Can’t get over the fact a man who made his living doing this craft went back to basics to teach a community his trade that he payed the bills with. Amen brother your awesome
I started forging about five years ago after taking my first class at a local teaching farm. I have since taken more classes, including an apprenticeship through a grant I received. I have a nice little shop and have managed to fund my entire operation by selling items. My advice is keep the quality high. Your reputation is all you’ve got. It’s not worth letting things get out with your name on them if you’re not happy with them. Great video John!
Agreed. Items I forge that I’m not happy with become mine and not a customers. Customers get the best quality pieces because word of mouth is everything in this business.
At the peak of my blacksmithing career I made the majority of my money by advertising on Facebook Marketplace, or everyday prior to going into the shop I would spend two to three hours just sitting in the driveway in front of my shop looking through post after post on every Facebook group involving blacksmithing; I would find where someone had inquired about a tool or a hammer or a specific art project or so project or something that they wanted forged, and I would then send them a private message simply telling them that I would be glad to give them an estimate of what it would cost or options of how to be made and what level of craftsmanship and quality they could expect. Often I would get a bite, and that led to sales. It took lots of leg work though
Years ago I was going to historical reenactment gigs with my own crudely forged S hooks, cook set for campfires and the like. I was rough and so was my stuff. A man came by with his young son and gave the kid a very serious lecture about how you could tell that my goods were very old antiques due to the rugged appearance. I didn’t bust the guy but my stuff was rough because some of it had been tent stakes a week earlier, I’d quickly roughed it out to make the event. No antiquities were harmed, lol!
Selling your work is definitely a marathon and not a sprint. For the past 9 months I've been selling my work. I started my own website 6 months ago to sell on and have been selling on Etsy for nearly 3 months. The in-person events (craft fairs and the like) has been the best source of income. The second best source has been Etsy. It's been a slow start with Etsy but it's gaining momentum. Last is my own website. That's mostly been orders from locals I meet at the in-person events or business cards I hand out in general. It takes time and effort to sell your items but the satisfaction of having people enjoy your work enough to spend their hard earned money on is wonderful.
Wonderful video. One thing I would also mention is to consider your audience. Decorative wall art may not sell well at a county fair and spatulas and railroad spike knives may not sell at an art show.
I started blacksmithing 3 months back. I had the bright idea to set up at the local flea market. Has not worked out too well for me. I seemed to take right to blacksmithing. All this information have been very useful. I'm designing my own things, making what I think will sell, some things work some things do not. It really is a trial and error business. I am setting up a small country store because my specific location is a good one for anything hand made. I live adjacent to a winery, and in close proximity to an Amish community. I'm considering making videos to help as well I just don't care much for speaking while I work.
@@mandolinman2006 I may do just that, I think a small welding class for anyone starting to blacksmith would be a very good idea. Great suggestion. I think it would be good for all blacksmiths here, and aspiring blacksmiths to have a page together. Share problems and solutions. Project ideas, stuff you make that don't work as a bit of a warning.
@@PatriotForgeOhio yep. I find it's interesting to watch videos from people who've done it a while. One reason I haven't invested in blacksmithing myself is, I learned when trying to learn welding from videos of certified welders, an expert can explain what's going on and someone with a clue can figure it out. But a novice like me, and I'm sure I've got other things as well, sometimes the expert makes it easier than it is. So, seeing beginners and their struggles could be interesting.
@@mandolinman2006 I’m a certified welder and the best teacher is hands on practicing over and over and over. Forge welding tho is another beast…. For me the best comparison would be oxy- acetylene welding with out using filler rod.
I feel ya... I'm still honing my craft and building my workshop. I live in a summer tourist location and hand made stuff sells quite well . I have spoken to other local smiths and functional sells the best as opposed to strictly decorative. So that what I have been working on ,is wood and metal combined along with just copper and steel.
It’s a bit of a grind starting out selling stuff, but it’s always nice when you can make a craft pay for itself. The prices on all this stuff are right around what I price my stuff at. Some people are more likely to buy your stuff if you can mention to them that you’re reinvesting your profits into your craft. Another excellent video sir, I look forward to seeing how selling that stuff goes.
Great advice! One of the things I've seen really help at a craft show was a blacksmith had taken a couple of pieces of scrap wood, fashioned them into an L shape and stained it, then mounted a couple of his hooks on the face of it. Definitely stood out from the rest of us that had our items laying flat on the table, you could see it from much farther away, and he also hung his keychains and bottle openers on it as well. Good luck to everyone starting down this path!
I made my first hooks last night based on your recent beginner videos. They are ROUGH! I learned a lot about how the metal moves and how skilled you are John, because it's not as easy as you make it look. I'm going to make a lot more of them and keep practicing, I like it!
I'm teaching my kids to drive. I had them back up the car the other day. One of them says to me, "You make it look so _easy_ dad!" ROFLMAO! That's always the way it goes when you're learning something from someone else. Don't worry. Keep working and learning.
I have done just what you have discussed here but with machining. I have built an entire home machine shop building and tools. This has taken me 8 yrs. But I also have paid for my entire wood shop and tools. You are spot on and the method works but it does take time and commitment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts John, well done.
