[Woodcarver] Business plan etc Woodcarver Digest, Vol 1653, Issue 2

[Casey Willson]

*I've been reading some very interesting and enlightening answers to the
Questions below. No, I was NOT bored! There is a lot of business savvy
represented in the group of artists. My answers are below the quote.

**On Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 3:58 PM,
<woodcarver-request at carverscompanion.com>wrote:
*
*Matt asked:
If you respond, please tell us if you are:
A). A professional carver (earn all or most income from carving)
B). A semi-pro (earn less than 50% from carving)
C) A serious hobby carver who sells the occasional piece.*

*I am or was a full charge bookkeeper with a fair amount of business
training. That said, I've let my enthusiasm overcome my intelligence and
went bust in two separate businesses over the years-hubby went right along
with me!
Now, disabled and retired with no income except HIS disability income, I
create as a hobby only. It may become a real business albeit a small one. I
sell or barter about 75% of what I make and we've put a small store building
(8X12) on our small acreage in a tourist area.
My "business plan" such as it is, is in my head. I know there are a LOT of
beaders in the area and I know that the closest place other than on-line to
buy beads is about 40 miles away. I sorted out my own overstock and invested
about $500 in bulk buys of things that are not easily located but are in
demand.
I put in my own creations in beads and stone and now wood.
My costs are nil, my advertising consists of signs where the highway comes
within 1/2 mile of my house. So far I've done a tiny bit of business but
tourist season has yet to begin. I'm keeping VERY busy with barter work at
this point and trying to get some "impulse buy" carvings ahead.
At this point my pricing is in a state of developement. I've been getting
from $40 for a simple walking stick to $80 for one with more detail. Since
I'm still learning I figure my "per hour" is under $2. I have to redo a lot
and it takes me longer than it should.
Hubby is a jeweler and stone carver. He prices at $20 an hour plus
materials. But he knows what he's doing at each step.
Hope this is what you're looking for.
Its information and I would welcome input myself.
Casey
*
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