Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
You can find my stuff at
http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
offer.
You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
> $0.02, imo, etc., etc., etc., ..., of course.
>
> --
Thanks, all good and valid input.
I never really thought about it for these pieces because I
(personally) paint these units or do a darker stain of sorts.
Regarding the knots, this is why I like pine. When I am processing the
parts my only consideration of knts is if they will create a
structural problem. If a piece that isn't too wide for example has a
transverse knot that spans the whole piece, I'll discard it for a
better piece. Also, since I don't spend any time weeding out the
location of knots I wanted to be sure I didn't misrepresent the kits
in the images.
>
> Yeah, with the 4-hour video pared down to fifteen minutes after the
> cussing is edited out.
Oh, I see you have built some of my kits. ;^)
Actually, I could probably build one of the cabinets in 15 minutes,
except for the time it takes the door to rest in the clamps after glue
up. Of course I could use the Namh method and drop a few brads into
the joints and get out of the clamps right away.
I cut shallow dados and rabbets to make all the parts lock into
position, pocket screws and any other quick, easy, foolproof methods
and they usually go together real easy, excepting for the Pine needing
a liitle elbow grease now and then when it decides it wants to cup,
etc.
> What about your other kits? =A0Are you selling them yet? The Jack London =
tables
> are awesome. =A0They would be a perfect fit for our house.- Hide quoted t=
ext -
>
> - Show quoted text -
I'm sorry but I don't have them in production right now. I suppose I
should remove them from the site. The Jack London stuff is my passion
but I need to buy a train car of white oak at a time to make the
economics work and I am not (yet) ready to do that.
On Thu, 6 Jan 2011 15:32:42 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> Yeah, with the 4-hour video pared down to fifteen minutes after the
>> cussing is edited out.
>
>Oh, I see you have built some of my kits. ;^)
No, I'm just savvy to the process. The sign in my shop says, of
course:
"Measure once, Curse Twice"
>Actually, I could probably build one of the cabinets in 15 minutes,
>except for the time it takes the door to rest in the clamps after glue
>up. Of course I could use the Namh method and drop a few brads into
>the joints and get out of the clamps right away.
Y'know, with a mere $1,500 worth of Kreg jigs and special screws and
special billdrits, you could do just that.
>I cut shallow dados and rabbets to make all the parts lock into
>position, pocket screws and any other quick, easy, foolproof methods
>and they usually go together real easy, excepting for the Pine needing
>a liitle elbow grease now and then when it decides it wants to cup,
>etc.
Is elbow grease included in the kit or sold separately, as an
expensive option?
--
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.
-- Victor Borge
One is offering oak
> and/or maple as an option on the nightstands with a mark-up according
> to what they select.
Thanks. I do plan to offer these kits in a few different materials. To
actually make a profit I have to buy wood in pretty big quantities to
keep the cost in reasonable limits. This test run was just done in
Pine. The plan for this line is to also offer it in Poplar (if you
want to paint it) and Knotty Alder, I just love that stuff.
> If you're adamant that you're not going to take any more time 'cuz don't
> think it would pay, I'd at least present a finished product picture or
> two as well as the unfinished you have presently. =A0
Well... I meant to add pictures of finished pieces to the ebay listing
but somehow forgot. I'll probaby update that tonight.
If the ebay visitor goes into my website to see the pdf's of assembly
docs, the additional pics are there and I can see that the ebay
postings are generating traffic to my product pages with the pine
kits.
I really appreciate the input. I'm not saying I won't adjust my
methods, I was just describing my current approach.
At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People want
to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the raised
panel?
Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house. I have
built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it looks better
after you set something down on it, once.
"Gerald Ross" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
I think the pine looks great for a rustic style piece.
I agree with the video idea.
> Those are cute little duffers. The price seems right too. Plus it's
> all ~real~ wood. I hope you make out good..
>
> RP- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks. There are few pieces of plywood for back panels on cabinets. I
get a great price on the pine and it is ready to go s4s + sanded. I
have fixtures and good equipment and decent planning tools so I think
I have less than an hour labor (sometimes much elss) in any of the
current products if I make at least a dozen at a time.
On Wed, 5 Jan 2011 19:16:01 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> I guess I'm really going to be waiting a long time then. I prefer cherry. ;-)
>
>The Jack London and some of the Vintners Estate line will come in
>Cherry. The coffee and end tables for sure. Maybe by summer.
I know your site said they came in the various woods, but if you were waiting
until you could get a carload of white oak I figured I wouldn't live long
enough for the cherry. ;-) Please post here if you do start selling them.
On Tue, 4 Jan 2011 21:53:28 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> What about your other kits? Are you selling them yet? The Jack London tables
>> are awesome. They would be a perfect fit for our house.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>I'm sorry but I don't have them in production right now. I suppose I
>should remove them from the site. The Jack London stuff is my passion
>but I need to buy a train car of white oak at a time to make the
>economics work and I am not (yet) ready to do that.
I guess I'm really going to be waiting a long time then. I prefer cherry. ;-)
On Jan 6, 1:02=A0pm, [email protected] wrote:
> > At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People w=
ant
> > to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
>
> > eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the raised
> > panel?
>
> > Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house. I=
have
> > built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it looks be=
tter
> > after you set something down on it, once.
>
> > "Gerald Ross" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> There is a piture of the cut material all bundled up and you can sort
> of see the panel has been cut if you look. for some kits I splayed out
> all the parts for the kit photo but on the cabinets I left them
> bundled. Maybe I'll splay them out too so you can see all the cut
> parts.
>
> I guess I'll have to find my success without your nickle for now.
>
> Fine furniture kits are on their way but I don't have the capital to
> invest in the more expensive wood yet and don't want to take on the
> risk of that debt until I can find a good channel to sell kits, if
> they will sell at all. I am just now starting some advertising to
> drive interest, we'll see how that works.
After doing some thinking, How about.......
1) Assembling the door. Most people wont have clamps to do this and
would shy away from doing it.
2) Combo head pocket screws. That way you could advertise as needing a
Phillips head screwdriver which most people will have.
3) Screws instead of nails for the back and the latch block. I know
pre-drilling the holes would be a pain but the less tools needed for
assembly, the more attractive it will look for the potential
customer.
4) Make any aligning marks on the pieces for assembly. Or maybe
including 5" gauge blocks with the kit. That would be one way to get
rid of your scrap as well.
Allen
> One critisism =A0for me is the glass knobs , when I first opened the Ebay
> listing the coloured glass stood out like a sore thumb .
Thanks for the comments Kevin, very good idea. Yeah, I usually do
match hinge and knob on my own stuff but these were designed to be
sort of eclectic (sp?). Plus, holding inventory of too many types of
HW is expensive. Maybe I will add a few more options that mirror the
hinges. I just figured folks could buy there own locally also. I pay
like a buck for the glass jobbies.
When I sell these at the craft fairs (built and distress painted) the
glass knobs are actually a huge pull (no pun intended). I set a bowl
of them out in the sunlight and the kids love them. It lets me lead
into a sales pitch that I can swap out to any color they prefer.
Shipping to the west coast isn't too bad but east coast gets up to
$30+. I can offer free pickup in SF Bay Area.
"SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:0f6c21e4-597c-4bf3-afea-1e3b1b7cbcf1@u25g2000pra.googlegroups.com...
>
>> Looks good and I think it fills a need for utilitarian items for
>> people who do not have a workshop and/or skills.
>
> I have the same belief, just finding these souls is the rub.
My son works occaisionally for a contractor that in his off time builds
planter benches, picnic tables etc. and seems to move quite a few of them
via Craigslist.....if your halfway near a urban area (busy local list) it
could help with sales....Rod
tommyboy wrote:
> On Tue, 4 Jan 2011 09:46:18 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>>
>>I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
>>woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
>>furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
>>kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
>>traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>>
>>You can find my stuff at
>>http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>>
>>You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
>>www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
>
> Make a short video of yourself putting the table together from the kit
> parts. Better yet, have your wife putting the kit together in the
> video. Enclose a cd of the video with each kit sold as a supplement to
> the printed instructions. Link the video in your ebay listing to your
> website. Include the video on your website. Video instructions are
> much more palatable than written instructions.
