I am looking for advise on selling firewood. I recently started cutting and splitting some downed cherry. It has been down for over a year now. I also have lots of oak and maple and some other softer woods. I have access to almost unlimited number of cords of wood. I was thinking of selling it per face cord or at least stacking it in face cords. Any DO's and DONT's in the firewood business?
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FSUhunter
Well seeing as you're competition...
You'll meet some interesting people. Quality and service will bring repeat customers. We sell for well under the going rate and rarely advertise any more as we have a loyal clientele. I see it as cheaper than a gym membership so I'd rather move more product than sit on it at a higher price point.
Lots of people will ask for delivery.
Cash only. No check, paypal, Venmo, weed (offered more than once!) or sexual favors (not offered yet but I'm sure it will happen).
Lots of people don't know, or aren't correct in green vs. seasoned, how much a face cord is, how much a cord is. We've had people buy a cord and show up in a Camry. We've had misunderstandings. Arguments. One guy cussed my wife out so badly I had to stop in and politely ask him to leave. As in with a Hi-Power on my hip in plain view. These are exceptions. Most people burning wood are salt of the earth great people - one guy lives in a tent on his buddy's farm all year after giving up on the corporate world. I'm jealous and he gets a heavy discount.
Put up pictures of the actual wood that is for sale. Rounds vs. splits vs. even the size of the splits can cause issues. Easiest bet is what you see is what you get even if it is more work.
Be flexible as to custom orders. We have one guy that pays a premium for 12" lengths, another for nothing but small 1-3" rounds which is usually the stuff I leave behind. They understand the extra handling and pay accordingly. One person wanted display firewood for the cubbies next to their fireplace so we actually washed it and dried it in the house and delivered it in Rubbermaid bins.
Craigslist will give you a starting point for pricing.
Location is a big plus.
Splitting and handling wood is messy. Have a plan for getting rid of all the bark / debris that comes off the wood while handling it.
You'll meet some interesting people. Quality and service will bring repeat customers. We sell for well under the going rate and rarely advertise any more as we have a loyal clientele. I see it as cheaper than a gym membership so I'd rather move more product than sit on it at a higher price point.
Lots of people will ask for delivery.
Cash only. No check, paypal, Venmo, weed (offered more than once!) or sexual favors (not offered yet but I'm sure it will happen).
Lots of people don't know, or aren't correct in green vs. seasoned, how much a face cord is, how much a cord is. We've had people buy a cord and show up in a Camry. We've had misunderstandings. Arguments. One guy cussed my wife out so badly I had to stop in and politely ask him to leave. As in with a Hi-Power on my hip in plain view. These are exceptions. Most people burning wood are salt of the earth great people - one guy lives in a tent on his buddy's farm all year after giving up on the corporate world. I'm jealous and he gets a heavy discount.
Put up pictures of the actual wood that is for sale. Rounds vs. splits vs. even the size of the splits can cause issues. Easiest bet is what you see is what you get even if it is more work.
Be flexible as to custom orders. We have one guy that pays a premium for 12" lengths, another for nothing but small 1-3" rounds which is usually the stuff I leave behind. They understand the extra handling and pay accordingly. One person wanted display firewood for the cubbies next to their fireplace so we actually washed it and dried it in the house and delivered it in Rubbermaid bins.
Craigslist will give you a starting point for pricing.
Location is a big plus.
Splitting and handling wood is messy. Have a plan for getting rid of all the bark / debris that comes off the wood while handling it.
It's best to find a couple of big volume buyers than deal with a large number of people. The more people you deal with, the more problems you will have. Many people don't have a clue what wood is what and there's always a few people that complain they didn't get good wood or that they didn't get the right amount.
As FBD eluded to:
1. nothing free, they will expect it next time, for the same price
2. retain the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason (I'd post this conspicuously)
3. if you have people come and pick it up at your place, make sure they know that security cameras are all over the place. (I'd also post this conspicuously)
Eventually you will weed it down to a good group of people and you'll all be happy.
As FBD eluded to:
1. nothing free, they will expect it next time, for the same price
2. retain the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason (I'd post this conspicuously)
3. if you have people come and pick it up at your place, make sure they know that security cameras are all over the place. (I'd also post this conspicuously)
Eventually you will weed it down to a good group of people and you'll all be happy.
I've sold over 50 cords and have only had one guy get out a tape measure. We pack ours very tightly. Those guys that zig zag the wood ninety degrees make pretty stacks but are really selling a lot of air.
We only have the amount to be picked up near the road, and I park in front of it. You want to steal it, you need to work for it.
In a month or two if you can find a private campground that wants to load up so they can re-bundle it and mark it through the roof - that's a gold mine. We have one that takes six cords a year. They want it split small too so it burns faster. Sneaky buggers they are...
