This is awesome advice. The first 3 tips are the most important things you mentioned. You can do all of the other tips but if you sell wet wood you will screw yourself. They will never be back. One thing you mentioned is smiling, however you didn’t mention bitching during your delivery, I know you kept this positive video however I’ve watch other UA-camrs complaining during the delivery about how far they have to walk it for an extra 20 bucks, or they have to stack it for an extra 20 bucks in front of the customer. Not that it’s there payday and job they choose. The need to change professions if they don’t want to do the customers job as one says all the time!! They say this because they don’t want to split stack let dry and reload. They want to split into the truck and deliver, saving a lot of steps but delivering unseasoned wood because (drying is the customers job!). It saves them steps but in some cases there selling unseasoned wood. Be honest with your customer tell them I am out of seasoned wood and I have some semi seasoned wood. Let them decide if it’s for them. The other factor in this is space. Space is valuable because if it sits 2 years to season you need over twice the space you sell in a year to allow your wood to season. I think space is one of the reasons firewood suppliers don’t season there wood because they have no space to work or stack anymore. Wood is not a get rich scheme it takes time, it also is not a job you get paid for when you work. You get paid years later when it’s seasoned. You work today for your paycheck in two years. Many people don’t want a job you don’t get paid for in two years. Something for people to think about and not mention enough. Peace
I have a Craigslist ad and just like you I sell out of wood every year. I am not worried about loosing sales as there is more than enough competition around me that we all can work together. Plus I see it as I don't want to deal with everyone and not everyone wants to deal with me. I am ok with that some vibes just don't mesh.. So when I run out I am gathering it all up while everyone is delivering it.. As for your advice spot on.. I have gotten all kinds of complements on the being on time (with in 10min early or late) ans delivering the correct amount where the last guy was the opposite...
Great video! Another thing you can buy is the magnets for your business cards then they can put it on their fridge! Now everyone can see it. And you cannot lose it.
Morning Chris. Great selling points. You would be the King Of Firewood here in Massachusetts. Pricing Is ridiculous when it comes to buying dry wood versus green wood. These guys need a class on customer service! Keep up the good work👍
Yes Chris you are so true its simple be nice to people who provide you with food on the table do not take for granted your customer appreciate tham and yes thank tham
School is in session . What a great clip you did again. If people who watched did not get the points you talked about they were sleeping. Everything was spelled out and to the point. Thanks again Don
0603 hrs, Killeen (Fort Hood), Texas in the house. Widemouth Bass fishing is on the agenda this morning as soon as I visit with Chris at "The Woodyard'.
Used to fish cowhouse at the bridge where the impact zone borders and the crappy house in blora. When those schools show up under the lights at 0630-0800 START CASTING! We used large minows.
It's a great feeling isnt it? It's scary and exciting at the same time! I left my job after 13 years of working back in June 2020. It's slow to grow, just stay out of debt and try to make some money elsewhere as well.
Good morning Chris!!😀😀 I couldn't have said it better. Those are definitely all things you need to do to sell out every year. We need to get together one of these days soon!! TTYL!! Logger Al
Thanks for sharing the firewood sales tips. Quality products, quick response time, friendly communication and a fair price will aid most any business in growth. I’m a price is the price guy in my business. Do you get many hagglers calling?
tell one thing chris , how long have you been selling ice to the eskimos , you are absolutely right in what you are saying 120% and always say thank you for your business at the end of the sale, it go's along way
Chris once again you are 100% correct on everything you have said. I started my sideline business 3 years ago and it’s amazing how many customers I have acquired by being honest and putting Customer service #1 that’s how I run things👌🏻🔥🇨🇦
I ran out 2× in the last year. The 2nd time is right now. And I haven't advertised in 3 months. The last 90 days have all been repeat customers and referrals. I only sell about 40 facecords a yr. Mainly because thats all the space I have to season.
I visit your channel every day. I enjoy seeing your whole production process. (Great value!) Every little while, you give us extras: Marketing tips, beaver trapping, your brothers operations. (Extra value!) Here's an idea; Interview your wife (off camera) for tips on how to get along with a go-gettin' outdoorsman like you. Kenny's wife too! While showing a splitting or stacking segment, present it as a voice-over. How about an interview with The Machine. What are his goals, does he feel he's getting enough water to compensate for his efforts and the like.