THANK YOU JOHN! I was so inspired by this new series you are doing, I made some hooks on the weekend and just sold one on Etsy. I'm so pleased! I may even be able to upgrade from a hunk of rail to a cheap anvil soon 🙂
Thank you so much for taking time to share your skills with all of us that are still learning. Many of us are very grateful that you are willing to share your knowledge.
Going to start selling my knives and fly rods on Etsy. I also find these little items nice as a change in just doing knives and rods. This helps a lot, thank you for all the years I have had to watch you and your site grow. Happy Father’s Day
I ordered 2 of those hangers and one spiral keychain last night , 132lbs Vevor anvil came in this morning to replace my 50Lb Vulcan . Thank you for sharing the knowledge and ideas .
i do pretty well for myself and do blacksmithing as a hobby, i find it really enjoyable and being able to make money from something i love is just so gratifying. love your videos man
Love the new shop and the direction you are taking it. Good information for new and old smiths who are taking that next step from friends and family to the general public. Please keep the videos coming.
Hey John this is awesome man. As to the voice over, I like it and I think I hear in your voice a different level of calmness. I've been a subscriber here for pretty close to six years. I have basically learned to be a blacksmith right here from you. I am more appreciative than you can know. My story is much longer than I care to get into here and now. Just keep up the great work brother. I'm with you all the way.
Probably one of the most informative and professional smith I've ever seen, please keep em coming john your showing a generation a truly dying trade and how to profit from it, your doing God's work sir and I and the community can't thank you enough, got a cold beer for yea if your ever up in canada ehh
I started forging about five years ago with Johns, and other, videos. Started from the basics and just built and made everything from scratch. Sold a few things but mainly just make stuff and give them to friends. It’s great to see the same comments but budding smiths today as there was when I started. It’s great hobby.
Thanks a bunch for this video. It is super helpful. I really appreciate you thinking about all of us new blacksmiths who don’t really know how to sell this stuff.
Happy father's day Mr John. Great information and video. I'm sure everyone will have something to take away from this now or later when they think of it "on their own" from the seeds you've planted! Blessings aboundant my friend Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
This must be one of the best, down to earth video's on pricing I have ever seen. I have just got back into welding, after a 30 year gap. Some of the products on the internet I am thinking of making are costing upwards of £800. I'm thinking I could make and sell that for half the price. But after watching this video I can see that I would be making very little. Superb informative video, has saved me a lot of hardwork for nowt. Thank you loads.
I'm glad to hear you mention that if the lable you print from etsy has the wrong info on, It's what the customer provided. I have heard it all too often in customer service that the online platform they used made a mistake and then the item gets delivered to someone else. Especially when said customer has more than one addresses on, it's always the platform that chooses the other address.
I use to live in Spirit Lake Iowa and I've been to a lot of the craft shows as well as the swap meets there I've bought some interesting stuff from the shows out there
Very nice video this week John. Loving this beginning Blacksmithing video series. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Forge Lit. Keep Making. God Bless.
I enjoy selling at craft shows and festivals. I enjoy the in person sales and sharing my knowledge of the craft. I will do demonstrations which usually bring in customers to my booth. I also get a lot of business from handing out cards. I tried etsy it was good at first ,then became to pricey, so I closed my account. I keep searching for niches in local markets. I also will do custom orders per customers request
Great job John, you covered that really well and fair to the pricing. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Stay safe and keep up the good videos, work and fun you have around there. Fred.
I traveled the art & craft show circuit for about 7 years full time. It was fun, met a lot of interesting people. The big well managed shows were great money, the rest just barely worth it, maybe. The biggest disappointment was the Americana craft council show in Dallas, a long time ago. Talk to other exhibitors to find the best locations.
Thank you for this, this is exactly what I am trying to accomplish with what I am working on, perhaps get to a point I can survive on it. I am lucky I managed to miss out on some of the major starting costs, so I am a bit ahead, so if I manage to sell some things, I can invest more back in and still break even or have something extra. Looking forward to more of this series.
Hey! i don't really start blacksmithing yet but i've been thinking of it for a while and your videos are so helpfull and also entertaining. Maybe i start my own mini shop soon. Thank you for your videos, your incredible work an also thank you for the free month at skillshare!!!
Another great video! 👍Thanks, John. You definitely have the goods. I agree Etsy is a great way to sell online. There is competition, but maybe that can help us up our games. I'm catching up on videos, looking forward to seeing part two. Cheers
My blacksmithing group, would devide and conquer around father's day, Thanksgiving (leading into Christmas) each of us taking buckest of stuff to shopping centers, setting up in the parking lot (fees may be involved) fire up a small forge, burn a little coal, and beat on some iron. Soon there would be lines for making sales. All life before internet. It's hard to beat USPS for shipping. Post office delivers everywhere, other shippers cherry pick their routes. Only thing better is when someone shows up at the shop with lots of money and little gab. Almost never happens.
