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When to ‘turn’ pro or start having the hobby pay for itself?

Aaron Cheateaux

Aaron Cheateaux

Joined
Jan 17, 2020
Messages
119
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97
Location
Steilacoom, WA
I have limited ambition to make money woodturning, and enjoy just cranking out bowls, refining technique and finishes, etc. I’m reaching the point where I can’t give bowls away fast enough. I was wondering how other members made the decision to actually start selling stuff, and how you went about doing it? I have a few questions:

How long had you been turning before you started selling?
What venues have you used and found most successful?
Did you turn stuff to sell, or sell stuff you enjoyed turning?
Did you end up spending valuable turning time selling stuff instead? Was it worth it.

I’m sure everyone has a separate journey. Thanks for any input.
 
I’m starting to have the same problem but am realizing that when you start selling it takes time away from creating. If you see the selling as part of the craft it is justified, but this is simply a personal choice. Mark’s suggestion of donation is worth considering. Or maybe you could create a Little Bowl Library like you see for books in neighborhoods. I’m starting to think of extra bowls as raw material for experimenting with decorating or making deconstructed bowls. There is also a perverse satisfaction of burning one in the wood stove occasionally-keeps you from getting too attached to everything coming out of the shop.
 
After we moved to Annapolis, MD. Got our first lathe in 1975. Started turning about every weekend in 1988

1990 We gave pens as gifts to people who invited us for dinner. Wood pens were rare then.
A few weeks after beginning this practice I got calls asking me to make them a pen - I’ll pay you for it.
This began a huge business of 2-3 pens a month.

Same deal with hollow ball ornaments in 1991.

1992 joined AAW - craft supplies included an application with an order and my wife sent it in as a surprise.

1993 turning life began changing rapidly - got invited to join Chesapeake woodturners (CWA) by the President who saw my name in the AAW directory. Brought a couple ornament to show& tell, 6 months later CWA asked me to demo ornaments. I tookclasses CWA ran with Liam O’Neil 1994 and David Ellsworth 1995.

Fall 1995 CWA had a booth in the Annapolis arts festival 4-5 club members participated. Made my first HF sale to a lady from New York. But better that that a small gallery own asked to carry our work.

I had an advantage early on - no one else was turning pens, ornaments or hollow forms in Maryland
Word of mouth People saw my work a wanted to have one.
 
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Brian Nowak-Thompson said:
I’m starting to have the same problem but am realizing that when you start selling it takes time away from creating. If you see the selling as part of the craft it is justified, but this is simply a personal choice. Mark’s suggestion of donation is worth considering. Or maybe you could create a Little Bowl Library like you see for books in neighborhoods. I’m starting to think of extra bowls as raw material for experimenting with decorating or making deconstructed bowls. There is also a perverse satisfaction of burning one in the wood stove occasionally-keeps you from getting too attached to everything coming out of the shop.
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Yet another reason to put a wood stove in the garage.
 
Mark Jundanian said:
As an alternative to selling, you might consider donating your bowls to a charity organization. Empty Bowls comes to mind, or it could be local community organization with a thrift shop or annual bazar. Less profitable, but less work/worry/aggravation and there may be a tax deduction.
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That’s a fantastic idea. We donate to animal shelters regularly and I think one of them runs a store front to help offset costs.

Interested in tax write off implications. That’s a new realm for me. Is there an ‘Idiots Guide to Getting Your Lathe Upgrade Paid For’ using tax shelters? Someone should jump on that.
 
I can tell you a few things you might want to consider that I DON'T like about selling first. I don't like the craft fair or art festival method, paying for booth space, buying, storing, setting up and taking down an easy up shelter along with tables etc, watching the weather and wondering when to scramble to protect it all, and then doing it all in reverse. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't do well at 'talking the talk' and don't like like dealing with buyers that are trying to make a deal. I don't like selling online, especially packing, boxing, trying to out guess what the shipping costs will be and dealing with the post office or other shippers. As for what I've found works best for me, I'm fortunate to have a local community art center with a small gallery that sells my work for a 35% commission. I take work to them quarterly and they pay me quarterly with no hassles. They participate in first friday art strolls and other events that promote local art and attract people every day, they're open 6 days a week rain or shine. All I have to do is put price tags on my pieces and provide them with an inventory sheet. And my wife actually does most of that for me. I've been very successful selling work through them and feel that the 35% commission is a bargain for someone that very greatly prefers making over selling.
 
