How to Sell Black Walnut Wood

Black walnut wood is widely used in furniture.

As described by thewoodbox.com, "Walnut lumber is used for fine furniture, architectural woodwork, musical instruments, decorative panels, interior trim, and flooring." With so many uses of this type of wood there are plenty of customers available who are looking for it. Wood workers look for many types of wood to finish their crafting projects, including black walnut, and you can be the one to sell it to them.

Instructions

Selling Black Walnut Wood

1. Purchase your inventory from a wholesaler to get a discounted rate. Many wholesalers will not sell to the general public so you may need to apply for a business tax identification number to prove that you are a business. This can be obtained at your state's Internal Revenue Department. If you do not want to go through a wholesaler, then try looking for sales at hobby stores or search online for discounted products. There are also a number of lumber liquidators available online that carry black walnut wood.

2. Set reasonable prices for your customers. Determine whether you will sell your wood per foot, per piece or bundle. Selling the wood too low can result in the reduction of earnings and if you set your price above the competition you may lose a sale. What ever price you choose, let there be a reason for it. For example, if the price is higher than average, maybe it is because it is a valuable piece of wood that is veneer quality.

3. Locate customers interested in wood products. You can purchase mailing lists or generate your own by making personal contacts with family, friends and associates. Make contact with local wood craftsmen like furniture makers, contractors that install wood panels and floors or cabinet producers. These types of occupations often use black walnut wood in their work.

4. Sell the wood online and tell people from your customer list where to find you on the web. You can build your own website, pay to have a web developer create one for you or use free, ad supported sites. There are also popular auction sites available to sell your wood. Be sure to add clear photos and descriptions of the wood, along with pricing and shipping information. There are also timber and lumber marketplaces available online where you can list yourself as a supplier for black walnut wood.

5. Sell to door to door to local craft and hobby shops and take orders. Be sure to bring along a catalog of products and small samples of the wood to illustrate the quality of the wood. Tell them about your business and let them know why they should purchase from you, not your competitors. Let them know about your prices and delivery options.

6. Apply to become a vendor at a lumber products trade show. These events bring in large groups of people that are interested in wood products. Here you can showcase your black walnut wood to craftsmen, retailers and home builders. Targeting your customer base at a trade show will help increase your sales. It is also a place where you can build customer relationships and direct them to your website, where they can find you at their convenience.

Tips & Warnings

• Illustrate the uses of the wood to potential buyers. This will help peak their interest and give them a reason to buy it.

References

• The Wood Box:American Black Walnut Lumber

Resources

• Global Wood: Global Wood Trade Center
• Northeastern Retail Lumber Association: LBM Expo