Hi John, thanks for the thoughts on how to sell my work, this has been a subject of interest to me for a very long time. Shop insurance seems to be nonexistent and, in some cases, Cost prohibitive. I've looked at having an Open Door, Insurance is a barrier, works limited locally in my aria, to and for me. Selling stuff in my Front yard away from my Shop works. I prefer a Closed Door and selling things at another location work better. with less worry that someone will get burnt, Scratched or cut on something sharp. I use both at times.
another thing that newbies could take with you to a local craft show is a sample of larger work you can do on commission, that way you don't have to spend a lot of time or money on completing a huge item and trying to get it to shows or shops this could be unique pieces of iron work you have come up with for railings and gates etc
Its nice when it happens with any medium I currently work with but I have never tried putting my stuff out there intentionally. Though lately that could slowly change. BTW I subscribed recently this is one channel I can watch reg. I am not new to metals being around them most of my life. I began metal spinning brass at age 12 working with brass alloys and copper and a few others through my summers . from that point on I always enjoyed it. Not as much back then, but you know. I made more than all my friends paper routes and I showed it, by blowing through my pays weekly. I'm totally green with blacksmithing but seem to be catching on so far so good. Ill be wielding an angle grinder / flap wheels on aluminum and 304 all day. One of the better ways to spend any Sunday imho (unless its BBQing :)
Thanks for that. I use Etsy and forgot to put my items on vacation mode. I had an item that sat on etsy forever and then I sold it at a craft show and came back and it also sold on etsy.... I had to make an exact duplicate of the item. :) I thought about also looking into Ko-fi but I like how Etsy works and I can just bump up my prices to offset their fee increases. Thanks for the helpful tips.
One way to decrease the cost is to spread the cost over time. You don’t need everything available to do good work. I started my forge 10 years ago and only buy a nib or non here and there. Now I have a complete shop and a rack full of scrap I found here and there.
John, I’ve been in the e-commerce business for many years now and would be more than happy to help you out with anything you need for your website. At my company, I’ve worn every hat. Even if you need any advice on best practices, let me know. I see that your website still isn’t very established yet! All of this would be free of charge, your videos and knowledge have been more than enough payment.
Man I want to start blacksmithing but i have like zero dollars to spare I’m just trying to make money from leather working right now and use that to do blacksmithing
If you have a fire pit or a spot you can make fire at, you could start with a piece of cardboard for a fan, a sledge hammer head (with or without the handle) for and anvil, and any old hammer to be your first forging hammer. I learned a lot that way before I ever had any proper tools.
I love these videos. I will watch them all eventually. Does anyone know of any furniture building videos that are similar to these? I love both blacksmithing and carpentry... but the majority of carpentry videos I'm finding just show someone building stuff to music. They don't say a word through the video.
Hey John I'm really enjoying your video. You got a couple of videos like this and they're always inspiring and informative. I don't know if you're going to recognize my name. That was described to you shortly before you at 1000 subscribers. Original you had it basically advertising for your shop is why you started these videos and you moved and you grew in your channel wait a couple other channels had two pages and groups open and close stuff adjusted move around but you're still here and I'm still here I remember when you hit 1,000 then you could monetize
I think I'm going to try doing this myself. I've been taking classes now for the last year and a half, and I've made all my own tools except for a hammer that I started making in a class and just haven't gotten around to finishing yet. I tried finishing it last time I was at the forge, but I didn't have a pair of hammer tongs (the ones for the class are only for use in that class) and then I needed the rounding swage for the power hammer to make the tongs but of course the rounding swage was broken (ironically I'm the one that broke it like a month ago; I filled out the form and reported it though) so I had to fix that which involved a lot of grinding to make a proper weld on the thing. I'm trying to get a workshop built in my backyard this summer but it's slow going. However I have this really small metal tool shed that's just large enough for my forge, anvil, and post vise so I'm going to set those up out there and see what I can do. Just curious what you think about selling tools as well as items like you show here? I can make a variety of tongs plus chisels, punches, etc. so would those sell at all, or is there too much competition with the larger blacksmith supply places and smiths that already have recognition for selling tools?
Hi John in this video you mentioned you are going to Iowa for a show what show is that and what date’s are you there I’m from Iowa love watching your videos
Staying with community events is good in theory. If your community will support it. Local farmers market to me is $10 a day. Still doesn't make any money for me at that cost. Looking further afield for one that might
Made a tripod, evidently to thick a material and to short, was 3/4" mild rnd stock, 5' long to start, pointed on one end, 3" loop with a wrapped around tapered end. Ended up about 4' tall tripod. What dimensions should I start and end up with? And what's a good connecting loop size? I don't like the huge 3" loops, they seem to sloppy.
My only problem that im struggling with is selling my products i have the tools and self taught myself just cant sell anything 😔 kinda discouraged about it been doing blacksmithing for 3 years now
That would be discouraging. Are your prices fair? I am only able/willing to sell locally at the farmers market. I price my things lower than what I see on Etsy. More like pricing it for the market not finding a market for my price.