Curt Fuller said:
I can tell you a few things you might want to consider that I DON'T like about selling first. I don't like the craft fair or art festival method, paying for booth space, buying, storing, setting up and taking down an easy up shelter along with tables etc, watching the weather and wondering when to scramble to protect it all, and then doing it all in reverse. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't do well at 'talking the talk' and don't like like dealing with buyers that are trying to make a deal. I don't like selling online, especially packing, boxing, trying to out guess what the shipping costs will be and dealing with the post office or other shippers. As for what I've found works best for me, I'm fortunate to have a local community art center with a small gallery that sells my work for a 35% commission. I take work to them quarterly and they pay me quarterly with no hassles. They participate in first friday art strolls and other events that promote local art and attract people every day, they're open 6 days a week rain or shine. All I have to do is put price tags on my pieces and provide them with an inventory sheet. And my wife actually does most of that for me. I've been very successful selling work through them and feel that the 35% commission is a bargain for someone that very greatly prefers making over selling.
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That sounds like exactly what I need. Focus on making stuff, let someone else handle the dirty work.
 
I started selling stuff when there were no more surfaces in the house to put it on (and every friend and relative had enough). I still only turn what I want, and if it sells then fine. Anything my wife or I really like we can just keep, until it gets old and something else takes its place. I am not trying to make a salary or anything like that, but for the last couple years I have been able to pay for the hobby (tools etc) from sales (plus a few demos).

Our first craft fair (about 5 years ago) was organized by a charity we support - the table fee went to their projects. So we looked at as a donation of the fee and our time - selling anything was a bonus. So low expectations to get our feet wet. It went well so we started doing a few more.

Since then, I've done between 2 and 4 events each summer. Mostly I prefer indoors (easier to setup, less weather issues), and one-day events (vs. burning a whole weekend). I did do some outdoor markets last summer that were pretty good. I am fortunate to live in a tourist area with art/craft/etc events almost every weekend in the summer, so there is plenty to chose from and don't have to travel.

Start attending art/craft shows in your area. Talk to a couple vendors. Get the feel for a venue before deciding. Also remember there's other investment to consider. You probably need some tables (some shows provide them, some don't). And table cloths. Bins or boxes for transport. And maybe make some display stands. Stuff like that. But you can start slow with a simple display and improve a little bit each time. Also, collecting (and sending in) sales tax is a necessary PITA. A shop or gallery will take care of most of that for you, though.

I did have my work in a local shop a few years ago, and that was ok for a while but didn't work out for me. The one thing that was great about that experience was getting feedback from the shop owner about my pricing. I did learn that you need the right relationship with the owner to keep it going. You both have to agree on whether you are turning products or just supplying what you have, and there needs to be good communication about stock and re-stocking and what's selling and not... etc. Don't be surprised if they want a 50/50 split on the price. It's probably worth it in the right shop or gallery (employees, displays, advertising, sales tax collection, etc).
 
How long had you been turning before you started selling?
- About 30 years of light hobby turning and 5 years of more or less full-time turning, before beginning to sell seriously.
What venues have you used and found most successful?
- Etsy & other online sales facilitators, personal website, FaceBook and retail consignment shops within a 100 mile radius
Did you turn stuff to sell, or sell stuff you enjoyed turning?
- I decided fairly early on that I did not want to fund the "hobby" with our retirement money...it needed to pay for itself
Did you end up spending valuable turning time selling stuff instead? Was it worth it.
- Not really an issue for me. About 50% of my sales are things I turn for pleasure. The other 50% are special orders from collectors...mostly return business.
 