You will have people that will hit you down on price. My gas got turned off. I lost my job. Sure, that might be the case. We have one lady in a trailer where her church pays for the wood and we deliver it free as it's not really out of our way - and she tips with cookies. Really good ones. My kids fight over who gets to ride shotgun on those trips.
I take out all the shorts, knuckles I don't want to split, knotty pieces I can't split, punky pieces and throw them on a freebie pile. Certain customers know what that is and they help themselves when they pick up. Leaves the woods cleaner when I'm done. The people gracious enough to allow me access appreciate it.
Don't break your foot. That hurts making orders at peak time. And hurts. Still hurts.
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We only have the amount to be picked up near the road, and I park in front of it. You want to steal it, you need to work for it.
In a month or two if you can find a private campground that wants to load up so they can re-bundle it and mark it through the roof - that's a gold mine. We have one that takes six cords a year. They want it split small too so it burns faster. Sneaky buggers they are...
You will have people that will hit you down on price. My gas got turned off. I lost my job. Sure, that might be the case. We have one lady in a trailer where her church pays for the wood and we deliver it free as it's not really out of our way - and she tips with cookies. Really good ones. My kids fight over who gets to ride shotgun on those trips.
I take out all the shorts, knuckles I don't want to split, knotty pieces I can't split, punky pieces and throw them on a freebie pile. Certain customers know what that is and they help themselves when they pick up. Leaves the woods cleaner when I'm done. The people gracious enough to allow me access appreciate it.
Don't break your foot. That hurts making orders at peak time. And hurts. Still hurts.
I burn wood and I'd add a couple consumer points. If you are selling face cords cut the wood 16" and split it so it'll stack easily. Never sell green wood as seasoned. In general oak is superior to Cherry and soft woods have no real value for heat in my opinion. Maybe you could sell it as campfire wood? If you have seasoned wood and green on hand take the time to educate buyers on the difference so that they will know. This type of thing will get them coming back.
Also, some restaurants use wood burning ovens for pizza and other things. These can be a reliable customer.
Good luck!
Also, some restaurants use wood burning ovens for pizza and other things. These can be a reliable customer.
Good luck!
If someone that burns wood can help with this - we have people that buy a face cord or two of green wood each year on purpose as they stock up with it overnight and that way it doesn't burn out as quickly. Can anyone confirm this? Other than that we have a hard time moving green wood even at a lower price, which I don't like, as it isn't lower work.
Creosote isn't as much of a concern for outdoor boilers as it is with indoor type heating systems but building a new fire is a major concern for them.
Do sell a fair product at a fair price. And price is usually tied to like product from competition/or local market trend.
A former neighbor got a delivery of crap softwood delivered in a pinch from a tree service that assured her it was hardwood. No excuse for that crap...And multiple less potential customers as a result.
I've seen a rick priced the same as a cord elsewhere.
That rick was in the city. And delivery would add more to the cost. But if I had wanted to chase a niche when I was strong and ambitious, city folk might have been the most profitable..
Do make it clear if it is delivery ,or pick up. And payment discussed ahead of time . To avoid negotiation. (And accounts receivable, you don't want).
Would you load/unload four cord without seeing payment first? That's for you to consider too.
There is a reason folks conspicuously post "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time." Lots of good folks out there. And then there are a few you don't want to see again.
Inviting people to your home can be a curse or a blessing.
I'd rather deliver , but that's for you to decide.
Don't over extend yourself.
The worst weather of the year and when the truck is down will be when you are six cord deliveries behind....
Your reputation will affect your future success.
Be the best,or near the best in fair business and you'll do alright.
A niche market can be profitable ,if you are a people person with resources. (Lady wants four birch rounds for decoration after buying a rick of oak delivered for good money , do you humor her? For how much?)
If you just want to get rid of wood and say four words ,that's quite different.Still providing a product and a price though.
A former neighbor got a delivery of crap softwood delivered in a pinch from a tree service that assured her it was hardwood. No excuse for that crap...And multiple less potential customers as a result.
I've seen a rick priced the same as a cord elsewhere.
That rick was in the city. And delivery would add more to the cost. But if I had wanted to chase a niche when I was strong and ambitious, city folk might have been the most profitable..
Do make it clear if it is delivery ,or pick up. And payment discussed ahead of time . To avoid negotiation. (And accounts receivable, you don't want).
Would you load/unload four cord without seeing payment first? That's for you to consider too.
There is a reason folks conspicuously post "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time." Lots of good folks out there. And then there are a few you don't want to see again.
Inviting people to your home can be a curse or a blessing.
I'd rather deliver , but that's for you to decide.
Don't over extend yourself.
The worst weather of the year and when the truck is down will be when you are six cord deliveries behind....