How are you going about selling your items? I've been selling for the past 9 months and the best source of income is local craft fairs, artisan fairs, etc. I'd love to not have to do those and rely on online orders but for now it's where I make most of my money.
John, again I (we) appreciate you sharing your skills and knowledge. I'm at a similar point as your other users. For the last few years, I have given away most of my creations. I do think we can earn a decent living - but we aren't going to get rich fast. When I first started, Blacksmithing wasn't as popular as it is now. (Damn Forged in Fire - just kidding.) When selling our creations, I have added to the package a few less perfect items. I figure any buyer would appreciate even our not-so-perfect items as a bonus-free addition in their box Anyway, I appreciate everything that you do!
John , I am curious since you have a very good reputation and following do you think your sales of items might be skewed by the name recognition, once again thank you for the video and all the work you do teaching those of us who attempt to get to half your skill level.:}
Loving this series, planning on trying to sell some of my wqork soonish. So thank you for these, also, just as a heads up, this video is only appearing in the Blacksmithing on a budget playlist, shows 'unlisted' below the title and is not showing up in just the normal video list.
The biggest problem is other people under pricing their work. Some people are happy to get the cost of steel back from selling things but it makes it impossible for anyone to make even minimum wage.
May I add something to consider? TAXES -- sales taxes-you will need to get a sales tax number from the Comptroller of Public Accounts(in Texas & doesn't cost anything and can be done online) and then file and pay the state sales taxes as required. You will need to do this for every state you sell in if you sell in that state and if that state is not your home state. You may include the tax on each item's total price or charge the % add-on like at a store. Income taxes--keep very good records of tools, materials, and other purchases and expenses as costs for business expenses and costs when filling out Schedule C for your Income Tax Return. You will need to sort of decide if this is a business or hobby. The IRS will deem it a hobby if you don't start making a profit after about 5 years and/or you treat it that way. Keep detailed records to show the IRS if asked. If you are trying to make a business, open a separate checking account and possibly a business credit card and KEEP PERSONAL FUNDS AND BUSINESS FUNDS SEPARATE AT ALL COSTS! Pay business expenses from the business account and deposit income to the business account. It is much easier to keep personal and business funds separate if the accounts are separate. {BEEN THERE}
Hey John, I've been watching and learning from you for the better part of six years, and I am beyond appreciative of you for your expertise and advise. I wasn't sure whether you were going to address this in your follow-up video, but as I start broaching on marketing and selling my work, I've run up against a wall when it comes to choosing to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, or as an LLC. I'm curious as to whether you'd be comfortable sharing which you chose to operate under, and what lead you to your choice. I understand the requirements of both, as well as how to pay my taxes as a business owner, so I don't intend to take it as legal advise, but I do value your input. Thank you again!
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Can’t get over the fact a man who made his living doing this craft went back to basics to teach a community his trade that he payed the bills with. Amen brother your awesome
A master knows the importance of basics
I started forging about five years ago after taking my first class at a local teaching farm. I have since taken more classes, including an apprenticeship through a grant I received. I have a nice little shop and have managed to fund my entire operation by selling items. My advice is keep the quality high. Your reputation is all you’ve got. It’s not worth letting things get out with your name on them if you’re not happy with them. Great video John!
I got started last October I know I got a lot of work to do to get where I want to be at but I am having fun getting there.
Agreed. Items I forge that I’m not happy with become mine and not a customers. Customers get the best quality pieces because word of mouth is everything in this business.
At the peak of my blacksmithing career I made the majority of my money by advertising on Facebook Marketplace, or everyday prior to going into the shop I would spend two to three hours just sitting in the driveway in front of my shop looking through post after post on every Facebook group involving blacksmithing; I would find where someone had inquired about a tool or a hammer or a specific art project or so project or something that they wanted forged, and I would then send them a private message simply telling them that I would be glad to give them an estimate of what it would cost or options of how to be made and what level of craftsmanship and quality they could expect. Often I would get a bite, and that led to sales. It took lots of leg work though
Years ago I was going to historical reenactment gigs with my own crudely forged S hooks, cook set for campfires and the like. I was rough and so was my stuff. A man came by with his young son and gave the kid a very serious lecture about how you could tell that my goods were very old antiques due to the rugged appearance. I didn’t bust the guy but my stuff was rough because some of it had been tent stakes a week earlier, I’d quickly roughed it out to make the event. No antiquities were harmed, lol!
Selling your work is definitely a marathon and not a sprint. For the past 9 months I've been selling my work. I started my own website 6 months ago to sell on and have been selling on Etsy for nearly 3 months. The in-person events (craft fairs and the like) has been the best source of income. The second best source has been Etsy. It's been a slow start with Etsy but it's gaining momentum. Last is my own website. That's mostly been orders from locals I meet at the in-person events or business cards I hand out in general. It takes time and effort to sell your items but the satisfaction of having people enjoy your work enough to spend their hard earned money on is wonderful.
Wonderful video. One thing I would also mention is to consider your audience. Decorative wall art may not sell well at a county fair and spatulas and railroad spike knives may not sell at an art show.