I've been turning for 35 years. I tried selling after about 15 years of practice. The ONLY way I made good money selling is cremation urns, heirloom turning and then being introduced to a patron. All other ways are iffy at best unless you live in a high tourist traffic area. Etsy has thousands of sellers. Facebook lets you sell to your distant families. I've done a holiday show at a nature center for almost 20 years. I've sold as much as $2,000 in the month long sale, and as little as $500. This year the most expensive piece sold was $55. Sold over 3 dozen ornaments at $20 each. Heritage turning can be very profitable from big families. If one of the family has an attachment to a family home tree, and the last parent dies, they could easily buy 10 bowls made from that tree to give to family. Another venture I tried was a First Friday open Studio night tour. It was new in our city and had a great attendance. I sold at least 50 necklaces in a few months at $25 each and then that dried up. BUT, that was where I was introduced to a wealthy patron. He bought enough 18" diameter salad bowls to pay for my Oneway2436. That dried up, as well as the event.
 
Curt Fuller said:
I can tell you a few things you might want to consider that I DON'T like about selling first. I don't like the craft fair or art festival method, paying for booth space, buying, storing, setting up and taking down an easy up shelter along with tables etc, watching the weather and wondering when to scramble to protect it all, and then doing it all in reverse. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't do well at 'talking the talk' and don't like like dealing with buyers that are trying to make a deal. I don't like selling online, especially packing, boxing, trying to out guess what the shipping costs will be and dealing with the post office or other shippers. As for what I've found works best for me, I'm fortunate to have a local community art center with a small gallery that sells my work for a 35% commission. I take work to them quarterly and they pay me quarterly with no hassles. They participate in first friday art strolls and other events that promote local art and attract people every day, they're open 6 days a week rain or shine. All I have to do is put price tags on my pieces and provide them with an inventory sheet. And my wife actually does most of that for me. I've been very successful selling work through them and feel that the 35% commission is a bargain for someone that very greatly prefers making over selling.
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Dang. I could have wrote exactly this myself- Prety much the same thing here.
 
The thing that has worked best for me is to turn what is not often seen, but aggressively collected by a lot of people. In my case, it's toy yo-yos, finger and throw-tops. There's a metal lathe worker (manual, not CNC) I follow on Facebook who just sold one of his finger tops on a FB seven hour auction for $1,600...example of a very heavy duty collector base meeting up with a truly unique and talented artist:
270209285_10158254633536044_3645516647112911471_n.jpg
 
I've tried making money with hobbies a few times in the past, and for me, it seemed to suck the enjoyment out of what I was doing and I wound up losing interest in doing it. I'm kinda introverted too, so I'm not good at dealing with potential customers. If it's good enough to avoid the burn pile, I give away everything I make that my wife doesn't claim, with the instructions that the recipient is free to do whatever they want with it, whether they keep it, use it for kindling, give it to someone they don't like, whatever, but if they sell it, I expect 50% of the profits. The people who seem to genuinely like what I make usually get offered more, and my relatives don't seem to be avoiding me any more than usual, so I made several Christmas gifts this year. I may eventually start selling stuff if I think it's good enough, but I'd prefer to donate my stuff to charities if they can use or sell it.
 
Another thought I had for deciding to go pro is pay attention to what all the big name pro turners we see at symposiums do to make a living . See what has become of their sales market. I think you will find that it takes signature tool sales, and sales of themselves in demos and on-line instructions to make a living. I've only dipped my toe into the pro market, but at my only single show, a major collector in our area told me that was the last piece he was buying. He only bought it as I made furniture in his home and he did the orthodontic work on our daughter. He died around 2 years latter. Luckily for his wife, their collection was accepted by a college. Numbers of wood art collectors is dropping dramatically as are all the baby boomers.
 
Not pro, but I too have hit the point where I generate more than I can gift. I got my first lathe in the early ‘90’s and immediately started making coasters and bowls etc for Christmas gifts. Late 90s and early ‘00s the lathe mostly gathered dust as home projects and needs , and kids, occupied my time.