Your reputation will affect your future success.
Be the best,or near the best in fair business and you'll do alright.
A niche market can be profitable ,if you are a people person with resources. (Lady wants four birch rounds for decoration after buying a rick of oak delivered for good money , do you humor her? For how much?)
If you just want to get rid of wood and say four words ,that's quite different.Still providing a product and a price though.
Be strict. A cord is a cord.
48x48x96
A face cord is 16x48x96
I beat in t-posts every 8ft, marked at 4ft. 16" cuts are stacked between then.
4" or bigger gets split.
Fuelwood buyers know what you have in the stack.
They are cheap skatez, so expect them to bring that with them.
You want different?
Pay more or go somewhere else.
I don't argue. I don't discount. It will sell.
I know it's not super premium wood.
Go buy their's.
Oh wait, they're out.
I live on 20 acres of Ash, elm, and soft maple. I have continuous generation of firewood.
If the stack has any Box elder in it I'll say so.
Selling firewood is A lot of work.
Owning a lowland forest generates endless mess to clean up.
I sell it just because we don't need to burn it in the house anymore and I get sick of the mess.
I give it away to my family members that need it.
48x48x96
A face cord is 16x48x96
I beat in t-posts every 8ft, marked at 4ft. 16" cuts are stacked between then.
4" or bigger gets split.
Fuelwood buyers know what you have in the stack.
They are cheap skatez, so expect them to bring that with them.
You want different?
Pay more or go somewhere else.
I don't argue. I don't discount. It will sell.
I know it's not super premium wood.
Go buy their's.
Oh wait, they're out.
I live on 20 acres of Ash, elm, and soft maple. I have continuous generation of firewood.
If the stack has any Box elder in it I'll say so.
Selling firewood is A lot of work.
Owning a lowland forest generates endless mess to clean up.
I sell it just because we don't need to burn it in the house anymore and I get sick of the mess.
I give it away to my family members that need it.
I'm not saying you will, but do not cheat on the cord.
IMO, firewood is like a minnow count, throw a few extra in there to make it a solid buy.
IMO, firewood is like a minnow count, throw a few extra in there to make it a solid buy.
Well it burns slower, doesn't make good coals and produces little heat. Overnight burns are all about getting a good bed of coals and placing wood over it and low air circulation. This means inlets adjusted small and catalyst or damper if you still have one nearly closed. In the morning open her up and burn her hot for awhile. I guess a lot of people burn their stoves too hot and that's why they go through too quickly.
I heat 97% by wood with a Blaze King wood stove in my living room. It's not their largest but the next size down. I paid up for it due to the advertised burn times and for the most part it comes through. They're made in the state of Washington.
I do not burn green, I check the wood with what do you call the gizmo that you stick in the wood, for moisture readings of below 13%.
For a 35° day when the blowers aren't needed and with a nice load of wood, I can get a 20-24 hour burn with the stove turned down.
On a windy 10° day two loads are needed with embers always available for the next burn.
I start the burn season with 17 face cords of wood and burn 10 leaving me 7 to season an additional season.
I buy 10 seasoned face cords and pay $600-$650 delivered, and every couple of years when I have easy truck access to downed trunks I'll cut them up, rent a splitter and do a few cords.
I keep 4 cords around my house area for emergencies, and 13 down by the pole barn to haul a half cord every 10 days or so up to the house.
I've been screwed on wood before and won't ever buy from them again.
I do not burn green, I check the wood with what do you call the gizmo that you stick in the wood, for moisture readings of below 13%.
For a 35° day when the blowers aren't needed and with a nice load of wood, I can get a 20-24 hour burn with the stove turned down.
On a windy 10° day two loads are needed with embers always available for the next burn.
I start the burn season with 17 face cords of wood and burn 10 leaving me 7 to season an additional season.
I buy 10 seasoned face cords and pay $600-$650 delivered, and every couple of years when I have easy truck access to downed trunks I'll cut them up, rent a splitter and do a few cords.
I keep 4 cords around my house area for emergencies, and 13 down by the pole barn to haul a half cord every 10 days or so up to the house.
I've been screwed on wood before and won't ever buy from them again.
I know a couple guys that cut wood all year, I also have cut a lot over the years as my parents utilize an outdoor boiler and heat a big house and garage with it-they burn a lot of wood.
You're basically working for 10-12 bucks an hour once you factor in gas, maintenance fees and all other overhead, plus buying or hauling the wood. It is a bunch of work, but can help you keep in shape, and if you have machinery and enjoy it, why the hell not.
If you want to make better money and don't mind sitting on wood, hold the wood until late winter and hope for a ton of snow and cold-when supply runs out, demand goes up, so can the prices.