Great point
I started blacksmithing 3 months back. I had the bright idea to set up at the local flea market. Has not worked out too well for me. I seemed to take right to blacksmithing. All this information have been very useful. I'm designing my own things, making what I think will sell, some things work some things do not. It really is a trial and error business. I am setting up a small country store because my specific location is a good one for anything hand made. I live adjacent to a winery, and in close proximity to an Amish community. I'm considering making videos to help as well I just don't care much for speaking while I work.
If you're not interested in talking while working, doing a voiceover during editing may be perfect for you.
@@mandolinman2006 I may do just that, I think a small welding class for anyone starting to blacksmith would be a very good idea. Great suggestion. I think it would be good for all blacksmiths here, and aspiring blacksmiths to have a page together. Share problems and solutions. Project ideas, stuff you make that don't work as a bit of a warning.
@@PatriotForgeOhio yep. I find it's interesting to watch videos from people who've done it a while. One reason I haven't invested in blacksmithing myself is, I learned when trying to learn welding from videos of certified welders, an expert can explain what's going on and someone with a clue can figure it out. But a novice like me, and I'm sure I've got other things as well, sometimes the expert makes it easier than it is. So, seeing beginners and their struggles could be interesting.
@@mandolinman2006 I’m a certified welder and the best teacher is hands on practicing over and over and over. Forge welding tho is another beast…. For me the best comparison would be oxy- acetylene welding with out using filler rod.
I feel ya... I'm still honing my craft and building my workshop. I live in a summer tourist location and hand made stuff sells quite well . I have spoken to other local smiths and functional sells the best as opposed to strictly decorative. So that what I have been working on ,is wood and metal combined along with just copper and steel.
AS GRUNT BLACKSMITH, I HAVE GAIN VERY MUCH INFO FROM YOU, YOU ARE A GOOD TEACHER
Glad it helps. Have fun
It’s a bit of a grind starting out selling stuff, but it’s always nice when you can make a craft pay for itself. The prices on all this stuff are right around what I price my stuff at.
Some people are more likely to buy your stuff if you can mention to them that you’re reinvesting your profits into your craft.
Another excellent video sir, I look forward to seeing how selling that stuff goes.
Great advice! One of the things I've seen really help at a craft show was a blacksmith had taken a couple of pieces of scrap wood, fashioned them into an L shape and stained it, then mounted a couple of his hooks on the face of it. Definitely stood out from the rest of us that had our items laying flat on the table, you could see it from much farther away, and he also hung his keychains and bottle openers on it as well. Good luck to everyone starting down this path!
I made my first hooks last night based on your recent beginner videos. They are ROUGH! I learned a lot about how the metal moves and how skilled you are John, because it's not as easy as you make it look. I'm going to make a lot more of them and keep practicing, I like it!
😂
I'm teaching my kids to drive. I had them back up the car the other day. One of them says to me, "You make it look so _easy_ dad!" ROFLMAO!
That's always the way it goes when you're learning something from someone else. Don't worry. Keep working and learning.
I have done just what you have discussed here but with machining. I have built an entire home machine shop building and tools. This has taken me 8 yrs. But I also have paid for my entire wood shop and tools.
You are spot on and the method works but it does take time and commitment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts John, well done.
Might need to sell a couple hooks and get those lights back on. Someone had to say it. Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it very much. 😊
I really look forward to sitting down with my morning coffee and watching the latest Black Bear Forge video. Thanks John!
THANK YOU JOHN! I was so inspired by this new series you are doing, I made some hooks on the weekend and just sold one on Etsy. I'm so pleased! I may even be able to upgrade from a hunk of rail to a cheap anvil soon 🙂
Great job!
Thank you so much for taking time to share your skills with all of us that are still learning. Many of us are very grateful that you are willing to share your knowledge.
You are so welcome!
16:40 i could have sworn the boxes that disappeared out of your hands was an intentional effect!
Going to start selling my knives and fly rods on Etsy. I also find these little items nice as a change in just doing knives and rods. This helps a lot, thank you for all the years I have had to watch you and your site grow. Happy Father’s Day
You single-handedly got me into this craft. Thank you. I am forever in your debt
I ordered 2 of those hangers and one spiral keychain last night , 132lbs Vevor anvil came in this morning to replace my 50Lb Vulcan . Thank you for sharing the knowledge and ideas .
Thank you, I appreciate the support. Those will be out in today's mail.
This was amazing to watch ❤. I got so engrossed that I didnt even notice 20mins had gone by. Thank you for your time and effort.😊
i do pretty well for myself and do blacksmithing as a hobby, i find it really enjoyable and being able to make money from something i love is just so gratifying. love your videos man
Love the new shop and the direction you are taking it. Good information for new and old smiths who are taking that next step from friends and family to the general public. Please keep the videos coming.
Thanks 👍
Hey John this is awesome man. As to the voice over, I like it and I think I hear in your voice a different level of calmness. I've been a subscriber here for pretty close to six years. I have basically learned to be a blacksmith right here from you. I am more appreciative than you can know. My story is much longer than I care to get into here and now. Just keep up the great work brother. I'm with you all the way.
