I'm just getting started in the firewood business, but I'm making the following assumptions:
I think marketing is going to be the major factor for success. A memorable business card and an easy to remember name will help. I'm also hoping customers will put one of my fridge magnets up just because it's cool looking. I'm really banking on the magnets because I think everything else will get lost over time.
- Customers will appreciate getting more wood than what they paid for, but will complain loudly if they think they're getting shorted by even the slightest amount.
- There is little customer loyalty. Meaning I have to work even harder for repeat business by providing a quality product at a fair price, backed by fast and friendly service.
- One bad piece can lose you a customer. Product quality is important.
- Ordering has to be as simple of a process as possible. People like convenience. It's up to me to provide that.
- Customers will forget who you are before you leave their driveway. Meaning I need to remember them and check with them periodically to see if they need more product.
- Marketing is critical for new business. I can't rely on word of mouth exclusively.
The other thing I think is important is the simple name of the business. Mike The Firewood Guy is about as easy to remember as I can get. www.thefirewoodguy.com was already taken so I went ahead and added my name.
Now to get busy building the website.
Whatever the case, I'm looking forward to being out in the woods.
Excellent advice, thanks.Great idea BK.
I use magnets for the public and cards for businesses. Stick that baby on the fridge and they see it every time they open the door.
I suggest you collect email addresses and send out quarterly general mails.
Have a "Summer special" where your customers can get a deal by ordering out of season.
Dont reduce your prices for specials but rather add quantity.
A free coffee cup with every load delivered.
Share a load with your neighbour and get an extra 25% at no cost!
A good businessman I knew years ago took over an icecream store in a large shopping centre. Then the rats in Centre management allowed a Wendys franchise in the same centre despite his "no direct competition" clause. Within 12 months he had put that Wendys store out of business with a simple yet effective tool. His ice cream scoop. He bought a whole batch of icecream scoops that were smaller than his old ones. Then he instructed his staff to put 2 or even 3 scoops into each cone. It was the same quantity of icecream as he used to serve but the public perception was they were getting a better deal. This idea and his motto that every customer deserves a smile allowed this David to beat his personal Goliath. Apply the same principles and I believe you will do great.
Best of luck.
When I had my welding shop, I found the yellow pages, other print, and radio advertising were a waste of my money.
The thing that worked the best for me was hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats... All good quality stuff that people would want to wear, not that el-cheapo crap.
I had high school kids asking for my hats! LOL
They were flex-fit, nice high quality stuff, and the embroiderer I used was top notch.
I figure I spent a grand there total, and got lots of stuff for my money.
Card looks good BTW!
Yep, working on it right now. I don't think I'll do anything special for this one. Pictures, phone & email outta do it. I'm going to install a program called vTiger that lets me keep track of customers, set reminders when to contact them, and keep track of what they bought. It's pretty cool for a free program. Doesn't hurt that I own the server too so I can install whatever I want on it.I took a peak at the website, seems that it is under construction?
Yep, working on it right now. I don't think I'll do anything special for this one. Pictures, phone & email outta do it. I'm going to install a program called vTiger that lets me keep track of customers, set reminders when to contact them, and keep track of what they bought. It's pretty cool for a free program. Doesn't hurt that I own the server too so I can install whatever I want on it.
Thank you my friend. I agree, print and radio/TV would be a waste. Hadn't thought of shirts and hats. Maybe for the crew this year. I'm sure they would agree. Next year for the customers when I get some $ from this year.
My goal is 100 cords by the time I shut down cutting operations. I'm thinking that will happen around Oct. around here.
It'll go up to $180 when the selling season starts. I'm planning on $220/cord for the winter. Wish I could get some hardwood around here. It goes for $350+ for a cord.Went to your website... $140 for a pickup load of soft wood? Wow.. The going rate around here gets you a cord of oak for that. Must be nice to live where firewood brings that much...
Ian
It'll go up to $180 when the selling season starts. I'm planning on $220/cord for the winter. Wish I could get some hardwood around here. It goes for $350+ for a cord.
Went to your website... $140 for a pickup load of soft wood? Wow.. The going rate around here gets you a cord of oak for that. Must be nice to live where firewood brings that much...
Ian
I've got as far as this for a business card and fridge magnet. What do you think?
I thought about making a full blown e-commerce site, but for now I don't want to take checks or credit cards so I opted for the simple site.
My vote?
Print it! Good card!
The stove on the website is burning wood, or so the mfg's website said.
Enter your email address to join: