IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?
I’ve been writing this blog off and on now for a few months, and really don’t have much sense as to how many people ever read it. I get a fair number of responses from places trying to sell pharmaceuticals. [go figure]. Wrote one a few weeks ago about a show I did that sucked, and I got more responses to that than any I have written. Some of the sentiment to that one was that I needed to lighten up. Well this post isn’t going to be light. [you know, I think I just had a revelation. I never have liked anything lite. Lite beer, lite rock, whatever. Just ain't me.] Anyway, I am presently contemplating the possibility of going out of business. It’s not really my choice. Times are tough for this business, and have been for almost 2 years now. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and have been through tough times before. I’ve always thought that we would find a way to ride them out, and in the past we have. This time is just starting to feel different. The customers just haven’t started coming back and I’m beginning to wonder if they ever will. Like I said, this is really not by choice. Being a furniture maker and designer is a huge part of who I am and it’s not like I can just jump into some other line of work easily. I always wanted to do what I do and really I would like to do it for a few more years. The thing is, this is a two way street and requires participation from people that are willing and hopefully eager, to purchase what we do. It’s also hard not to take this personally. What am I doing wrong kind of thing. All I know is that I can’t afford to do this as a hobby and we can only hold on for so long at this level of business. I’m still hoping that things will turn around. Soon, I hope.
I like reading your blog. Things will get better and turn around.
Hi Jim – sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time. The economy and the changes to the way people buy things have taken a toll on many businesses, mine included. Just hang in there and do your best to remain positive. I’m in Vermont and things are kind of tough up here, too. Many of the furniture makers up here are members of a guild, do open studios and special shows, and maybe if you connected with some other furniture and cabinetmakers from other parts of the country, you could share ideas and insights. Dan Mosheim, Dorset Custom Furniture, Dorset, VT has a very popular blog with followers. I think I may have heard about you from him. Not sure. But hang in there!
Wishing you all the best,
Ceil Petrucelli
Hey Jim,
Just stumbled onto your site today. Times are certainly tough. I have always has the same dream of doing what you are doing, however have never been able to really get set up. I live in a community that, for the most part, has a Walmart mentality when it comes to purchasing handcrafted, custom-made items. How many times have we all heard comments like “I can get that same thing at (XX) for 1/2 that price”. Now, with the pervasive downturn in the economy it’s even worse. And to make matters worse, those who are willing to spend for quality furniture, tend to gravitate to the Stickley and Harden furniture factories that are BOTH in my area!! Like they say, it all about “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION”.
One thing I have noticed in the industry is the increase in shops/woodworkers finding alternative revenue streams. You have probably thought of similar things as well, I’m sure. Is it realistic for you to offer classes or other types of programs where buyers participate in the process at your shop? How do you get your info “out there” to the world? I’ve done many searches over the years for custom furniture, woodworking studios, ect…and have just now come across your site. I have not yet read a lot of your blogs, so you may have addressed these things already.
The posts about your daughter, Emma caught my eye. I have an 11 year old daughter with the same name. We have recently begun spending more time in the workshop together. It is immensely rewarding for both of us. You are lucky to have had that time with your daughter in your shop/business. I also found it interesting that your daughter is a speech therapist working in the schools, as I am an occupational therapist also working in a school system. From my experience, you may find she still will need that secondary job.
Best of luck to you. I wish you well. Your troubles do not appear to be a product of the work you produce, as your pix illustrate very nice designs and craftsmanship.
Scott
It ain’t just you, Jim. In my line of work, media production: It’s gone elemental on us. That is, it’s all about the rearrangement of free electrons. By assembling these electrons on your blog, don’t you know, I am making my work absolutely accessible: Free for all — perhaps for the greater good of Google or somebody Big and Significant in the 21st century….
It is my belief that, with more technology, we will all be joined in the common effort of working for greater global getting-stuff-fer-free accessibility….
Like ancient Sumaria or something. …’cept less enlightened, perhaps…
Rock on, bro. -T
Someone suggested I check this out and I LOVE what you are doing with “The Meandering Chair”. Can’t wait to see where it goes next!
LB