Where do I begin. There are so many Pitfalls in Running a Small Furniture / cabinet shop. I was vary lucky. I attended the Australian School of fine Furniture where I felt we were Prepared as much as they could for the real world of making a carrer in Fine Woodworking. WHAT I HAVE LEARED SINCE THEN!!!!!
What I’m Gonna try and do here is give small bits of critical info. Not just about staying in business but
Growing it as well.
For anyone out there that may read this please go easy on me, I’m not much of a writer but I’m trying.
I guess all I’m really trying to do is help the small Fine Woodworking Businesses . There were so many problems I hade in the beginning, It was frustrating. So if I can help anyone not make some of the mistakes I did then great.
Have to get to the Shop.. First…
#1 Try as hard as you can to not over extend your self financially. What I mean Is don’t barrow a butt load of money, not with out a plan at least. And trust me, your plan probably has holes in it if your a new business. Being Financially burden will compromise the quality of you work. And the Quickest way to go out of Business is to do Poor Work…. Your work always has to shine….
WWW.williamolsendesigns.com
-- William Olsen Designs

















8 comments so far
DouginVa
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446 posts in 470 days
#1 posted 114 days ago
I’m eagerly awaiting the rest of your advice.
-- Just a man with his chisel.........
Woodbridge
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1623 posts in 615 days
#2 posted 114 days ago
This sounds very interesting. I’m looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice.
-- Peter, Woodbridge, Ontario
camps764
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383 posts in 557 days
#3 posted 114 days ago
Agreed.
Also, took a look at your web site William, very impressive!
-- - Steve Campbell
Smitty_Cabinetshop
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6589 posts in 815 days
#4 posted 114 days ago
This is interesting, indeed. Thanks William, looking forward to more.
-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. -- OldTools Archive
Grumpymike
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660 posts in 512 days
#5 posted 114 days ago
Well said William, good advise in life, as in the shop.
I like your website. I’m curious as to what other marketing works for you.
-- Grumpy old guy, and lookin' good Doin' it.
DocSavage45
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3019 posts in 1039 days
#6 posted 114 days ago
There are many excellent woodworkers that went out of business in the financial crises that was happening when I wanted to start my delusion of selling fine furniture.
I’d read the masters and I was totally inspired. I looked around for employment as a “gopher” in a ongoing shop. No one would hire me? Lots of reasons why not.
Your knowledge on “successful” woodworking business is a good thing.
Thanks!
-- Cau Haus Designs, Thomas J. Tieffenbacher
NormG
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2632 posts in 1201 days
#7 posted 114 days ago
Wonderful presentation
-- Norman
William Olsen
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11 posts in 120 days
#8 posted 114 days ago
Thanks Guys.
I feel Very Welcomed.
WWW.williamolsendesigns.com
-- William Olsen Designs
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