About 2004 upgraded to a PM3520 and started making more gifts again. Last few years I’ve been careful to tell relatives and friends that they shouldn’t feel obligated to keep all the stuff I give them :)

After retiring in Jan2014 we split our time between RVing and home where I’ve spent more time turning, and in 2020 Covid caused me to generate hundreds of bowls etc.

I don’t want to turn my hobby into work but need to reduce inventory, so in the last couple years I’ve held a few events in my garage for neighbors where all sales have gone to local food shelf, or to a hospice that cared for my mother. Last spring I found a local artisans shop that sells my stuff for 18% commission and sents the rest to our local food shelf, much easier than hosting an event in my garage.

I mostly just make what I enjoy, then either keep it (our house is full), gift it (family and friends get more than they may want), or put it at artisans shop (still have scores in my garage inventory too). The artisan shop has generated a few commission pieces too. Best of all worlds for me: I get to play and don’t feel obligated to do something, and charities have benefited about $1.5-2K annually for the last couple years, hope to do that for many more.
 
Ric Williams said:
I've tried making money with hobbies a few times in the past, and for me, it seemed to suck the enjoyment out of what I was doing and I wound up losing interest in doing it. I'm kinda introverted too, so I'm not good at dealing with potential customers. If it's good enough to avoid the burn pile, I give away everything I make that my wife doesn't claim, with the instructions that the recipient is free to do whatever they want with it, whether they keep it, use it for kindling, give it to someone they don't like, whatever, but if they sell it, I expect 50% of the profits. The people who seem to genuinely like what I make usually get offered more, and my relatives don't seem to be avoiding me any more than usual, so I made several Christmas gifts this year. I may eventually start selling stuff if I think it's good enough, but I'd prefer to donate my stuff to charities if they can use or sell it.
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I agree with Ric.

I will add this: consider one of the niches in woodturning. I got Into ornamental turning for that very reason. I really enjoy the planning and meditative, slow work needed to produce fine pieces. I also enjoy how I sometimes have to make new tools or parts to get the desired piece.

Rich
 
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You will never know what it is like until you try it yourself. I have never found myself having a problem with folks visiting the booth and I enjoy schmoozing with them:) It helps to know your crowd and have value across the board. I always have a bowl of tops for the kids (and you will be surprised how many 50 year old and up kids there are ;)). I do a few a year and have been doing one at a High School for about the last 15 years which lasts only 6 hours. We set up in 15 minutes and break down and packed in 15 minutes and I'll take home $500+. I gave up trying to figure what will sell every year, take a variety and enjoy your sales.
 
Aaron Cheateaux said:
That’s a fantastic idea. We donate to animal shelters regularly and I think one of them runs a store front to help offset costs.

Interested in tax write off implications. That’s a new realm for me. Is there an ‘Idiots Guide to Getting Your Lathe Upgrade Paid For’ using tax shelters? Someone should jump on that.
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That’s exactly what you can do. Open a small woodturning company, all tools, wood is a write off. Even tax exemptions on wood bought until you resell it. If you don’t resell, the wood is a write off if it’s never sold, damaged or screwed up on lathe. It’s just inventory! You can even write gas and such off driving to courses or woodturning stores!
 
Well, I started my wood shop in 93 or so. I was already at the local Saturday Market selling custom footbags (Hacky Sacks) and juggle balls, so adding some boxes was easy. A couple of years later I sold a big cherry dresser and decided I needed a new toy for the shop. Talked to another turner, and he had a lathe he was going to put in the paper the next day. That started it. I pretty much considered myself 'semi pro' which means I supported my hobby, paid some bills, but didn't make a living off of it. After a year of making stuff on the lathe, and having utility bowls sell well, I stepped up to a 3520A. It paid for itself 3 times the first year I had it, which means it paid for all the accessories I needed for bowl making. The furniture making dropped off because it was far easier to sell the bowls.