It's interesting to see the business side of the craft and see how much time beyond just the making goes into things.
Thanks for bringing us along!
Thanks for watching!
Probably one of the most informative and professional smith I've ever seen, please keep em coming john your showing a generation a truly dying trade and how to profit from it, your doing God's work sir and I and the community can't thank you enough, got a cold beer for yea if your ever up in canada ehh
I started forging about five years ago with Johns, and other, videos. Started from the basics and just built and made everything from scratch. Sold a few things but mainly just make stuff and give them to friends. It’s great to see the same comments but budding smiths today as there was when I started. It’s great hobby.
Thanks a bunch for this video. It is super helpful. I really appreciate you thinking about all of us new blacksmiths who don’t really know how to sell this stuff.
Very helpful video for someone interested in small business. Thank you. Paints a good broad picture.
Glad it was helpful!
Happy father's day Mr John.
Great information and video. I'm sure everyone will have something to take away from this now or later when they think of it "on their own" from the seeds you've planted!
Blessings aboundant my friend
Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
One of the best series of videos you've put out. Thank you sir. You've helped me reframe how to do this.
Glad to help
This must be one of the best, down to earth video's on pricing I have ever seen. I have just got back into welding, after a 30 year gap. Some of the products on the internet I am thinking of making are costing upwards of £800. I'm thinking I could make and sell that for half the price. But after watching this video I can see that I would be making very little. Superb informative video, has saved me a lot of hardwork for nowt. Thank you loads.
I always find what you have to say useful.
Thanks
I'm glad to hear you mention that if the lable you print from etsy has the wrong info on, It's what the customer provided. I have heard it all too often in customer service that the online platform they used made a mistake and then the item gets delivered to someone else. Especially when said customer has more than one addresses on, it's always the platform that chooses the other address.
Thank you for that, it certainly gave me food for thought when it comes to selling my work.
Very welcome!
I use to live in Spirit Lake Iowa and I've been to a lot of the craft shows as well as the swap meets there I've bought some interesting stuff from the shows out there
Very nice video this week John. Loving this beginning Blacksmithing video series. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Forge Lit. Keep Making. God Bless.
Which show in Iowa are you going to?
Hand Works
I enjoy selling at craft shows and festivals. I enjoy the in person sales and sharing my knowledge of the craft. I will do demonstrations which usually bring in customers to my booth. I also get a lot of business from handing out cards. I tried etsy it was good at first ,then became to pricey, so I closed my account. I keep searching for niches in local markets. I also will do custom orders per customers request
Great job John, you covered that really well and fair to the pricing. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Stay safe and keep up the good videos, work and fun you have around there. Fred.
I traveled the art & craft show circuit for about 7 years full time. It was fun, met a lot of interesting people. The big well managed shows were great money, the rest just barely worth it, maybe. The biggest disappointment was the Americana craft council show in Dallas, a long time ago. Talk to other exhibitors to find the best locations.
Great video John. Excellent info. Thanks.
Thank you for this, this is exactly what I am trying to accomplish with what I am working on, perhaps get to a point I can survive on it. I am lucky I managed to miss out on some of the major starting costs, so I am a bit ahead, so if I manage to sell some things, I can invest more back in and still break even or have something extra. Looking forward to more of this series.
Glad it was helpful!
Hey! i don't really start blacksmithing yet but i've been thinking of it for a while and your videos are so helpfull and also entertaining. Maybe i start my own mini shop soon. Thank you for your videos, your incredible work an also thank you for the free month at skillshare!!!
Another great video! 👍Thanks, John. You definitely have the goods. I agree Etsy is a great way to sell online. There is competition, but maybe that can help us up our games. I'm catching up on videos, looking forward to seeing part two. Cheers
Thanks for the information. I've been looking at doing this for a while. I'm currently trying to get my setup to be mobile.
I truly enjoy watching this series of videos I have learned quite a bit more especially about the logistics thanks very much for your knowledge
Thanks, this is very informative and will be interesting to follow.
My blacksmithing group, would devide and conquer around father's day, Thanksgiving (leading into Christmas) each of us taking buckest of stuff to shopping centers, setting up in the parking lot (fees may be involved) fire up a small forge, burn a little coal, and beat on some iron. Soon there would be lines for making sales.
All life before internet.
It's hard to beat USPS for shipping. Post office delivers everywhere, other shippers cherry pick their routes. Only thing better is when someone shows up at the shop with lots of money and little gab. Almost never happens.
John looking forward to seeing you at Handworks. If you bring one of your spike knives. I will happily pay you fairly for it.
I’ll see if I can get one made. They aren’t something I do often
Hi John, thanks for the thoughts on how to sell my work, this has been a subject of interest to me for a very long time. Shop insurance seems to be nonexistent and, in some cases, Cost prohibitive. I've looked at having an Open Door, Insurance is a barrier, works limited locally in my aria, to and for me. Selling stuff in my Front yard away from my Shop works. I prefer a Closed Door and selling things at another location work better. with less worry that someone will get burnt, Scratched or cut on something sharp. I use both at times.