I had the hook up for advertisement. My relastate lady would give out my businesses cards to new home owners with fireplaces. And adds in the paper worked good to tell a ice storm hits. 100s of calls a day for wood. Good times. 👍👍✌☺
G’mornin Chris. Great tips and information. I’ve copied your delivery rates, and have had great success. Also, I got a $20 tip for my “promptness”. Keep up the great content !! Thank you. GoodNightIrene
Great clip, its great to be back in the woodyard. I've been away for a week in hospital with clots on my lungs didn't see that coming its great to see you Chris look forward to you and the machine stacking I've got to take it easy for a month or so but i will be back tomorrow with you in the woodyard. Thank You Andy from Wales UK .
I thought it was the customers job to dry/season the wood? Lol, not going to mention anyone, they know who they are. Your price for dry wood is very reasonable. Wood that I have to dry myself, would be half of what the going price is for ready to burn. dry wood.
One other tip my friend in Idaho does is when he stacks the wood he staples a couple business cards on the stack and he cards are a bright orange and green color.
think you did a great job explaining your points, considering the effort it takes to provide the service wise to do it right, not selling your wood too cheap probably be another, you'll know if its too expensive ha ha
We only get The Cadillacs of wood oak here in Texas. You can get mesquite which is awesome. You have to find the right guy to get mesquite in bulk .A lot of people want to sell it as a barbecue wood which increases the price. I do get my pine the only way you can get here is by scavenging new house builds and asking them to for the scrap odds and ends. I've got a couple pallet full of scrap pine construction 2x4s 4x4s that's how we get our pine here at least I do🙂 I do wish we had more options like up north. All hard woods here
Chris we have never charge for delivery because we had it to the price only because when we had a price for wood plus delivery they say i ll call you back that means they well buy it some where else so we just put it in the price and yeah most of the time we have to delivery a week out so we have to tell them next week or two weeks that is because that is how far out we are
God have mercy wished I knew how to send this episode to someone else because Joe’s premium firewood needs to hear this it’s not the customers job the customers are looking for Drywood not for lazy man excuses
Hello Chris, the question that I have for you, you may have answered it before. I know you stack all of your firewood to season it, but what is your opinion on just piling wood up say approximately 6 to 8 feet high on top of pallets, so the wood is up off of the ground? Will it season properly? Thank you for a great channel.
@@InTheWoodyard If it is just piled up and not stacked, but laying on top of pallets, only 6 to 8 feet high, would it season properly without being turned? Thank you
thank you for all these tips. i used some of them to source a logging company and scored 12 cords of oak log for 135$ per cord delivered, up in the eagle river. now im freaking out thinking how am i going to sell the $1620 worth of wood lol
I've been self employed for 14 years, selling wood for 11. I take care of my customers and most new customers are skeptical and get burned in the past, or they see that I have an ad that shows attention to detail and experience. However, I am spoiled because I have little competition in a city of 4 million
Thanks, I can't stand videos that have a bunch of scenic shots and music for a long time and a girl in yoga pants and a tight shirt prancing around the thing I came to see for half of the video before the good stuff starts.
Morning Chris, your old-school as they say, you do what you say, when you say you will do it, a rarity these days . Can’t believe how many people make appointments, and almost always, show up 30-60 late, rarely a call or text. I guess you have to be clear when you tell a potential customer, let me send you a few pictures of my wood.... Have a good day
With my low levels of inventory, think is best to concentrate on building inventory for next season? Have at best 8wks left of inventory for my roadside firewood stand. Right now I'm mostly campfire firewood but want to move into the wood stove/fireplace heating market.
Then you had better get cutting...... about 6 months ago, you will need a lot more volume of wood inventory for heating customers! It takes time to build heating wood because those people want oak, hickory, locust, maple, cherry and that all takes 6-12 months to dry.
@@InTheWoodyard, so get a mix of campfire and heating wood when I order logs to build up a little of both? Have room for maybe three truckloads stacked unless can talk the owner into letting me clear more land.
@@InTheWoodyard, I'll do what I can to get cutting. The regular job drags me down. But as soon as I get cutting again, then I come alive and feel motivated to work hard on my weekend off.
