What are you selling today?

[Jeff L Headley]

With today's market, I am interested in what you are selling. Brown is old school today.
Joinery doesn't seem to matter ( This only said from  today's market ). It will get replaced in 5 years so how to offer what todays clients desire.

Or, if painted, what? Black, Leopard print, Zebra stripe with chrome.   Brass and silver can get polished, but who wants to do that today?

My idea is auto furniture. Retro, Cuba. Big black round tires supporting and elegant shaped skirt with a rounded segmented top. Invest in poplar.

[millcrek]

Almost all I ever do anymore is repair work, restoration for small museums, and upholstery. I've had 2 commissions in the last 3 years, I don't do spec work any more. I did sell 1 small table that I made for myself. I used to do a lot of work for antique dealers but not much lately. Fixing clients family treasures is my current mainstay.

[Dale Ausherman]

Jeff:

When can we get a class on the auto furniture? But will we need to change the oil occasionally?

Dale

[Peter Storey Pentz]

Jeff,

Millcrek's story is pretty much the same as mine.  But, as an antique dealer, I have some additional insights.  You are right that today's market for new furniture is dominated by factory produced (but not always cheap) drek.  The big corporations tie up a lot of money in advertising and instant gratification distribution systems.  No, we can't compete with that.  What we have to offer is the exact opposite, and it has to be marketed that way.  Both the furniture and the way it is sold have to be unique to the maker and its purchaser.  I might add, that this aims at customers with above average incomes.  If you look at the post that is a few entries before this, the one with the link to the Bonham's sale, you will see what I mean.  An antique dining table that sold for $72,000.  Now you know why I am looking for plans for one.  One of the things that people seem to be seeking is large, interesting or unique dining tables.  Preferably, pedestal styles that do not have a lot of legs.  Small serving tables or huntboards seem to get a lot of attention.  In fact, considering that practically every state in the Union has its own wine industry, cellarettes or cellarette-like furniture is an idea.  Stay away from slant-front desks.  We period people may love them,  but the market does not. 
Your idea about painted furniture in strong, contrasting colors is a good one that would probably have traction these days.  I would still build it well and tell the customer that if they get tired of it the paint can be removed.   PSP

[Peter Storey Pentz]

Jeff,

Further thoughts:  In he same vein as your bright, contrasting color schemes, you might want to check out the work of a furniture maker from your neck of the woods, Johannes Spitler.  His stuff regularly sells in the five and six figure bracket at auction. 
     Also, not so much as a direct marketing idea, but as a means of getting a handle on our ever-changing cultural landscape, check out the Broadway musical, Hamilton.  It is a very big hit, it's gotten a record number of Tony nominations, and it's changed a Treasury Department currency decision.  There must be something going on.   PSP

[Freddy Roman]

Johannes Spitler is selling painted furniture that is faux aged beautifully.   

Jeff,

Its amazing the cycle. I go from restoring and conservation work being mainly my main source of income, and now making furniture. Its been a great mix and a lot of fun. The only issue is that the requests all come at once. 

Cheers,

FR

[Jeff L Headley]

My father Mack S Headley Sr. always told me build in a strong economy and restore in a weak economy. He was lucky to be able to do both. If luck is what you want to call it. I try to follow in a family tradition.

[ttalma]

The Spitler stuff is great. It's my wife's style, and she does painting that way. I'll have to make her a few pieces to paint.