> Lose the pine and use oak as the display photo on ebay.
I think the pine looks great for a rustic style piece.
I agree with the video idea.
--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA
Blessed are they that run around in
circles, for they shall be known as wheels.
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
> You can find my stuff at
> http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>
> Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
> You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
> offer.
>
> You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
> www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
Looks good and I think it fills a need for utilitarian items for
people who do not have a workshop and/or skills. Beats going the
Walmart recycled sawdust route.
--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA
Blessed are they that run around in
circles, for they shall be known as wheels.
On Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:30:59 -0500, Gerald Ross <[email protected]>
wrote:
>tommyboy wrote:
>> On Tue, 4 Jan 2011 09:46:18 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>>>
>>>I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
>>>woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
>>>furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
>>>kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
>>>traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>>>
>>>You can find my stuff at
>>>http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>>>
>>>You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
>>>www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
>>
>> Make a short video of yourself putting the table together from the kit
>> parts. Better yet, have your wife putting the kit together in the
>> video. Enclose a cd of the video with each kit sold as a supplement to
>> the printed instructions. Link the video in your ebay listing to your
>> website. Include the video on your website. Video instructions are
>> much more palatable than written instructions.
>> Lose the pine and use oak as the display photo on ebay.
>
>I think the pine looks great for a rustic style piece.
>
>I agree with the video idea.
Yeah, with the 4-hour video pared down to fifteen minutes after the
cussing is edited out.
--
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.
-- Victor Borge
On Jan 6, 5:59=A0pm, allen476 <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 6, 1:02=A0pm, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > > At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People=
want
> > > to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
>
> > > eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the rais=
ed
> > > panel?
>
> > > Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house.=
I have
> > > built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it looks =
better
> > > after you set something down on it, once.
>
> > > "Gerald Ross" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> > There is a piture of the cut material all bundled up and you can sort
> > of see the panel has been cut if you look. for some kits I splayed out
> > all the parts for the kit photo but on the cabinets I left them
> > bundled. Maybe I'll splay them out too so you can see all the cut
> > parts.
>
> > I guess I'll have to find my success without your nickle for now.
>
> > Fine furniture kits are on their way but I don't have the capital to
> > invest in the more expensive wood yet and don't want to take on the
> > risk of that debt until I can find a good channel to sell kits, if
> > they will sell at all. I am just now starting some advertising to
> > drive interest, we'll see how that works.
>
> =A0 After doing some thinking, How about.......
>
> 1) Assembling the door. Most people wont have clamps to do this and
> would shy away from doing it.
>
> 2) Combo head pocket screws. That way you could advertise as needing a
> Phillips head screwdriver which most people will have.
>
> 3) Screws instead of nails for the back and the latch block. I know
> pre-drilling the holes would be a pain but the less tools needed for
> assembly, the more attractive it will look for the potential
> customer.
>
> 4) Make any aligning marks on the pieces for assembly. Or maybe
> including 5" gauge blocks with the kit. That would be one way to get
> rid of your scrap as well.
>
> Allen- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Interesting input. Looks like you reviewed the assembkt docs. That's
cool.
I was actually thinking my target audience is guys who are starting
out and buying a kit and a few clamps, etc. is a good starting point.
I'll have to think about that.
From my experience of pocket screws you really want the square driver.
It is really easy to cam out down inside that little hole and you want
a really good grab. I considered just including the square bit. For my
craftsman kits I should easily have enough margin to feel ok about
adding them in for free.
On Jan 4, 12:46=A0pm, "SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
> You can find my stuff athttp://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightsta=
nd-/150540323633?pt=3D...
>
> Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
> You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
> offer.
>
> You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my websitewww.sonomapr=
oducts.comon the product page for each kit.
Those are cute little duffers. The price seems right too. Plus it's
all ~real~ wood. I hope you make out good..
RP
> At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People want
> to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
>
> eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the raised
> panel?
>
> Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house. I have
> built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it looks better
> after you set something down on it, once.
>
> "Gerald Ross" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
There is a piture of the cut material all bundled up and you can sort
of see the panel has been cut if you look. for some kits I splayed out
all the parts for the kit photo but on the cabinets I left them
bundled. Maybe I'll splay them out too so you can see all the cut
parts.