YOU, my friend are obssed! It's madness. But it's a fine kind of madness! ;-)) "My candle burns at both ends. It will not last the night. But oh my friends and ah my foes, it sheds a lovely light!" Shalom/gw
90% of the wood i sell is maple and cherry because where i live we get scorching hot summers and if you stack that stuff in the sun its well below 20% by the end of summer if i split it in spring - i am a logger so most of the wood i split has already been downed for a year or 2 which really helps with the drying process
I subscribe to truth in advertising with how dry the wood is that I sell and that works well too. And I make sure to ask what they will be using it for and when, if they respond to an ad for wood that isn't quite ready, or is green. I price accordingly, as well. The greener the cheaper. But even my green sells for more than your dry, but this is in Southern Maine. Oh and I use your exact delivery model. Free under ten miles...
Not sure what you are trying to say?? I USED to stack it all ...this video was over 2 years ago, I now pile it in bins off the ground to dry..fast, easy and it works great.
Just watched your glove video and you need to try white ox gloves You’ll have to order them from the login shop in the Northwest but they run about seven bucks a pair and last a long time and are very good and cold weather
I just checked them out and I will get some and give them a try. I'm not sure about the cold weather though, cotton and cold usually do not mix well, that is our cold...-30 for days and days with wind is not the same as west coast cold at almost freezing.
16:42 - "because maybe the other guy's better than you..." Mmm... an especially big risk if they call a guy named Ken, and his mate Leroy answers the phone... 😋...🤣👍🇦🇺
When you started out selling wood did you separate it by species like you do now? I have sold some wood this year and nobody has asked for a specific kind, they just asked to make sure i was not selling pine.
GM to ya Chris! Another good video sir. Regarding getting and maintaining more wood (#8), are you within close proximity of your wholesalers? If so, what's the ideal range?
The best tool for drying wood was when I built the first kiln.. it's almost impossible to run out of wood which is the worst scenario to be in for a firewwod business.. something for ya to ponder over. .and my new kilns run off wood so we use all the odd ball stuff to dry the good stuff.. win win..
What’s the projected % on the “seasoned” firewood ? You’ve stated that sound of the wood should be like bowling pins cracking but the secondary backup percentage is below 22% ?
Anything under 20% is the normal. I find 18, 19% still on the high side. With our climate on the east coast, you aren't getting much better than 15% air drying. This year.... I just resplit 4 cords to help the drying process
Most of the wood I sell is in the teens when I sell it other wise I won't sell it . I have enough in rotation that I usually sell the oldest stuff first.
Sound wisdom from the Woodyard...and not just for firewood. Wouldn't it be nice if the principles you shared were practiced by many other businesses? It feels like these basics are becoming a lost art. Maybe that's what happens to people when Amazon delivers everything to your door, or you just drive past a window to get something and no one knows how to interact anymore. May your wood stacks always be large and dry, oh sensei of firewood! 👍😎 CYN & GNI
And one thing that some firewood suppliers do not realize as you cannot take rounds split them into your truck deliver them and expect them to burn I don't care if they're Barkless or not wood needs to be split and sit for at least a month even if those rounds are considered dry.... Those rounds maybe 20% on the inside, but once you split it is 20% on the outside also and on the inside .it needs to be way dryer on the outside to burn properly...JPF is clueless and that's why he's almost bankrupt LOL
Hey Chris! Would your customers pay more for stacking the wood at their home? If you’re going to stack it anyways then why not get paid for it? We average over $600 per cord because of this service
Hi Chris, Can you recommend a splitter for me? I have a budget of around 1200.00. I want to buy American but the prices are way more than the Chinese stuff. I was lent a Black Diamond 27 ton and it works great. (Only one I’ve ever used) There is a Black Diamond 32 ton for right at 1200.00 that’s available now. My head is spinning trying to research all the options. Can you help? Is there an American made option in my budget range? Thank you
I would know less than you, I have not looked at them for maybe 3-4 years now. My last one was a WOODS brand for like $1100. Black Diamonds are nice too. Good luck!
I agree with everything but the free delivery I started charging 50 for a ten mile radius and 100 beyond that I use the delivery fee as a negotiation tool if I have to Delivery fees have changed My margin so I always win.
All great tips, but the sad things is that many of those have become "extras" in modern society. A good portion of these tips were basically doing what you said you would do, and unfortunately, that's a rarity nowdays. That's why you are the man when it comes to firewood. I get a kick out of reading online reviews about products and services and they are like "everything I expected, 5 stars". Everything I expected is 3 stars, more than I expected is 4 stars and 5 stars should be reserved for the ultimate. Your type of service is 5 stars, but only because you make the extra effort to make it so.
I try to answer all calls asap or call back asap even with land clearing business is what I do, I try to call back asap and even when I get spam calls until I know who is who. Be on TIME is what I try my best to do and I ask anyone who works for me is to be on time. Have a great day be safe.
