rpotthoff
Member
I would you support or Buy from a store that is for turning only?
Carrying everything you need to turn a pen.
Carrying everything you need to turn a pen.
Well, the Woodcraft franchise in Palatine moved to Libertyville. (Libertyville store is closed, the only one left is Downers Grove)
The IAP has had several threads hoping to start a "meeting spot" in Chicagoland--hasn't happened. (this is would be that spot)
What market surveying have you done? (had a demo done for the area, looks very promising)
Been to turning meetings locally? (No now where to go)
Pen interest? (big time in to Pens!)
Whose products will you handle? (PSI mostly (already in talks with them)and others (hoping to find fellow IAP members that would like to sell their products in the store))
do you plan to manufacture? (No)
All of these factors will contribute to your success or failure.
"Good luck" is a phrase. "Good planning" increases your odds of success.
Classes are going to be a BIG part of the store. One of the big things we will be doing is working with our local Boy and Girl Scout Councils to provide a place to where they can come and learn about woodworking.My thought is you have to have a lot of variety.. some AWESOME deals.. some GREAT quality... and in my opinion.. something that is yours and yours alone. That could be classes, it could be a specific blank that is only available through you.... something that makes you different. Maybe a source to some wonderful wood for bowls ans for pen blanks. It could be any number of things. Of course this is IMHO
I have thought if I had the funds I would love to have such a shop in the Denver Metro area, but the reality is I don't think just local sales would be enough to keep me in business. I could do so so hopefully, but to be truly profitable, I would need to be mail order as well, which is an entirely other learning curve.
I wish you success if you go for it, and hope you make it work