I guess I'll have to find my success without your nickle for now.
Fine furniture kits are on their way but I don't have the capital to
invest in the more expensive wood yet and don't want to take on the
risk of that debt until I can find a good channel to sell kits, if
they will sell at all. I am just now starting some advertising to
drive interest, we'll see how that works.
On Jan 4, 12:46=A0pm, "SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
> You can find my stuff athttp://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightsta=
nd-/150540323633?pt=3D...
>
> Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
> You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
> offer.
>
> You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my websitewww.sonomapr=
oducts.comon the product page for each kit.
You might want to consider a couple of things. One is offering oak
and/or maple as an option on the nightstands with a mark-up according
to what they select. I know that many people have oak as bedroom
furniture. Just have one of each made up for shipping purposes.
Another is maybe cross posting in the furniture section as well.
Otherwise you are decently priced and I might add that you might
want to change your display photo so that it is a good display of the
unit. The knot on the top is a big distraction.
Allen
Josepi wrote:
> At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People
> want to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
Think retail sales. What do you see on the packaging? A picture of the
finished product - not what it looks like in the box. Some assembly
required...
Marketing 101 would probably state that the more effective projection is the
finished product - not the parts which imply... work.
>
> eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the
> raised panel?
The people who would buy this would never think to ask that question. You
have to get into the head of your target audience and away from what you
know from a woodworking perspective.
>
> Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house.
> I have built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it
> looks better after you set something down on it, once.
>
What the market will bear, and what the market dictates. Two inarguable
principles.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On Jan 6, 6:32=A0pm, "SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Yeah, with the 4-hour video pared down to fifteen minutes after the
> > cussing is edited out.
>
> Oh, I see you have built some of my kits. ;^)
>
> Actually, I could probably build one of the cabinets in 15 minutes,
> except for the time it takes the door to rest in the clamps after glue
> up. Of course I could use the Namh method and drop a few brads into
> the joints and get out of the clamps right away.
>
> I cut shallow dados and rabbets to make all the parts lock into
> position, pocket screws and any other quick, easy, foolproof methods
> and they usually go together real easy, excepting for the Pine needing
> a liitle elbow grease now and then when it decides it wants to cup,
> etc.
Skip the brads and glue. Just smash some framing nails in 'er. It'll
be fine....
RP
On 1/5/2011 3:16 AM, SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
> You can find my stuff at
> http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>
> Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
> You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
> offer.
>
> You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
> www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
Certainly much better that the Kmart flat pack crap weetbix wood and
other disguised recycled stuff .
One critisism for me is the glass knobs , when I first opened the Ebay
listing the coloured glass stood out like a sore thumb .
Personally I would go with a wooden knob or an antiqued metal drawer pul
and door handle to match the hinges you offer.
Otherwise it all good and good luck with your venture.
If postage wasn't such an issue I would look at buying some stuff , I
could put a few together and sell them at the local Saturday morning
markets..
--
Kevin (Bluey)
"I'm not young enough to know everything."
[email protected]
On Tue, 4 Jan 2011 09:46:18 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
>I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
>woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
>furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
>kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
>traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
>You can find my stuff at
>http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>
>You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
>www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
Make a short video of yourself putting the table together from the kit
parts. Better yet, have your wife putting the kit together in the
video. Enclose a cd of the video with each kit sold as a supplement to
the printed instructions. Link the video in your ebay listing to your
website. Include the video on your website. Video instructions are
much more palatable than written instructions.
Lose the pine and use oak as the display photo on ebay.
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
...
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic ...
Not a bad-looking stand but...
What strikes me that would put me off of the sample picture posted is
two things (well, one, really, just two incarnations)...
The top w/ the large know on the edge--it'd be ok _in_ the piece, but
I'd have selected material so that it didn't get exposed on the edge
(and the front edge is particularly egregious).
Second, I'd suggest a better job of matching material -- the left and
right verticals in the two front legs are grossly mismatched
material--one is nice, straight grained and nearly clear and white while
the other is heavily grained and dark. It just doesn't match well.