The first three suggestions punch a huge hole in some people's business models.
Yes, I know.
Great tips for selling firewood. Where are good places to source wood to supply a firewood buisness? Great channel.
Thanks, loggers and tree service wood.
Well done for sharing
Thanks Steve!
This is awesome advice. The first 3 tips are the most important things you mentioned. You can do all of the other tips but if you sell wet wood you will screw yourself. They will never be back. One thing you mentioned is smiling, however you didn’t mention bitching during your delivery, I know you kept this positive video however I’ve watch other UA-camrs complaining during the delivery about how far they have to walk it for an extra 20 bucks, or they have to stack it for an extra 20 bucks in front of the customer. Not that it’s there payday and job they choose. The need to change professions if they don’t want to do the customers job as one says all the time!! They say this because they don’t want to split stack let dry and reload. They want to split into the truck and deliver, saving a lot of steps but delivering unseasoned wood because (drying is the customers job!). It saves them steps but in some cases there selling unseasoned wood. Be honest with your customer tell them I am out of seasoned wood and I have some semi seasoned wood. Let them decide if it’s for them. The other factor in this is space. Space is valuable because if it sits 2 years to season you need over twice the space you sell in a year to allow your wood to season. I think space is one of the reasons firewood suppliers don’t season there wood because they have no space to work or stack anymore. Wood is not a get rich scheme it takes time, it also is not a job you get paid for when you work. You get paid years later when it’s seasoned. You work today for your paycheck in two years. Many people don’t want a job you don’t get paid for in two years. Something for people to think about and not mention enough. Peace
Yes William, I agree, it takes time to build up inventory.
Your approach to business is solid advice for most small businesses. Your channel continues to entertain!
I appreciate that Roy!
I have a Craigslist ad and just like you I sell out of wood every year. I am not worried about loosing sales as there is more than enough competition around me that we all can work together. Plus I see it as I don't want to deal with everyone and not everyone wants to deal with me. I am ok with that some vibes just don't mesh..
So when I run out I am gathering it all up while everyone is delivering it..
As for your advice spot on.. I have gotten all kinds of complements on the being on time (with in 10min early or late) ans delivering the correct amount where the last guy was the opposite...
Yes Daniel, I have no doubt that you are a stand up guy!
You and Joe @ Ohio Wood Burner are the two best firewood channels going! Keep up the good work. I enjoy seeing your channel grow! Tim
Wow, thanks Tim!
hi there what a great list of tips . almost makes me want to sell a load of wood . maybe next year . take care john
Thanks John, I see you have been a busy boy at the saw mill!
Great video! Another thing you can buy is the magnets for your business cards then they can put it on their fridge! Now everyone can see it. And you cannot lose it.
Yup!
Morning Chris. Great selling points. You would be the King Of Firewood here in Massachusetts. Pricing Is ridiculous when it comes to buying dry wood versus green wood. These guys need a class on customer service! Keep up the good work👍
Customer service is key. What you see on UA-cam is how Chris is face to face. Met him a couple of times, super nice guy.
Thanks Al!
Yes Chris you are so true its simple be nice to people who provide you with food on the table do not take for granted your customer appreciate tham and yes thank tham
Thanks Sharif!
Quality product and customer service!!! Great tips Chris.GNI
Thanks for watching!
Chris suggested that I do something different than my competition as far as bags/bundles go. Very good tips in this video.
Glad it was helpful!
School is in session . What a great clip you did again. If people who watched did not get the points you talked about they were sleeping. Everything was spelled out and to the point. Thanks again Don
Thanks Donald!
Great advice. Keep the videos coming.
Have a good day Chris 👍🇺🇸.
Thanks again Gary!
Great tips on selling wood. Thanks for sharing these tips. Have a Safe Day
Thanks David!
0603 hrs, Killeen (Fort Hood), Texas in the house. Widemouth Bass fishing is on the agenda this morning as soon as I visit with Chris at "The Woodyard'.
Have fun! I hope you catch a new world record!
Used to fish cowhouse at the bridge where the impact zone borders and the crappy house in blora. When those schools show up under the lights at 0630-0800 START CASTING! We used large minows.
Great tips Chris! It is awesome seeing you grow and pass along what you have learned. Not many business people do that anymore. 😊👍🏻
I appreciate that! Thanks Man!
Real good advice.
