Making Wood Work

Advice on how a wife can make a solid contribution to a woodworking business, while also handling child-care responsibilities. October 13, 2008 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Wifes_Role_in_Husbands_Cabinet_Business.html

A brand new business owner seeks input on projecting first-year expenses. January 6, 2005 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Estimating_StartUp_Costs.html

Setting up a night shift at a busy shop can cause problems, and it can also supply solutions. A good supervisor is key to success. November 23, 2012 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Running_a_Second_Shift.html

If a rookie salesman accidentally sells a job way, way under cost, can the shop owner back out of the deal? There's more than one side to that question. October 25, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Recovering_from_an_Estimating_Mistake.html

Businesses that have grown too fast or too big choose to cut back and go small. October 2, 2001 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Downsizing_your_shop.html

Offering friends a special deal can blur the boundaries between what's personal and what's professional. Here, an example triggers a long and thoughtful discussion. August 23, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Working_for_Friends.html

When you need to rent space for your woodworking shop, favorable lease terms can be a real plus for your business. December 7, 2007 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Smart_Leasing_Tactics.html

When a client suggests an exclusive arrangement, it's wise to think carefully about the potential downside. March 18, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Working_Exclusively_for_One_Client.html

It's the same old story: A skilled craftsman (and new solo businessman) just figured out he's been making three dollars an hour. Guys who have been there and done that chime in with advice and encouragement. December 14, 2005 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/StartUp_Advice_for_Businesses.html

For various reasons, most cabinetmakers prefer to install their own work — unless they know and trust the installer. December 2, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Should_a_Cabinetmaker_Agree.html

This discussion about the factors that affect shipping rates takes an interesting detour into sales psychology. February 4, 2011 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Tips_for_Shipping_and_Selling_Lumber_Nationwide.html

A rambling brainstorming thread about how to teach complex tasks to workers. December 2, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Training_Employees.html

A successful niche furniture maker looks for ways to broaden his appeal in his local market. October 3, 2011 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Showroom_Strategies_for_a_Furniture_Maker.html

Finding out what a customer really wants, and what they really can afford, involves some psychology — but the effort can pay off. December 9, 2013 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Talking_Dollars_with_Sales_Prospects.html

Business owners discuss ways to tie employee compensation to productivity. February 17, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Structuring_Performance_Incentives.html

When you back out overhead, time-and-a-half wages for overtime hours may work out to a wash. But not always ... October 2, 2007 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/The_True_Cost_of_Overtime.html

A Woodweb forum maker says he's ready to throw in the towel, and others describe why they're not — and explain the tactics they've used to hang tough. October 26, 2013 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Surviving_Tough_Times.html

How should wood-shop employers deal with the issues raised by employees who smoke? The question leads to a lively debate. December 2, 2006 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Smoking_Policies_for_Wood_Shops.html

With a nod toward David Letterman, pros discuss their least-best moments. January 24, 2005 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Stupid_Woodworker_Tricks.html

It's good for society when young people gain skills. But the rules for apprentices are the same as for employees, and the management problem is not trivial. April 8, 2013 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Taking_on_an_Apprentice.html

With some customers, selling the job is a long, drawn-out process involving many detours and a lot of back-tracking. How do you keep that process organized, and remember what has been said and promised? It starts with a spiral notebook. February 16, 2012 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Structuring_and_Documenting_the_Sales_Process.html

When the landlord puts a "for sale" sign on a cabinetmaker's rented shop building, the tenant starts to consider his choices. Here, shop owners explain why they think buying out your landlord can be a wise investment. May 22, 2007 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Tenants_Landlords_and_Owning_Your_Own_Shop.html

Shop owners discuss the relative pros and cons of three-phase and single-phase power supplies. February 6, 2010 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Shop_Power_Choice_Single_Phase.html

The owner gets advice as a new eye protection rule creates a labor-management dynamic in a woodshop. August 27, 2009 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Safety_Glasses_in_the_Shop.html

Learning the rules about worker classification and managing the details correctly is a hassle, but the risks of doing it wrong are major. September 24, 2009 Article Link: https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Subcontractor_or_Employee.html