Similarly w/ the door frame rails/stiles--they aren't quite so
drastically mismatched but there's still a discordance between the
various pieces in color.
I'd think the pieces would/could be much more attractive and
eye-catching w/ some attention to those details. You could certainly
use all the same material as you did; just pick and choose better in
assembly and/or in initial layout.
$0.02, imo, etc., etc., etc., ..., of course.
--
dpb wrote:
...
> Not a bad-looking stand but...
...
> The top w/ the large know on the edge--it'd be ok _in_ the piece, but
> I'd have selected material so that it didn't get exposed on the edge
> (and the front edge is particularly egregious).
That should (I guess obviously) have been "knot", not "know"...
...
> I'd think the pieces would/could be much more attractive and
> eye-catching w/ some attention to those details. You could certainly
> use all the same material as you did; just pick and choose better in
> assembly and/or in initial layout.
...
I'll add regarding the above something I learned 40 yr or so ago now
when a young pup trying to earn some extra milk money making stuff on
the side...
Even though a lot of folks aren't knowledgeable enough to tell you what
it is, precisely that keeps them from choosing a piece or picking
another piece instead, those stick in the mental picture and grate even
if don't know why.
Good luck; 'tis (as you already well know) a very competitive bidnus...
--
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
>> $0.02, imo, etc., etc., etc., ..., of course.
>>
>> --
>
> Thanks, all good and valid input.
>
> I never really thought about it for these pieces because I
> (personally) paint these units or do a darker stain of sorts.
> Regarding the knots, this is why I like pine. When I am processing the
> parts my only consideration of knts is if they will create a
> structural problem. If a piece that isn't too wide for example has a
> transverse knot that spans the whole piece, I'll discard it for a
> better piece. Also, since I don't spend any time weeding out the
> location of knots I wanted to be sure I didn't misrepresent the kits
> in the images.
I've nothing against the knots in pine in general; only in the one demo
piece with the one specifically located as it is. That, to me, is a
real distraction in that particular piece.
As for the time on weeding and/or selection, the remaining question is
whether you want them to sell or not... :) (See my followup on some
observations from my early career)
If you're adamant that you're not going to take any more time 'cuz don't
think it would pay, I'd at least present a finished product picture or
two as well as the unfinished you have presently. That _might_
counteract the reaction I discuss earlier. The problem w/ stuff like
this is just like meeting folks or interviewing--you only have one time
to make a first impression on a potential client.
--
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
>> If you're adamant that you're not going to take any more time 'cuz don't
>> think it would pay, I'd at least present a finished product picture or
>> two as well as the unfinished you have presently.
>
> Well... I meant to add pictures of finished pieces to the ebay listing
> but somehow forgot. I'll probaby update that tonight.
>
> If the ebay visitor goes into my website to see the pdf's of assembly
> docs, the additional pics are there and I can see that the ebay
> postings are generating traffic to my product pages with the pine
> kits.
>
> I really appreciate the input. I'm not saying I won't adjust my
> methods, I was just describing my current approach.
Yeah, I'd think to do that rather than count on a click-thru would be
more effective. I'd expect most people to make the decision basic
decision on that first glance, not later and the more you can keep
looking longer, the better chance to close a sale.
The other thing I (_very_ painfully) learned in that time frame relates
to another comment you made about liking pine and how you use it in the
pieces. That object lesson was it doesn't matter what _you/I_ like or
want to build; it's all about what somebody will spend their money for.
That hard realization eventually led me to leave the furniture-building
enterprise behind and go into the architectural woodwork and such that
came with the refurbishing of ante- and shortly after post-bellum homes
in Lynchburg instead. There I could either restore the original or make
something that was period that I liked if the original had been too
badly destroyed in the intervening years and didn't have to rely on the
eventual homebuyer to select it ahead of time.
Again, good luck with it...
--
On Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:19:04 -0800, SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> better link http://shop.ebay.com/sonomaproducts/m.html
Good value for the price. In fact I have to wonder if you're
undervaluing your time.
Out of curiosity, how did you find the experience of setting up to sell
on Ebay? Did they force you to use PayPal or was that your choice?