Thanks!!!
Solid advice there Chris........
Thanks a bunch!
Great advice... just quit my day job to go full time in the wood yard... especially love the free delivery and mark it up to cover...
Thanks for watching and good luck with the wood!
It's a great feeling isnt it? It's scary and exciting at the same time! I left my job after 13 years of working back in June 2020. It's slow to grow, just stay out of debt and try to make some money elsewhere as well.
@@jeffy1466 nerve racking for sure but I think we got this...
@@sureflamefirewood4174 Good luck!
Thats some excellent advice. Your an inspiration for me.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching Jim!
Good morning Chris!!😀😀
I couldn't have said it better. Those are definitely all things you need to do to sell out every year.
We need to get together one of these days soon!! TTYL!!
Logger Al
Soon would be great but from now until October I work 12-16 hours everyday! The photography is happening right now!
@@InTheWoodyard :) No problem buddy!! I understand completely!!
I know what it's like to have a real job plus a side hustle. 😀😀👍👍
Thanks for sharing the firewood sales tips. Quality products, quick response time, friendly communication and a fair price will aid most any business in growth. I’m a price is the price guy in my business. Do you get many hagglers calling?
No, not many at all, it is clear in my adds that the price is the price and it is comparable to others.
Good talk !
Thanks Bruce!
Great tips Chris!
Thanks Chris!
tell one thing chris , how long have you been selling ice to the eskimos , you are absolutely right in what you are saying 120% and always say thank you for your business at the end of the sale, it go's along way
Thanks a bunch for watching!
Great vid Chris. So much “common” sense but stuff that is easily forgotten. Do the basics well and people will keep coming back!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
Chris once again you are 100% correct on everything you have said. I started my sideline business 3 years ago and it’s amazing how many customers I have acquired by being honest and putting Customer service #1 that’s how I run things👌🏻🔥🇨🇦
Fantastic! Keep cuttin'!
Great advice Chris. Thanks 👍
Thanks a bunch Greg!
I ran out 2× in the last year. The 2nd time is right now. And I haven't advertised in 3 months. The last 90 days have all been repeat customers and referrals. I only sell about 40 facecords a yr. Mainly because thats all the space I have to season.
Sounds like a good problem! Could you borrow some space from a friend for a while?
I visit your channel every day. I enjoy seeing your whole production process. (Great value!)
Every little while, you give us extras: Marketing tips, beaver trapping, your brothers operations. (Extra value!)
Here's an idea; Interview your wife (off camera) for tips on how to get along with a go-gettin' outdoorsman like you. Kenny's wife too! While showing a splitting or stacking segment, present it as a voice-over.
How about an interview with The Machine. What are his goals, does he feel he's getting enough water to compensate for his efforts and the like.
Thanks Chip those are all good ideas, but our wives are not interested in the wood thing other than the Benjamins.
I had the hook up for advertisement. My relastate lady would give out my businesses cards to new home owners with fireplaces. And adds in the paper worked good to tell a ice storm hits. 100s of calls a day for wood. Good times. 👍👍✌☺
Thanks for the great idea!
Great tips, thanks Chris! -Brad
Thanks Brad, now get back to cutting!
G’mornin Chris. Great tips and information. I’ve copied your delivery rates, and have had great success. Also, I got a $20 tip for my “promptness”. Keep up the great content !! Thank you. GoodNightIrene
Thanks Corey!
Good morning from Grand Forks
Good morning!
Good tips there Chris thanks
Thanks Stewart!
Great tips! Thank you
You are so welcome!
I wish I could get a big dump of your dry firewood. It's hard to find good stuff around here. Keep up the great work 👍
You do not have to wish, I do deliver for a fee!
I need a cord of cherry here in TX Chris
@@thomas25082 Ya, that might get a bit pricey! HA!
Great clip, its great to be back in the woodyard. I've been away for a week in hospital with clots on my lungs didn't see that coming its great to see you Chris look forward to you and the machine stacking I've got to take it easy for a month or so but i will be back tomorrow with you in the woodyard. Thank You Andy from Wales UK .
Best wishes on your recovery, Andy. I will remember you in my prayers.
Thanks for watching Andy, take care and get to healing!
Hope you get healthy Andy! Will be on the lookout for progress of your recovery! Take care!
I thought it was the customers job to dry/season the wood? Lol, not going to mention anyone, they know who they are. Your price for dry wood is very reasonable. Wood that I have to dry myself, would be half of what the going price is for ready to burn. dry wood.
I am guessing that you are in a low population tree filled area!?!?
@@InTheWoodyard I would say medium population, about 250,000 in a 25 mile radius.
Great as always👍👍
Thanks as always!
Nailed it what kind of prosseser are you looking at
I am looking at all of them to learn as much as possible about them.
Good tips. Thanks!
Thanks John!
Another great video.
Thanks Noel!
Awesome tips.
Thanks for watching!
Some good tips, my stacks are always have more wood in them.
Take care
Good tip Larry! I noticed you got a good workout loading up your big piles the other day!
Thank you!
You are welcome!
I hope Joe's premium listens to this video
I would be glad to help everyone.
One other tip my friend in Idaho does is when he stacks the wood he staples a couple business cards on the stack and he cards are a bright orange and green color.
Good idea!
Good Advice! Have great day! Hot and humid here.
Thanks Michael!
@@InTheWoodyard 👍
think you did a great job explaining your points, considering the effort it takes to provide the service wise to do it right, not selling your wood too cheap probably be another, you'll know if its too expensive ha ha
Thanks for the kind words, I hope you are enjoying your summer up north, fall is coming fast!
@@InTheWoodyard yes it is the wind has a chill in the evenings, moose opens 23th of this month, all is well here, thanks
@@bcnewfie494 Good luck and shoot a big one!
We only get The Cadillacs of wood oak here in Texas. You can get mesquite which is awesome. You have to find the right guy to get mesquite in bulk .A lot of people want to sell it as a barbecue wood which increases the price. I do get my pine the only way you can get here is by scavenging new house builds and asking them to for the scrap odds and ends. I've got a couple pallet full of scrap pine construction 2x4s 4x4s that's how we get our pine here at least I do🙂 I do wish we had more options like up north. All hard woods here
Yes, I suppose you are limited a bit there.
Advertising doesn’t cost it pays
Good point Mike!
Top stuff, great advice ...get outside and get cutting.
Thanks Tom!
Chris we have never charge for delivery because we had it to the price only because when we had a price for wood plus delivery they say i ll call you back that means they well buy it some where else so we just put it in the price and yeah most of the time we have to delivery a week out so we have to tell them next week or two weeks that is because that is how far out we are
That is good that you are busy!
God have mercy wished I knew how to send this episode to someone else because Joe’s premium firewood needs to hear this it’s not the customers job the customers are looking for Drywood not for lazy man excuses
Thanks Philip.
stop bashing joe not cool!
Hello Chris, the question that I have for you, you may have answered it before. I know you stack all of your firewood to season it, but what is your opinion on just piling wood up say approximately 6 to 8 feet high on top of pallets, so the wood is up off of the ground? Will it season properly? Thank you for a great channel.
Yes and I will do some of that in the future!
@@InTheWoodyard If it is just piled up and not stacked, but laying on top of pallets, only 6 to 8 feet high, would it season properly without being turned? Thank you
thank you for all these tips. i used some of them to source a logging company and scored 12 cords of oak log for 135$ per cord delivered, up in the eagle river. now im freaking out thinking how am i going to sell the $1620 worth of wood lol
You will do fine lots of rich tourists there...get cuttin'!
I've been self employed for 14 years, selling wood for 11. I take care of my customers and most new customers are skeptical and get burned in the past, or they see that I have an ad that shows attention to detail and experience. However, I am spoiled because I have little competition in a city of 4 million
Wow, maybe I need to move to Ontario!
Right to the point! Love how direct you are. No beating around the bush!
Thanks, I can't stand videos that have a bunch of scenic shots and music for a long time and a girl in yoga pants and a tight shirt prancing around the thing I came to see for half of the video before the good stuff starts.
Morning Chris, your old-school as they say, you do what you say, when you say you will do it, a rarity these days . Can’t believe how many people make appointments, and almost always, show up 30-60 late, rarely a call or text. I guess you have to be clear when you tell a potential customer, let me send you a few pictures of my wood.... Have a good day
Thanks Mike!
Great tips!!!
Thanks Mr. Mushroom!
I noticed a lot of seasoned wood behind you, much of it uncovered so at what point do you cover it or do you at all?
Yes, I will cover it this fall before the snow comes!
With my low levels of inventory, think is best to concentrate on building inventory for next season? Have at best 8wks left of inventory for my roadside firewood stand. Right now I'm mostly campfire firewood but want to move into the wood stove/fireplace heating market.
