FIREWOOD BUNDLE FIX - #97

[@Dorchwoods]

Just wanted to share my experience with bundles vs wraps. In my roadside stand I sell about 35 cords worth of bundles a summer here in southern Maine (very tourist heavy area in old orchard beach). I spend about 40 cents a bag via global bag co and I use an ez bagger. I used to wrap all my bundles with twine, then I grew to plastic wrap. Initially I had a home made wrap system built out of wood and then I upgraded to a twister electric bundle wrapper with a foot pedal, both were great solutions and I have no negative things to say about the wrapped bundles. 2 years ago I decided to try firewood bags with a palax packer that I found on craigslist. There was an obvious and fairly dramatic increase in my sales right out of the gate. My assumption is this is because mesh bags feel like a higher quality product, and when you drive my roadside stand the bundles of wood pop like crazy (looks like a massive display of giant firecrackers). I also started asking a handful of regulars what they prefer and they all preferred the mesh bags for ease of grabbing (a lot of give me the bags back when they come to buy more wood which is a plus). To me this was a no brainer and I never looked back. I've since upgraded to the ez bagger and I love it, it's a great tool. This weekend I will probably sell 200-250 bundles because it's labor day weekend, so I need to be able to make bundles fast with a consistent size. The automated wrappers are surprisingly slow as you need to be very particular in the placement of your wood to keep the wraps tight (in my experience), that always slowed me down. With the ez bagger I can easily make 55-60 bags per hour, and what I like about it, is I grab a handful of logs to fill the barrel 80%, and then pick a few smaller logs from my pile to fill the empty spaces, then you drop it down and tie it up! The downside to the bags is you can't advertise that well. It is possible to get custom designed labels for the outside of the mesh bags (similar to what Northern woodsmen does with their firewood and kindling labels), but it's a big up front cost. I haven't found a need to do that yet. Sorry for the long comment but I figured I'd just share my experience. Thanks for all the great quality content Brad!

[@Dorchwoods]

By the way your bundles are awesome looking, and huge! That's a $10 bundle here in Maine all day!

[@DDL2728]

Great advice!! 👍

[@donskelly6586]

Good info.....no need to apologize for length, it takes a bit to be thorough and detailed!! 🙂

[@larryterrell8458]

I like your system. I prefer bags. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@shawnwilliams7041]

I use bags also I had a custom stamp made with my logo and business info stamp on white part next to where is says firewood and done

[@markgillespie6440]

Hi Brad.....great videos ...i have learned alot from you. I have sold bundles for the past 2 years in the NW Houston Tx area. We cut and split wood starting in March to get it seasoned and ready for the next years sales. Most customers don't start buying until December around here as it is still too warm. I have used streatch wrap due to the higher cost of Bags. This spring ...I am trying bags....my idea is to bag the split wood immeadiatly upon splitting..,and let the wood season in the bags stacked on my custom made pallets with cattle panel sides. These allow me to move the wood with my tractor forks..and store the wood under cover in my sheds for rain proof seasoning.... My theory here is that I only have to handle tbe split wood once....if the mesh bags I am using will hold up to being stored for 10 months or so...? If the bags still look and hold up....I feel the extra cost is worth not having to handle the split wood twice....

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks for your support and best of luck to you!

[@brucewatson8451]

Like your videos. I have a small firewood side gig...keeps me busy, gives me a little extra cash. Thanks, Bruce

[@jandblawncare8570]

I dont know how I missed this video but glad I stumbled across it lol. Ive switched to bags and like many of the comments I agree it's easier to handle and it's a bit more professional looking, I specially like the yellow color, it's very eye catching. Your addition of handles is a huge improvement! Last year I started doing the bundle thing and used the wrap but mine stand was made so I had to wrap on both ends and a lot of the bundles after sitting (in my shop) with the hot and cold cycles and settling all began to loosen up so I had to re-bundle the bundle. Only bad thing Ive personally seen with wrapping and the bundle had a handle stapled in was the wrap letting loose or the staples came loose and the guy ended up with wood all over the ground in a parking lot so Im sure he wasn't too happy

[@outdoorsinthenorthwest9763]

Great idea Brad. I think that makes a big difference.

[@jeffreyormiston4445]

Good afternoon sir. We been putting two staples on each side of the bundle. That seems to be working well. Note they are 1 1/4 inch staples. Love watching your videos. Stay safe

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks so much Jeff. Maybe 3 is overkill lol but I didn’t want a failure. I’ll give two a shot!

[@scrhino40]

When I start back in the firewood business I will be wrapping and putting handles on my bundles. Have a great day be safe.

[@donskelly6586]

Like me, your always thinking Brad. I like it and I Know that your customers will like and appreciate those handles. Good job bud!!