The arts and craft shows are another art to master. Which ones to do, and which ones to avoid. I am not good with starting conversations, but get me started on turning and I can go on, and on, and on.... It kind of forced me to be more social. I didn't mind the weather element because I can tell the weather better than the weather men, I just got used to different conditions. Oh, shows can be good wood sources as well.... Some do well at galleries, some don't. I never liked selling on line because so many people need to pick the bowl up and 'feel' it. It does take time, but you don't have to pay commission, just booth fees....

I still have one show I do, and will for as long as I am physically able. It is the Oregon Country Fair, where you build a permanent booth, and camp in the booth. Excellent food, entertainment, and best place ever to people watch. It is also the most profitable show I have ever done. Even in my younger days, I was exhausted for a week after the show. That continues even though I gave up 'partying' 30+ years ago.

robo hippy
 
One way to turn pro is restoration turning of furniture parts. The creativity is figuring how to reproduce difficult pieces.

Find local shops that refinish and/or restore valuable furniture. They will occasionally need a part made. Or a few balusters for railings are a common need. High end millwork shops are a good source of work too.

Typical shop rates will be in the $75 to $100 per hour range in my area. The cost to the customer is usually not the issue, their issue is finding somebody to do the work.

You can setup as a small business and deduct expenses (materials, tools, space, electricity, heating, etc). Report income and expenses on a Schedule C tax form. You might get by without business registration with local entities (city, county, state) the IRS is the one that matters. Just be careful not to constantly take business losses which can trigger audits.
 
Started selling about 5 years ago mainly at the Ag Museum where the club meets. They have events and we can sell and no fees charged. We are just another draw. Bowls do not sell hardly at all around here . You kinda have to find a niche . Small items do better. This year I sold over 200 snap tops. There are kitchen items , some kits and some all wood that do moderate. Christmas ornaments are also a good item . This year my sales have been more than the last two years put together. The whole thing to me is just finding a comfortable spot and see what sells.
 
Aaron Cheateaux said:
I have limited ambition to make money woodturning
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Soooooooooooo, Aaron.....what is the definition of "pro"?

Is it simply the act of selling your work?

If that is the bar, then I'd qualify for being a "pro".....but I'm a dismal failure if the standard is making any money at it. If I even pay for all my expenses, I'd be surprised. On top of that, I'd be surprised if I made $5 bucks an hour for the time I have invested. If money is what separates the difference between success and failure.....then, I am the latter!

For me, there are things in this life that are far more valuable than money, and pursuing something to a degree that results in personal satisfaction, is something I consider one of life's more important goals.

In a few days, I'll have been pursuing this crazy dream of mine for four decades, and there have been many moments of frustration and despair, just like every other newbie trying to make bowls.....but, never has the determination been as strong in me, than it is right now! Nothing beats having a few stepping stones of gained knowledge behind you......but, you know.....those stones that are behind you, just shine a light on the many stepping stones you didn't know were there! :)

-----odie-----
 
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Well, Aaron, I'm with Odie - it depends on your definition of going Pro. to me, a Pro would be someone that makes their entire living at it, in business (and possibly even with employees) whose profits pay their entire annual salary and primary income source. I've been back into turning (and flatwork) for just over a year now, this past year my first at selling (Farmer's Markets, Bazaars, and local artisan center) but no where near to being profitable, much less making a living at it. On the other hand, in just the short year I've been doing this, I do seem to have somewhat of a market to make it into a "sideline" business which might make enough to cover expenses (and maybe even turn a small profit) so I do plan on taking some steps to "formalize" it as a business, as opposed to a hobby. (as a business, I can deduct expenses including partial utilities, shop heat etc that would otherwise not be deductible against the income of a hobby) Just the basic steps, and keep detailed, meticulous books (trust me, sooner or later SOME government entity is going to want to audit you - whether it be income tax or sales tax or some other thing but you need to have every penny fully documented - gummint folks just love paper, dont they?) I'd call it Semi-Pro (maybe can further break it down similar to minor leagues - Class A, AA and Triple A before they step up to the majors)