Then you had better get cutting...... about 6 months ago, you will need a lot more volume of wood inventory for heating customers! It takes time to build heating wood because those people want oak, hickory, locust, maple, cherry and that all takes 6-12 months to dry.
@@InTheWoodyard, so get a mix of campfire and heating wood when I order logs to build up a little of both? Have room for maybe three truckloads stacked unless can talk the owner into letting me clear more land.
@@InTheWoodyard, I'll do what I can to get cutting. The regular job drags me down. But as soon as I get cutting again, then I come alive and feel motivated to work hard on my weekend off.
Sell dry wood it seems straight forward but many seem to get it wrong
Yes they do.
$695 plus $66.02 tax for oak by our household in so cal. Delivery extra.
that is nuts! Especially the 10% tax!!!!
YOU, my friend are obssed! It's madness. But it's a fine kind of madness! ;-)) "My candle burns at both ends. It will not last the night. But oh my friends and ah my foes, it sheds a lovely light!" Shalom/gw
I love it! I just like to work!
90% of the wood i sell is maple and cherry because where i live we get scorching hot summers and if you stack that stuff in the sun its well below 20% by the end of summer if i split it in spring - i am a logger so most of the wood i split has already been downed for a year or 2 which really helps with the drying process
Sounds like a great system to me!
I subscribe to truth in advertising with how dry the wood is that I sell and that works well too. And I make sure to ask what they will be using it for and when, if they respond to an ad for wood that isn't quite ready, or is green. I price accordingly, as well. The greener the cheaper. But even my green sells for more than your dry, but this is in Southern Maine. Oh and I use your exact delivery model. Free under ten miles...
Thanks Jamie, keep cuttin!
Never throw wood into a big pile out in the open, stands in front of a huge pile on the ground, now start stacking.
Not sure what you are trying to say?? I USED to stack it all ...this video was over 2 years ago, I now pile it in bins off the ground to dry..fast, easy and it works great.
@@InTheWoodyard ok, sorry brother
Just watched your glove video and you need to try white ox gloves
You’ll have to order them from the login shop in the Northwest but they run about seven bucks a pair and last a long time and are very good and cold weather
I just checked them out and I will get some and give them a try. I'm not sure about the cold weather though, cotton and cold usually do not mix well, that is our cold...-30 for days and days with wind is not the same as west coast cold at almost freezing.
16:42 - "because maybe the other guy's better than you..." Mmm... an especially big risk if they call a guy named Ken, and his mate Leroy answers the phone... 😋...🤣👍🇦🇺
HA! Yes that would be bad, we would both go broke with a price /service war!
When you started out selling wood did you separate it by species like you do now? I have sold some wood this year and nobody has asked for a specific kind, they just asked to make sure i was not selling pine.
Yes, oak is king.
Excellent techniques!! Speaking of locust I don’t remember you cutting any in a while. Still selling it?
I have some left but not much, I need to get more!
GM to ya Chris! Another good video sir. Regarding getting and maintaining more wood (#8), are you within close proximity of your wholesalers? If so, what's the ideal range?
That is a good question because trucking is the 900lb gorilla in the mix!
I should have watched this video later on not before 7am lol tmi all at once but I get everything your saying. 🤪
Thanks for watching Frank!
What do you charge for deliveries over 10 miles? Great tips thanks! Been selling wood for over 30 years. But good to hear it!
$20 and $20 for every 10 miles more.
How do you find log wholesalers? Dry firewood? Do you have any recommendations?
Google loggers in your area, go to saw mills or paper companies who buy wood and ask.
@@InTheWoodyard have you been able to find reasonable prices for your logs? Preferably dry logs.
Found a lead
The best tool for drying wood was when I built the first kiln.. it's almost impossible to run out of wood which is the worst scenario to be in for a firewwod business.. something for ya to ponder over. .and my new kilns run off wood so we use all the odd ball stuff to dry the good stuff.. win win..
Nice! Can you send me some pictures, chrisinthewoodyard@gmail.com Thanks Jason!
@@InTheWoodyard can you show us pics of his kiln in a future video? Very interesting. Keep on splitting on. 13:15 13:17
Great tips and advice. Do you only deal with cash or do you take payments in other forms such as checks or PayPal?
I take two forms of payment, big bills and small bills.
That's the best way to go. Cash is king!!
What’s the projected % on the “seasoned” firewood ? You’ve stated that sound of the wood should be like bowling pins cracking but the secondary backup percentage is below 22% ?