You need a splitter and a couple saws, learn to sharpen on your own. You need a wood yard-place to cut, stack and store wood all summer. All the serious cutters get the wood delivered by semi in the summer and cut/stack to have ready for the fall/winter. Some have bought dump trailers, tractors, the whole deal, even a splitter/conveyor, really impressive stuff.
If you want to make better money, focus on the per bundle summertime/seasonal traffic. I know a guy that owns a route and has made some serious cash with the route. Think campgrounds, businesses, roadside pickups.
Most guys do it for a few years then quit when they realize how much labor it is and how little money there is in it.
You're basically working for 10-12 bucks an hour once you factor in gas, maintenance fees and all other overhead, plus buying or hauling the wood. It is a bunch of work, but can help you keep in shape, and if you have machinery and enjoy it, why the hell not.
If you want to make better money and don't mind sitting on wood, hold the wood until late winter and hope for a ton of snow and cold-when supply runs out, demand goes up, so can the prices.
You need a splitter and a couple saws, learn to sharpen on your own. You need a wood yard-place to cut, stack and store wood all summer. All the serious cutters get the wood delivered by semi in the summer and cut/stack to have ready for the fall/winter. Some have bought dump trailers, tractors, the whole deal, even a splitter/conveyor, really impressive stuff.
If you want to make better money, focus on the per bundle summertime/seasonal traffic. I know a guy that owns a route and has made some serious cash with the route. Think campgrounds, businesses, roadside pickups.
Most guys do it for a few years then quit when they realize how much labor it is and how little money there is in it.
In regards to utilizing green wood for nighttime heating, i believe it is a common misconception among burners that the green wood burns better overnight. The reality is the wood has to burn hotter and longer to burn off the moisture that is left in the wood, and is not as efficient as dry seasoned lumber.
They would be better off utilizing a full load of dry seasoned wood. Even if the stove is less full in the AM it allows for a better full burn of coals, so easier for removal of ashes, and full burn through. That being said, a lot of guys have an undersized heater, heat loss in lines-if outdoor boiler, or some other inefficiency to need excess overnight wood.
They would be better off utilizing a full load of dry seasoned wood. Even if the stove is less full in the AM it allows for a better full burn of coals, so easier for removal of ashes, and full burn through. That being said, a lot of guys have an undersized heater, heat loss in lines-if outdoor boiler, or some other inefficiency to need excess overnight wood.
Three miles from my house, on my way home from work, there's a cross fit gym where I watch people flip tires in the parking lot. Someday I'm going to get a 15 passenger van, pick them all up, and have them haul and split and stack my firewood for me. Won't even charge them. They can rake my lawn too...
"Most guys do it for a few years then quit when they realize how much labor it is and how little money there is in it."
Two years ago it covered a trip for the crew to Denver.
![Image]()
This summer it covered a new toy for the wife for our 20th..
![Image]()
I have a really good marketing team though. I'm just the mule.
Two years ago it covered a trip for the crew to Denver.
This summer it covered a new toy for the wife for our 20th..
I have a really good marketing team though. I'm just the mule.
Brit Floyd, a great Pink Floyd cover. Seen them there twice and while a great show we've had to deal with rude drunks and pot heads both times.
Not too many rock bands get there regretfully.
Not too many rock bands get there regretfully.
Don't need a splitter if you have anger. I work in automotive quality. I love splitting wood with a maul.
Wait a minute.... I can trade firewood for sexual favors? You’re about to have a whole bunch more competition.
Man, I gotta respect any anyone that cuts wood for a few extra dollars. Father in law said I needed to cut some before he gave me his blessing to marry his daughter. Years in a gym didn’t prepare me for that.
Sent from my iPhone using Michigan Sportsman mobile app
Sent from my iPhone using Michigan Sportsman mobile app
If you plan on delivering, make damn sure your measuring method is accurate because I guarantee you will be called out by the cheapskates. Leave the softwoods for compost unless you're selling campfire bundles. No punky stuff, leave it in the woods or burn it in your own stove. Don't sell it if you're not positive that it's ready to burn. Be honest, if you're selling maple and beech don't expect your customer to accept black ash and poplar. And the number one thing, don't sell for any less than the going rate in your area.
I have an outdoor boiler and I cut my wood at 20"
I found that if you cut it any longer than that you just have to pull it forward to burn the rest. I also burn the same wood overnight as I burn during the day. Right now I'm burning a load of oak logs that I bought last year.
I usually buy by the semi load but I'm always looking for a new source for logs.
I found that if you cut it any longer than that you just have to pull it forward to burn the rest. I also burn the same wood overnight as I burn during the day. Right now I'm burning a load of oak logs that I bought last year.
I usually buy by the semi load but I'm always looking for a new source for logs.
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