Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-4, страница 12

THE ROUTER

FINALLY! a comprehensive book on the router

Lit woodworker. Bob Roaandah! ihow you how to uis • router lo turn tin* wood Into beautiful projects.

This book contains many project ideas Learn how the construction industry uses routers lo save time on dlftlcull operations Bob discusses router features salary, uses, set ups, cutters, jigs. products, and maintenance To make it easy for you. the author Includes over 200 original drawings and photos, with step by step instructions. Free brochure on rouler Jigs and fixtures with book purchase

Book Price ■ $10.95 U.S. ppd. available at: Oak Park Enterprises Ltd.

dept.G. box 13. stn.A Wlnnlpec. Manitoba R3K 1Z9

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CONTAGIOUS

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Workshop Income

Retailers Answer The Question "What Sells Best?"

Whether you are a weekend hobby-woodcrafter selling to local stores, or a full-time, professional woodworker managing a serious commercial enterprise, the bottom line when measuring success is sales. Indeed, the foundation of most any profitable business is a product that meets a need, and therefore sells well. The sale of both handcrafted one-of-a-kind wooden artifacts and limited production-run items is certainly no exception to this rule.

The key question then, for many woodworkers, is exactly what to make. In an effort to answer that question, The Woodworker's Jouma/conducted what amounted to a mini-poll, asking retail outlets around the country, "What types of wooden things crafted by American woodworkers sell best?" The results of our inquiries, though perhaps not startling, do contain a few surprises in addition to some practical information for the woodworker interested in selling his craft.

As an overall guideline, Gordy Thomas of The Arti-factory in Hanover, New Hampshire, offered this suggestion: "Quality and value are the two most important considerations for the buyer." Additionally, Mr. Thomas noted that "people prefer utilitarian, as opposed to purely decorative pieces." Function is a strong selling point, and Mr. Thomas explained that a jewelry box, for instance, should be designed to hold rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc., with adequate space for each type of ornament. "The intensity of design is secondary." Mr. Thomas reported that wooden kitchen utensils, including trays and bowls, were all popular. Like many other retailers he indicated steady sales for all sizes of chopping blocks, "because they make ideal gifts, and age gracefully." Of particular interest was Mr. Thomas' opinion on design, a theme echoed by almost all the retailers surveyed: "People who purchase wood like to see the wood. Don't cover it up with gaudy hardware."

At Old Bedford Village in Bedford, Pennsylvania, Audra Javits also reported brisk sales of wooden kitchen utensils, especially spaghetti measures, french tasting spoons, and oven hooks. Ms. Javits pointed out that clientele is an important factor relative to the success of a given product. Hickory rockers crafted by a local furniture maker sold well because individuals visiting the village appreciate colonial design and hand-crafted construction.

Louise Bell of Guild Crafts in Ashville. North Carolina, noted that cutting boards, bread racks, and casserole holders sold consistently well, along with traditional wooden toys and log trucks. Ms. Bell also mentioned that bookends were usually in demand.

At The Country Store in Mentor, Ohio, Robin Schwed pointed out that toys with moveable parts were particularly popular. Airplanes with both wheels and propellers that moved sold better than airplanes with only moving wheels, for instance. Ms. Schwed also revealed that doll cradles are selling briskly, perhaps in response to the "Cabbage-Patch" doll cra/p