Myself I make what I enjoy , whatever strikes my fancy , and I have found that what sells great for other folks (Read: Youtubers with their "5 simple projects that sell!". yeah, right.) may not sell so well for you.. so, make what you like, make what interests you - and see how the markets treat you (local farmer's market? VFD craft shows? other little rural vendor fairs? most might only run for a few hours out of a single day like all the ones I've been to - 9 AM to Noon or 12:30 to 4:30 , 9 AM to 2, etc etc. most of those smaller venues have relatively cheap booth fees, if any, and if it is like a regular weekly farmer's market you may find some friendships forming with the other vendors as well - I've been asked to be sure and return to both of our local farmer's markets in the spring - one's weekly, one's once a month) You may find some items you like or enjoy might be enormously popular , and others might be "limited interest" and be prepared to say "No" (I will turn down any projects that are bigger than I could easily lift and carry into a car, so no cabinetwork, furniture, etc for me, much as I might also enjoy it, my back won't let me) For me, it has been worth it to go to the markets (probably paid for maybe a quarter of my tool investment last year) However I don't think I'll ever do "Pro" level business - that'd be way too much time and effort for me, and definitely would kill any enjoyment I have in woodworking.
 
Aaron, well I guess my wife and I are the exception in this group of responses. We have been doing shows for just over 10 years. This year we did 15 art festivals (from April thru November). We started out doing craft fairs and school shows but found that people attending those events were not willing to spend more than $25 for an item. Thus, we currently only do art festivals or art fairs. We both enjoy doing the shows and talking to people about our turnings and getting to know them. In addition, we have developed some good friendships with other artists that we have meet doing the festivals. We have been fortunate enough to have several patrons that have become collectors of our work. It takes us about 4 hours to set everything up and then about two hours to tear things down and load everything up. We do not do one-day shows because of the time required for setup and tear down. From a tax perspective our business has allowed us to purchase an American Beauty, a cyclone dust collection system, wood, and tools. All of our travel expenses are also tax deductible. This year we did three shows in Colorado (three different weekends) and spent the time between the shows hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park, all written off as a business expense. In addition my wife is an employee of our business and the business pays for various insurance policies.
One thing that you need to know is that we are both retired from other professions and that the money we make from our business is not necessary to pay bills.
 
Steve Doerr said:
One thing that you need to know is that we are both retired from other professions and that the money we make from our business is not necessary to pay bills.
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I’m in a similar situation where I’ll retire from the Army in a couple of years unless I opt to stick around. Looking at options, but having a soft landing that pays the bills is nice.
 
I have only had a wood lathe for a year and a half but took to it like I'd been turning my whole life. I attribute that to having a background in sculpture, and art in general. Started selling my work almost immediately with the most expensive bowl bringing $175 it was a segmented bowl about 14" by 6". Word of mouth has brought me a steady flow of sales even if it's only a few a month. I average about 85 bucks for a bowl, $100 on a hollow form. I was recently offered a very small store front in a high traffic area to use as dedicated gallery space, and demo shop. I am self employed (I get paid to cut the trees, and take the wood I turn) so it would be a good way to fill the gaps between gigs.
 
I am curiou: if one did not mind the online selling experience, does anything actually SELL any turnings online?

I started a boutique soap company a few years back and did the whole craft show thing. I had a few retailers too. The product definitely needs to be experienced in person, since the essential oils were the draw and one cannot smell an Etsy page. I wonder how this carries over to turnings. I think being in yhe presence of the piece helps a great deal with art too, but perhaps it is not to the same degree as something with an olfactory sales pitch.

I also lost several hundred dollars in shop-worn product, which makes choosing someone to sell your things on commission a non-trivial decision. Some vendors were great, some just shrugged and said sux to be you. Wholesale is a much better arrangenent, puts the retailer's skin in the game with you. I would prefer a 50% cut at wholesale over a 75% share on comission (not that 75% is realistic).