Anything under 20% is the normal.
I find 18, 19% still on the high side. With our climate on the east coast, you aren't getting much better than 15% air drying.
This year.... I just resplit 4 cords to help the drying process
Most of the wood I sell is in the teens when I sell it other wise I won't sell it . I have enough in rotation that I usually sell the oldest stuff first.
@@novascotiagaragegrower3462 Yes smaller splits do help!
Sound wisdom from the Woodyard...and not just for firewood. Wouldn't it be nice if the principles you shared were practiced by many other businesses? It feels like these basics are becoming a lost art. Maybe that's what happens to people when Amazon delivers everything to your door, or you just drive past a window to get something and no one knows how to interact anymore. May your wood stacks always be large and dry, oh sensei of firewood! 👍😎 CYN & GNI
Thanks a bunch David! And yes, check yur nuts!
P. S. The mown grass looks great.
Thanks Brian!
Magnetic business cards are a little pricier but they are nice to have people stick on their fridge. Vistaprint is a great source.
That is where we get our cards made now so we could get some of those too! Thanks Brian!
Do you charge for stacking?
Yes!
And one thing that some firewood suppliers do not realize as you cannot take rounds split them into your truck deliver them and expect them to burn I don't care if they're Barkless or not wood needs to be split and sit for at least a month even if those rounds are considered dry.... Those rounds maybe 20% on the inside, but once you split it is 20% on the outside also and on the inside .it needs to be way dryer on the outside to burn properly...JPF is clueless and that's why he's almost bankrupt LOL
Dry wood is important.
You got it!! GNI
Thanks Todd!
Hey Chris! Would your customers pay more for stacking the wood at their home? If you’re going to stack it anyways then why not get paid for it? We average over $600 per cord because of this service
Yes, some people do pay me to stack.
Hi Chris,
Can you recommend a splitter for me?
I have a budget of around 1200.00. I want to buy American but the prices are way more than the Chinese stuff.
I was lent a Black Diamond 27 ton and it works great. (Only one I’ve ever used) There is a Black Diamond 32 ton for right at 1200.00 that’s available now.
My head is spinning trying to research all the options. Can you help? Is there an American made option in my budget range?
Thank you
Look at the names on the parts of the hydraulics. Might be a name you never heard of, but the parts could be built in Iowa.
I would know less than you, I have not looked at them for maybe 3-4 years now. My last one was a WOODS brand for like $1100. Black Diamonds are nice too. Good luck!
I agree with everything but the free delivery I started charging 50 for a ten mile radius and 100 beyond that I use the delivery fee as a negotiation tool if I have to
Delivery fees have changed
My margin so I always win.
The free delivery is a good way to build up customers but I do need to start charging more.
The delivery fee has had a significant impact on my profit margin if you're consistent and you have good wood people are going to pay
All great tips, but the sad things is that many of those have become "extras" in modern society. A good portion of these tips were basically doing what you said you would do, and unfortunately, that's a rarity nowdays. That's why you are the man when it comes to firewood. I get a kick out of reading online reviews about products and services and they are like "everything I expected, 5 stars". Everything I expected is 3 stars, more than I expected is 4 stars and 5 stars should be reserved for the ultimate. Your type of service is 5 stars, but only because you make the extra effort to make it so.
Thanks Phil I try to treat everyone the same .... the best I can and the way I would expect myself.
The "Toyota" of wood 🛻
Ha! Yes that sounds good.
Do people ever request samples?
Nope, I just deliver it.
According to JPF it’s the customers job to dry the wood but it’s not mine I deliver clean dry wood !
Yup, dry ready to burn seasoned wood.
If you can create a firewood app... BOOM. Market consolidated.
Fire wood is work, real work.
I try to answer all calls asap or call back asap even with land clearing business is what I do, I try to call back asap and even when I get spam calls until I know who is who. Be on TIME is what I try my best to do and I ask anyone who works for me is to be on time. Have a great day be safe.
Yes Arthur, all of that is true!
Seems like I have saw this one before
Maybe I have touched on some of the topics before but I just recorded it a couple weeks ago.
you forgot to tell em you need a population base to sell firewood....out here not many folks and so that is that.....
That is another video! Thanks Tom!
💥 Love it! Your business card is like manure. 😂
*Keep on tractoring!* #ARITTERBITWILLDO
Thanks John! Keep cuttin!