Can you teach us how to make a grappling hook for archery climbing?
😊
another thing that newbies could take with you to a local craft show is a sample of larger work you can do on commission, that way you don't have to spend a lot of time or money on completing a huge item and trying to get it to shows or shops
this could be unique pieces of iron work you have come up with for railings and gates etc
Its nice when it happens with any medium I currently work with but I have never tried putting my stuff out there intentionally. Though lately that could slowly change. BTW I subscribed recently this is one channel I can watch reg. I am not new to metals being around them most of my life. I began metal spinning brass at age 12 working with brass alloys and copper and a few others through my summers . from that point on I always enjoyed it. Not as much back then, but you know. I made more than all my friends paper routes and I showed it, by blowing through my pays weekly. I'm totally green with blacksmithing but seem to be catching on so far so good. Ill be wielding an angle grinder / flap wheels on aluminum and 304 all day. One of the better ways to spend any Sunday imho (unless its BBQing :)
Where are you going in Iowa?
In another comment he said Handwork in Amana.
Thanks for that. I use Etsy and forgot to put my items on vacation mode. I had an item that sat on etsy forever and then I sold it at a craft show and came back and it also sold on etsy.... I had to make an exact duplicate of the item. :) I thought about also looking into Ko-fi but I like how Etsy works and I can just bump up my prices to offset their fee increases. Thanks for the helpful tips.
Great video, thanks John!
I have some basic competency in armoring. Now im doing research on it.
Thanks for your videos! You should tell us what show you’ll be at in Iowa.
I just looked up your Etsy shop as this video is playing.
Wonder how hard it would be to make a scythe in that little shop
I think if you already know how to make a scythe it would be possible in this small shop. It's not something I have ever made
@BlackBearForge I think that is going to be My next challenge project
One way to decrease the cost is to spread the cost over time. You don’t need everything available to do good work. I started my forge 10 years ago and only buy a nib or non here and there. Now I have a complete shop and a rack full of scrap I found here and there.
I've been considering selling to fund the hobby. Mainly just to pay for some tooling I want.
Great information thanks for sharing!
John, I’ve been in the e-commerce business for many years now and would be more than happy to help you out with anything you need for your website. At my company, I’ve worn every hat. Even if you need any advice on best practices, let me know. I see that your website still isn’t very established yet! All of this would be free of charge, your videos and knowledge have been more than enough payment.
Great info!
Pedal hammer was the most useful tool to make and easy to
Very informative, thank you.
Man I want to start blacksmithing but i have like zero dollars to spare I’m just trying to make money from leather working right now and use that to do blacksmithing
If you have a fire pit or a spot you can make fire at, you could start with a piece of cardboard for a fan, a sledge hammer head (with or without the handle) for and anvil, and any old hammer to be your first forging hammer. I learned a lot that way before I ever had any proper tools.
Thanks for the skill share link.
John,
I would love to know when and where you will be in Iowa. i live here in Iowa and would love to meet you.
Thanks, Jeremy
I've gotten 15 dollars for those John( the key chains)
I love these videos. I will watch them all eventually. Does anyone know of any furniture building videos that are similar to these? I love both blacksmithing and carpentry... but the majority of carpentry videos I'm finding just show someone building stuff to music. They don't say a word through the video.
Hey John I'm really enjoying your video. You got a couple of videos like this and they're always inspiring and informative.
I don't know if you're going to recognize my name. That was described to you shortly before you at 1000 subscribers. Original you had it basically advertising for your shop is why you started these videos and you moved and you grew in your channel wait a couple other channels had two pages and groups open and close stuff adjusted move around but you're still here and I'm still here I remember when you hit 1,000 then you could monetize
Thanks for sticking around. Your name is certainly familiar.
John when is the show in Iowa, and where is it located.I would love to go there 😊
handworks.co/
Aloha John when and where are you going to Iowa I am very interested
handworks.co/
you are amazing jhon
I think I'm going to try doing this myself. I've been taking classes now for the last year and a half, and I've made all my own tools except for a hammer that I started making in a class and just haven't gotten around to finishing yet. I tried finishing it last time I was at the forge, but I didn't have a pair of hammer tongs (the ones for the class are only for use in that class) and then I needed the rounding swage for the power hammer to make the tongs but of course the rounding swage was broken (ironically I'm the one that broke it like a month ago; I filled out the form and reported it though) so I had to fix that which involved a lot of grinding to make a proper weld on the thing. I'm trying to get a workshop built in my backyard this summer but it's slow going. However I have this really small metal tool shed that's just large enough for my forge, anvil, and post vise so I'm going to set those up out there and see what I can do. Just curious what you think about selling tools as well as items like you show here? I can make a variety of tongs plus chisels, punches, etc. so would those sell at all, or is there too much competition with the larger blacksmith supply places and smiths that already have recognition for selling tools?
absolutely love your video
Hi John in this video you mentioned you are going to Iowa for a show what show is that and what date’s are you there I’m from Iowa love watching your videos
handworks.co/
Staying with community events is good in theory. If your community will support it. Local farmers market to me is $10 a day. Still doesn't make any money for me at that cost. Looking further afield for one that might
You're one cool dude. I wish you were my uncle
I actually liked the lighting when it went out more 🤔
Made a tripod, evidently to thick a material and to short, was 3/4" mild rnd stock, 5' long to start, pointed on one end, 3" loop with a wrapped around tapered end. Ended up about 4' tall tripod. What dimensions should I start and end up with? And what's a good connecting loop size? I don't like the huge 3" loops, they seem to sloppy.
