that numerous individuals have embraced. It can serve as a delightful pastime for individuals who take pleasure in utilizing their hands. Such woodworking endeavors may range from uncomplicated to intricate, and can be crafted for an array of different objectives.
If you possess fundamental woodworking skills, selling woodworking projects online can be a profitable means of earning additional income. You will find various wood projects that sell well, spanning from uncomplicated items such as picture frames and jewelry boxes to more substantial pieces like furniture and cabinets. Thus, a diverse selection of woodworking projects offers lucrative opportunities.
Are woodworking projects profitable
With a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%, the global market for wood products is swiftly expanding, reaching $690.04 billion in 2022. As a result, the demand for wood products and proficient woodworkers is correspondingly high. How can you capitalize on this opportunity?
Many wood projects can be done without needing a high level of skill. Wooden items that are handcrafted or handmade have always been popular online because of their distinctive appearance and finishing. However, if you have experience working on various types of wood projects and possess the necessary expertise to sell both intricate and simple wood products, then it might be simpler for you.
When considering selling wood projects online, it is important to note that the types of products that sell well may vary compared to those that are successful in brick-and-mortar stores. Before entering the online wood selling industry, it is essential to carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages in order to effectively manage an online business.
Pros
- You have a larger audience to sell to than if you were selling in person or through a brick-and-mortar store.
- Online stores are open 24/7, so customers can purchase wood projects conveniently.
- You can automate many aspects of your business, such as shipping and payments.
- Selling online gives you the ability to sell customized or one-of-a-kind items.
- Online stores typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar stores, so selling wood projects online can be more profitable.
- Online stores can reach a global market, so you have the potential to sell wood projects to customers anywhere in the world.
Cons
- You have to put in more effort to market your products and reach your target audience.
- You also have to be more careful about pricing your products competitively since there is more competition online.
- If a customer is unsatisfied with a purchase, they may return the product for a refund which might lead to additional expenses for shipping the product back.
If you are concerned about creating or designing a website for selling wood projects online, there are numerous options available that can simplify the process. In terms of the benefits, there is certainly a substantial number.
With an eCommerce platform like Shopify, you can easily launch your eCommerce website idea. Additionally, you have the option to utilize the pre-existing themes or any page builder to customize your website pages according to your preferences, thereby capturing the interest of potential customers.
Wood projects in demand to sell online
1. Coffee tables
Wooden coffee tables have low production costs when sold online due to their relatively easy production and shipping processes. They are a common item in every household, with the majority of families owning two or more.
People are willing to replace their old coffee tables when they have the means to afford an upgraded one. Thus, coffee tables rank highly among the wood craft items that are in demand. Nevertheless, it is essential to create designs, shapes, and colors that differentiate your products from the rest.
2. Wooden bottle holders and openers
For individuals who have a fondness for wine and other bottled beverages, finding an attractive and practical solution for storing and showcasing their collection is often a priority. Wooden bottle holders and openers offer a stylish and functional choice.
Wooden products are known for their superior quality and durability compared to other materials. Given the short duration required for their production, wooden bottle openers and holders are highly lucrative wood projects with a high selling potential.
Additionally, these products can be easily packed and mailed to the buyer. Maximum personalization can be achieved by offering customization options such as carving the customer’s name or desired quote.
3. Wooden signs
Wooden signs that are made by hand are available in various shapes and sizes, and are utilized for different purposes, both indoors and outdoors. It is common to find wooden signs used as decorative items in people’s residences, with the possibility of creating personalized signs that bear a family’s last name. Additionally, these signs are often seen at occasions such as weddings and parties, serving as welcoming and directional markers.
Use your creativity when figuring out how to make wooden signs to sell. You can create wooden signs in a number of ways, depending on your skill set, resources, and creative aspirations. Maybe you hand paint designs onto wood pieces or you cut out letters and shapes from pieces of wood themselves.
4. Wood pallets
Wood pallets are used by shippers and ecommerce companies for transporting significant quantities of goods. However, these wooden pallets are not environmentally efficient, although they can be transformed into valuable woodworking projects that can generate income.
When it comes to ideas for wooden pallet projects that sell, you can consider a lot of the ones listed below as they all make great options.
- Planter box
- Decorative sign
- Side or coffee table
- Chair or small bench
- Mail sorter/key holder
- Bed platform
- Shelves
5. Kitchen products
There are countless possibilities when it comes to wooden kitchen products, ranging from basic cutting boards and coasters to intricate wooden utensils.
Le Père Vic, an artisan based in Canada, designs and produces a range of handmade wooden kitchen products, which he sells on his Shopify store. His collection includes napkin holders, coasters, cutting boards, serving utensils, and other items.
6. Birdhouses
Birdhouses, which can be used as indoor or outdoor decorations, have both functional and purely decorative uses. Additionally, birdhouses are frequently collected by people, making it a great niche to explore.
7. Planters
Wood is an excellent material for creating planters and pots suitable for various plants. These can range from planter boxes ideal for small vegetable gardens at home, to miniature holders for succulents, intended for use as desk accessories. Woodchuck offers desktop planters and additionally commits to planting a tree for each product sold.
8. Art
Selling art online can be a lucrative method of transforming your creative endeavors into earnings. Crafting with wood is a superb choice of material, offering a multitude of item possibilities. The outcome largely depends on your imaginative flair and expertise, as well as the preferences of potential customers. Don’t hesitate to explore and test out your innovative creations.
You can also choose to focus on a specific niche, such as Track Sculptures. This Shopify merchant specializes in crafting wooden sculptures of racetrack maps from around the globe, catering to the distinct and passionate audience of racing enthusiasts.
9. Wood turning
If you have acquired the skill of wood turning, you have unlocked various possibilities in the realm of handcrafted wooden products, indicating a higher level of expertise in woodworking. Wood turning enables you to create numerous items mentioned in the list.
Before we proceed, let us establish the definition of wood turning: wood turning refers to the act of placing a wooden piece on a rotating axis and utilizing handheld tools, such as a lathe, to carve out a symmetrical shape in the wood along its entire axis.
How to sell woodworking projects
After completing your woodworking projects, the other half of the challenge lies in locating suitable homes for them.
Choose your product
You might already have some woodworking projects and ideas in your experience. However, you might also be starting with no prior knowledge about which specific product you want to create and sell.
After choosing your product from the list above, it is recommended to begin with a test project. Ensure that you can successfully bring your creation to life in order to satisfy both yourself and potential customers.
Identify your market
Once you have determined the product or service you wish to create and sell, the next step is to identify the potential buyers. Conducting market research involves analyzing competitors, monitoring social media conversations, and examining the industry in order to gather relevant data.
Build a website
If you are in need of a platform to sell your woodworking projects, setting up your own ecommerce website is one of the most intelligent choices.
You have complete control over your business, including pricing, promotion, shipping, and fulfillment. Third-party marketplaces have more restrictions, and a physical space has more overhead costs. If you’re starting out, you can create your website on Shopify without needing any coding experience.
List and price your products
The next step is to capture product images, create captivating descriptions, and publish them on the internet for people to view and buy. It is essential to list the items on your website, and you should also explore the option of third-party marketplaces. Etsy is an excellent platform to sell handmade products, but it is worthwhile to consider other alternate platforms as well.
When it comes to pricing, you aim to set a price that adequately covers your time and expenses, while also generating an additional profit. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid setting the price so high that potential customers are deterred from making a purchase.
Drive traffic to your website
After successfully launching your website and making your product pages available, efforts are required to entice visitors to your online store. You have the option to generate traffic using organic methods or by employing paid marketing techniques and strategies.
Check analytics and improve
As time goes on, you will accumulate more data that can enhance your understanding of your business. The Shopify analytics dashboard presents essential data on sales, orders, and online store visitors, as well as other information. By analyzing this data over time, you can identify strengths and weaknesses, and even discover potential new opportunities.
