Do homemade wooden crafts really sell?

[Melly]

Just curious if anyone has ever worked with home made crafts making or selling? My brother is really good at making things such as rocking chairs, porch swings, children s table n chair sets, and a variety of other things like miniature doll furniture.

Anyways what I am getting at he has always done this as a hobby selling a few here and there but never thought much of it. Lately his interest is grown in building to sell and was wondering if I did a website for him and helped him to advertise online if it would be worth it.

Haven't had time to do much research but curious on your thoughts about it. Thanks

 

[DC20]

Yes. A friend always loved woodwork as a hobby. When he retired, he started selling a few small pieces on EBay. Last I knew, he was selling all he could make and it was almost a full time job. Money, I don't know, but aside from the friend I would think yes....hand crafted quality things are increasingly hard to come by (or anything not made in China). Don't know how to market it, but if he's good I'd go for it.

...$0.02

 

[south]

Quality sells: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=amish furniture&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wf

 

[Melly]

Thanks guys. He is really good the next stuff he makes I will take pics and post them.

 

[Raider]

If your an unknown selling furniture online, I think it's very hard to make it. The ones who are most successful have already established their name building high quality or high end custom furniture.

Other successful retailers include furniture from China, which everyone knows is crap, But for the price and free shipping, consumers buy it. Very hard for anyone to compete with products like these and make a profit.

What I suggest your Brother do is, find a niche. If he's good at making miniature doll houses, build a web site showcasing his best doll houses. I know some people who make products out of exotic hardwoods, such as jewelry boxes, chessboards etc... Some even turn it into an Art, we bought this one Sail boat made from over 6 different hardwoods and we paid over $275 for it, beautiful piece.

What he really needs to work on is getting his name out there in order to make it successful.

Whatever he decides, I wish him all the luck.

 

[BidNo]

And factor logistics into product decisions; hard to sell $199 items when shipping is an extra $100.