I start with 1/2 X 48 or 5/8 X 60
where is the show in Iowa?
handworks.co/
I go to a local farmers market every week to sell stuff like this my booth rent is 15 a week and I don’t have to show up
love it.
My only problem that im struggling with is selling my products i have the tools and self taught myself just cant sell anything 😔 kinda discouraged about it been doing blacksmithing for 3 years now
That would be discouraging. Are your prices fair? I am only able/willing to sell locally at the farmers market. I price my things lower than what I see on Etsy. More like pricing it for the market not finding a market for my price.
How are you going about selling your items? I've been selling for the past 9 months and the best source of income is local craft fairs, artisan fairs, etc. I'd love to not have to do those and rely on online orders but for now it's where I make most of my money.
John, again I (we) appreciate you sharing your skills and knowledge.
I'm at a similar point as your other users. For the last few years, I have given away most of my creations. I do think we can earn a decent living - but we aren't going to get rich fast. When I first started, Blacksmithing wasn't as popular as it is now. (Damn Forged in Fire - just kidding.)
When selling our creations, I have added to the package a few less perfect items. I figure any buyer would appreciate even our not-so-perfect items as a bonus-free addition in their box
Anyway, I appreciate everything that you do!
What products are you making, and struggling to sell?
@@wrysadhbjjokinf12743 i dont have website or a youtube channel cause of lack of video cameras
John , I am curious since you have a very good reputation and following do you think your sales of items might be skewed by the name recognition, once again thank you for the video and all the work you do teaching those of us who attempt to get to half your skill level.:}
Re-enactor and renn-faire markets
Loving this series, planning on trying to sell some of my wqork soonish. So thank you for these, also, just as a heads up, this video is only appearing in the Blacksmithing on a budget playlist, shows 'unlisted' below the title and is not showing up in just the normal video list.
Yes, this video won't be public until Sunday morning. I didn't realize it showed up in the playlist
@@BlackBearForge Ahh ok, good video regardless, looks like it is still in the playlist. I will watch it again on Sunday.
Coming to Iowa? Couple hours west on 90, first Chamberlain exit, vets Whoa and go, Mon - Thurs. Overnights, stop by and say Howdy.
The biggest problem is other people under pricing their work. Some people are happy to get the cost of steel back from selling things but it makes it impossible for anyone to make even minimum wage.
Where are you going to in iowa? I'd love to stop by!
handworks.co/
John a question nobody has talked about yet. How do you know when to change your quenching oil?
I don't have anything specific plan. Usually I just swap it out when it looks old.
Where in Iowa are you going to be? I live between Des Moines and Ames. Love to come and see some of your work and maybe pick up a piece or two
Amana for Hand Works
Will you paint these? Would you advise painting or polishing, or leave them natural color?
While paint is an option, I prefer to use a paste wax finish
May I add something to consider? TAXES -- sales taxes-you will need to get a sales tax number from the Comptroller of Public Accounts(in Texas & doesn't cost anything and can be done online) and then file and pay the state sales taxes as required. You will need to do this for every state you sell in if you sell in that state and if that state is not your home state. You may include the tax on each item's total price or charge the % add-on like at a store. Income taxes--keep very good records of tools, materials, and other purchases and expenses as costs for business expenses and costs when filling out Schedule C for your Income Tax Return. You will need to sort of decide if this is a business or hobby. The IRS will deem it a hobby if you don't start making a profit after about 5 years and/or you treat it that way. Keep detailed records to show the IRS if asked. If you are trying to make a business, open a separate checking account and possibly a business credit card and KEEP PERSONAL FUNDS AND BUSINESS FUNDS SEPARATE AT ALL COSTS! Pay business expenses from the business account and deposit income to the business account. It is much easier to keep personal and business funds separate if the accounts are separate. {BEEN THERE}
I’ve got about 100 pounds of d2 scraps in 3/8”. And I honestly can’t think of what to do with them. Thoughts. Most are 2”-4” long. 1/2 wide and under
Hey John, I've been watching and learning from you for the better part of six years, and I am beyond appreciative of you for your expertise and advise. I wasn't sure whether you were going to address this in your follow-up video, but as I start broaching on marketing and selling my work, I've run up against a wall when it comes to choosing to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, or as an LLC. I'm curious as to whether you'd be comfortable sharing which you chose to operate under, and what lead you to your choice. I understand the requirements of both, as well as how to pay my taxes as a business owner, so I don't intend to take it as legal advise, but I do value your input.
Thank you again!
I'll try to mention those things in the next video on the series.
Thank you.