--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
"SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
> I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
> woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
> furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
> kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
> traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
> You can find my stuff at
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>
> Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
> You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
> offer.
>
> You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
> www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
I agree with the comments you've received so far.
However, if you want to get a better response then you should target a broader
customer base. ie. anyone who has some familiarity with common
handyman tools.
Take a look at the text. The way it is I think you are scaring off many
potential customers who have little or no WW skills. Phrases like:
"woodworking experience for the novice and expert", "not IKEA type
furniture that just require some minimal assembly", and "projects requiring
mechanical skill" don't make the average person feel comfortable about
tackling this project. The WW terms, like cope and stick, also don't
inspire confidence in non WWers.
Instead promote the easy assembly, foolproof drawings and instructions,
no special skills needed, etc. Just don't go overboard and guarantee
success - imply it, but never state it. Unless you really want to -
don't imply any "assistance" beyond the included instructions or you
may find yourself spending long hours at the keyboard or on the phone.
And never, never mention a competitors name. They can afford more
lawyers than you can.
I took the liberty of revising your text on the nightstand page. Feel
free to use it, change it, or completely ignore it.
I wish you the best of luck with this endeavor.
Art
Engineer & marketer by profession.
WWer by hobby
***********************
Petaluma Farmhouse Series
Furniture Kits
About Our Kits
Sonoma Products Company is proud of our furniture kit offerings. Our kits provide a
great experience for people of all ages. If you want to build heirloom quality
furniture and furnishings but don't have access to a complete woodworking shop, we
have just the products you need to fulfill your dreams.
These kits are high quality alternatives to imported particle board or pressboard
"assemble it yourself" junk. These are made of solid wood that was grown, harvested
and machined in the USA. They do require some minimal skills like gluing, clamping,
drilling, driving screws, etc. We have taken the raw lumber and performed all the
complex milling operations that are just not possible in the typical handyman's
garage. With each kit we provide complete and detailed, step-by-step instructions,
and all of the required hardware for foolproof construction. You can see the
instruction PDFs on our website at sonomaproducts.com.
About the Petaluma Farmhouse Series
Our Petaluma Farmhouse Series is based on furniture found in old farmhouses in and
around the quaint town of Petaluma CA, which sits to the west of the main wine
growing region of Sonoma Valley. The rolling hills surrounding the town are home to
egg and dairy farms dating back to the Gold Rush era.
About this Kit
The Petaluma Farmhouse Nightstand is a simple piece that evokes that nostalgic feel
of farmhouse furnishings. It can be finished in a variety of ways to suit your
decorating tastes. You can use a distressed paint method, crackle paint, milk paint,
or even natural wood finishes. It features one adjustable shelf, an optional drawer
(see separate eBay listing); a raised panel door with an antique style glass knob in
a color of your choice, and a choice of various hinges. The size of this unit is H =
30", W = 21", D = 13".
You have two options that you must define when ordering.
* Select a knob color from the available antique glass knob options
* Select a hinge type from the listed options
In addition, the construction of this unit utilizes pocket screws(included). These
screws require a #2 square drive bit or screw driver. We can provide a 4" #2 square
driver bit for an additional $2.00.
Finally, (and unfortunately) all deliveries to California addresses must include an
additional 9.75% tax in addition to the product price (not including shipping)
"SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:31514d10-6763-4cf9-8579-f668c2a8670f@o11g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> If you're adamant that you're not going to take any more time 'cuz don't
> think it would pay, I'd at least present a finished product picture or
> two as well as the unfinished you have presently.
Well... I meant to add pictures of finished pieces to the ebay listing
but somehow forgot. I'll probaby update that tonight.
If the ebay visitor goes into my website to see the pdf's of assembly
docs, the additional pics are there and I can see that the ebay
postings are generating traffic to my product pages with the pine
kits.
I really appreciate the input. I'm not saying I won't adjust my
methods, I was just describing my current approach.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's what you are up against: http://www.stantonfurniture.com/ This stuff
is USA made and the unfinished, alder, three drawer, shaker nightstand gets
loaded into my truck for $110.00. I imagine every metro area in the country
has at least one of these outfits..
