It doesn't matter what woodworking projects you like to make, if you want to sell your items, there's a market for it. The big catch....selling for a profit! Before you make a hundred bird houses that your wife says are cute, make sure there's a market. (Your wife may have told you that to keep you out of her way.)
There's a lot of competition out there for small, cute items. But, not to discourage, there's a place and a market for everything. Some things are naturally more profitable to make than others. If your intention is to sell something that you can make, and get more money out of it than you have in it, then you have to choose your projects carefully.
Where to get ideas? By showing off items that you already make! Many times someone has seen an item that I made and then returned with a pencil drawing of an item they wanted. If this person wants this made, how many more people can use it?
Photograph everything you make and put it in a photo album. You can even make your own catalog with the computer and printers that most people have access to today. Show your catalog off every chance you get. This is a very good way to get new projects.
While building all of these projects, keep track of the costs. Make a form that breaks down all your costs of making the item. It makes it easier to price an item for a potential customer. It also makes it harder to sell an item below what it costs to make. Don't forget, when figuring your cost, always put your labor in and a little extra for your shop. This makes you much happier in your shop when you know up front there's something in it for you besides a big pat on the back. One of the fastest ways to get lots of work is to price your work below what it costs you to make it! Word gets around.
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