I had an interesting conversation with my son the other day. We were discussing things to build from wood that would make money. Yes, he too is a woodworker. As we discussed various items he pointed out that the market for things of wood is shrinking. We live in a high tech world and if it doesn't plug in, compute, or play games, folks aren't interested. He went on to point out that if you do manage to create a unique item, about two weeks after you introduce it, every body is building it and another week after that it is made in China. Uh, well, valid point. Thanks to the high tech world we live in, the world is a lot smaller than it ever was. A few digital pictures and some keystrokes and your item is a world away being plotted for mass production. Knowing that, can certainly take the wind out of your sails. No need to despair, the item may be mass produced somewhere else but they cannot build in YOUR integrity and good name that you have worked so hard to build. YOU are the unique. Mass production can build in huge numbers and build cheap. YOU build with integrity, skill, and personality, all qualities that the mass manufacturers cannot duplicate. Yes, profitable woodwork is not what it once was but, it is still out there. More people than ever are building their own wood goods which means less of a market. The market is still there. Tapping the market is where YOU come in. Word of mouth can never be replaced and is the number one way to gain your market base. YOU must produce the quality and build in a little bit of YOU in each item. As long as you can do this, the market is viable. Once you start down the road of shortcuts and cutting corners, you become the mass manufacturer and your competition is great. If you can build for YOU and be satisfied with what you have done, chances are cery much in your favor that the customer will be happy. No, woodworking isn't dying, it IS evolving.
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