So, does anyone actually sell anything online? Does it work?
 
I have been turning for better than 60 years, and I do sell a few pieces, I'd be long dead for starving to make any money from it, if I'm lucky I get enough $$ to pay for the sandpaper and finishes I use.

All my wood has been free and what I get out of it by selling turnings is a less expensive hobby, it has always been that a hobby where I like to see the inside of all that gorgeous wood, still like turning, though I've been less active with the cold winters and the years creeping up on me.

You want to make money, turning is not the way to do that, all IMO 1thumb.gif
 
I’m with Odie. I sell at two shows. Like Steve said craft shows is hard to sell big items. Most art fairs around me are outdoor and you need a tent. I’m just not going to do that. I’m happy turning and loosing a little money. I turn mostly wood from my neighborhood. I do make enough for sandpaper, but not tools.
 
I just ran a search for "wood bowl" on Etsy.....and over 75,000 bowls came up.

Obviously, there is a lot of competition selling handmade wooden bowls online.

From what I gather, cheap bowls made for utilitarian purposes are the best sellers. This type of bowl is designed to be made quickly, and without a lot of creative elements to them. They are mostly roughed out quickly, and power sanded into submission! Foreign crafters, who don't have high living costs, and materials are available locally, have an inherent advantage in this market.....IMHO.

I have been selling my bowls on Etsy for about 10 years now, with an established shop. My average buyer is someone looking to decorate their home with artistic furnishings.....and they're not looking for a cheap soup bowl. As long as I never have money as the main objective, I get along fairly well with 2-3 sales per month. If I pay for most of my expenses, that's all I'm looking to do.

When I first started turning in my early 30's, I may have thought of making some money, but I'm now in my 70's, and that never happened.....all I'm looking for is an outlet for creativity, and some satisfaction in life.....it's what makes life worthwhile for me at this stage of the game!

-----odie-----
 
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Odie's Etsy search shows that trying to sell bowls is perhaps a not-so-great approach. I think what most craftspeople are selling is themselves. The bowls/products are just a connection to the artist either directly or through some online community. You still have to be a good turner so your product stands out, but the sale is mostly through cultivating an interaction. You do this in person at shows (if they have the right clientele for your type of work) or by promoting yourself through youtube channels and social media. I think more people are willing to buy your stuff if they know a friend who likes something you made, or you gave them some special service, or are just make entertaining/informational videos. So the "trick", if there is one, is you have to work more on selling than on making, which often turns a hobby into work.
 
Gerald Rutledge said:
I started a boutique soap company a few years back and did the whole craft show thing. I had a few retailers too. The product definitely needs to be experienced in person, since the essential oils were the draw and one cannot smell an Etsy page.
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People have to fondle a bowl in order to find it appealing. A little sign saying it's OK to pick them up doesn't cut it, you have to shove the bowl in their hands. Some probably take sniff when they think you're not looking, too. Like the soap, it's a multi-sensory experience and best in person.
 
Excellent explanation Dean. I feel the same about the folks that get into woodturning - and believe they can go it alone - because they watch Youtube and Facebook videos. You MUST have the in-person instruction to help you learn the sensory input which develops muscle memory, and the critique of others to help with shape development.
So - it follows that the resultant work is best sold by real interaction with real people - and in person is best. Until one has a dedicated collector following.
 
Tim Tucker said:
Excellent explanation Dean. I feel the same about the folks that get into woodturning - and believe they can go it alone - because they watch Youtube and Facebook videos. You MUST have the in-person instruction to help you learn the sensory input which develops muscle memory, and the critique of others to help with shape development.
So - it follows that the resultant work is best sold by real interaction with real people - and in person is best. Until one has a dedicated collector following.
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Not just bowls but talking to people about the product helps. Such as in pizza cutters the head can be removed for washing as a point they will not know unless you tell them. Also about the wax on the product to preserve and stop fingerprints.
 
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