Best of luck, but e-bay does not seem a good place to sell furniture.
--
"He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy! "
Brian's Mum
On Thu, 6 Jan 2011 17:59:06 -0800 (PST), allen476 <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On Jan 6, 1:02 pm, [email protected] wrote:
>> > At least a picture of what the kits come with should be shown. People want
>> > to look at the parts and think, "I could do that"
>>
>> > eg. Do I need a panel raising bit and a shaper table to make the raised
>> > panel?
>>
>> > Lose the pine. I wouldn't give you a nickle to have this in my house. I have
>> > built furniture from pine and oak is cheaper in the end and it looks better
>> > after you set something down on it, once.
>>
>> > "Gerald Ross" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> There is a piture of the cut material all bundled up and you can sort
>> of see the panel has been cut if you look. for some kits I splayed out
>> all the parts for the kit photo but on the cabinets I left them
>> bundled. Maybe I'll splay them out too so you can see all the cut
>> parts.
>>
>> I guess I'll have to find my success without your nickle for now.
>>
>> Fine furniture kits are on their way but I don't have the capital to
>> invest in the more expensive wood yet and don't want to take on the
>> risk of that debt until I can find a good channel to sell kits, if
>> they will sell at all. I am just now starting some advertising to
>> drive interest, we'll see how that works.
>
>
> After doing some thinking, How about.......
>
>1) Assembling the door. Most people wont have clamps to do this and
>would shy away from doing it.
He could add an optional clamp kit. Buying cases of HF clamps on sale
would be cheap and easy.
--
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.
-- Victor Borge
On Fri, 7 Jan 2011 09:16:22 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> He could add an optional clamp kit. Buying cases of HF clamps on sale
>> would be cheap and easy.
>
>I like how you think. Great idea. Sell more to your existing
>customers, the first plcae to exapnd your business. Thanks for the
>idea.
UPSALE is where it's at, dude. Your foot is already in the door so
just keep selling them upgrades. Find a source for inexpensive tools
and add them to your lineup. Ditto finishes, and make a profit on
each and every one of them.
--
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.
-- Victor Borge
On Tue, 4 Jan 2011 09:46:18 -0800 (PST), "SonomaProducts.com"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Excuse the advertisement but I think some people may be interested.
>
>I have (slowly) been working on starting a side business offering
>woodworking kits. I really want to be offering Craftsman style
>furnishings but for a starter I am offering some rustic Pine type
>kits. I have posted my first run on eBay but I am not geeting so much
>traffic so I I am posting here to try and generate some interest.
>
>You can find my stuff at
>http://cgi.ebay.com/Woodworking-Kit-Pine-Nightstand-/150540323633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ce70b31
>
>Or just search on eaby for 150540323633
>
>You can look at sellers other items to see all the various kits I
>offer.
>
>You can see a pdf of the assembly documentation on my website
>www.sonomaproducts.com on the product page for each kit.
What about your other kits? Are you selling them yet? The Jack London tables
are awesome. They would be a perfect fit for our house.
On 1/5/2011 10:39 AM, SonomaProducts.com wrote:
>> One critisism for me is the glass knobs , when I first opened the Ebay
>> listing the coloured glass stood out like a sore thumb .
>
> Thanks for the comments Kevin, very good idea. Yeah, I usually do
> match hinge and knob on my own stuff but these were designed to be
> sort of eclectic (sp?). Plus, holding inventory of too many types of
> HW is expensive. Maybe I will add a few more options that mirror the
> hinges. I just figured folks could buy there own locally also. I pay
> like a buck for the glass jobbies.
>
> When I sell these at the craft fairs (built and distress painted) the
> glass knobs are actually a huge pull (no pun intended). I set a bowl
> of them out in the sunlight and the kids love them. It lets me lead
> into a sales pitch that I can swap out to any color they prefer.
>
> Shipping to the west coast isn't too bad but east coast gets up to
> $30+. I can offer free pickup in SF Bay Area.
Im in Australia ,so the shipping would be deadly , plus the quarantine
delays and possibly costs because of the timber content of the shipment.
--
Kevin (Bluey)
"I'm not young enough to know everything."
[email protected]