[@andrewmckinley6571]

Great food for thought 👍

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Thanks for this video Brad! Up here in central NB, typically from what I have observed we only see bundles in the generic bags and typically there are no business labels at the local gas stations or hardware stores. There maybe some different scenarios around that I haven’t noticed yet but thats what I can recall currently. Some camp grounds do their own firewood around here to also. When I started watching firewood KZbin videos within the last 6 months is where I first seen a roadside firewood stand an thought that was the coolest thing, I’ve never seen a firewood stand around my area that I can recall. The only firewood stand that I can recall last seeing was in another province (PEI) near one of the major campgrounds many many years ago! I really thought is was a great little system :). Anyways just wanted to pass along from what I can recall here. Thought you’d appreciate hearing about that :). Take care! Andrew from NB :)

[@danielbradshaw2987]

It's a good idea my only concern is the staples and strap on the wood the buyer is going to have to either just burn the lot or try and get it off that log. I have just started a business doing the same thing, my solution was to use two smaller rolls of film with a 1/2 gap then used the plastic pallet strapping melted a piece of strapping as a handle to the longer length then melted that together tight around the logs. Works well

[@markphillips5724]

Consider using 3/8 " or 1/2 " juke twine for handles, that double as a flash tinder in a pinch. Completely combustible/burn able, leaving less waste for land fills.

[@chrisartman6168]

Hi Brad. Thanks for another great video. I use jute twine for my bundles. I like that I built my bundling jig for under $10 out of scrap lumber I had. I like the simplicity of it. I make a handle just leaving a longer twine after tying the bundle together. It can be cinched down tight if the bundles are built properly. The twine can be used as a fire starter. I agree the wrapped bundles have more curb appeal, but then you have to make a handle. I like the bundles and bags to the shrink wrapped bundles I’ve seen. Downsides to the twine I’ve found is the thickness isn’t always the same. I have to watch if it gets thin. Rodents can like to steal the twine. If you can get loose bundles depending on how they’re built. I do have to say those are some beefy staples. Can those be shorter? Have a great day and stay safe!

[@TCsOutdoors1]

Bey Brad, nice break down of the pros and cons of both options. Im liking the handle idea, definitely got my wheels turning thanks. 🤔 I can see how that would add value in a retail setting.

[@cooperdog8371]

In SW MO, I have seen handles added, out of a natural rope. Doubt much off gassing from the small amount of nylon strap. I do like to have a handle to grab, when I would by bundles. I just grab out of my wood pile for camping now.-John

[@WoodysRTBFirewood]

Another great explanation and comparison video. I have to agree with you the wrap is a better way to go and more profitable in the long run. You articulate your points very effectively. Have a great long weekend Brad with the family. Cheers Mark from Niagara

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks Mark!

[@Back40Firewood]

The handle is a great addition to the bundle, but....dare I say when you lifted it up, the bundle did......sag! 😳 Watch out saggy bags!! Ha.....hahahaha 👍😀🍻

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

LMAO yes Indeed it did. Saggy bags

[@stephenjambard64]

I like the case of Mich Ultra in your pickup!! You just moved up on my KZbin watch list!!

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Lol

[@fricknjeep]

hi there looking forward to the comments good show john

[@woodruffwoods]

Another good video. One of my customers just asked me to do handles and I was a bit hesitant. I may just give it a try.

[@knottwworking]

Great video, the handles are definitely added value.

[@ginal372]

Big fan of the shirt 👌🏼

[@stancapan8623]

Morning Brad!

[@buckinfirewood]

Like the auto wrapper they do make a tipping tray for making bagged Firewood... for me I need the durability.. my customers are far from where I am so I load 288 bags in my dump trailer and head out.. when I can't reach the bags I lift the box and bring them closer.. don't think the wrapped bundles wood survive the abuse I put them through.. also to keep the cost down for campgrounds I simply dump out 288 bags and collect payment... unload time 2 mins... also keeps mold and dampness out in the nets...

[@TonysCoolTools]

Brad great info, some other food for thought. The liability of of putting a handle on. As you mentioned “what if strap comes off and drops on customers foot”? The other is people concerned about burning nylon in the fire not to mention metal being left in the fire pit. I agree stretch wrap is about the best option unless you use hemp twine like Joes Premium Firewood and that can be used as a fire starter. Thanks again for the video

[@bfoutdooradventures]

Nice idea Brad, that sure will make carrying them easier. I'm not sure if the cost is correct though unless my math is off. I thought you had said 30ft of webbing for $6. If you cut the webbing to 8" each you will get 45 handles out of it. That equates to 13 cents a handle? Did I miss something or is my math off? Either way I'm sure it will be a great convenience with the handle.👍

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I got 2 30 ft rolls but it looks like my math is still off lol

[@TheKonner79]

The cost is 15 cents per handle vs 1.5 cents. Plus the time you have in cutting each handle, which if you’re doing it yourself isn’t a big deal, but if you’re paying an employee it adds up. We buy them pre-cut from Multitek for around 10 cents per handle. Hard to sell bundles in any type of large quantities w/o handles.

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

Don’t forget about twine. I like your sign.

[@tpctrash]

Good idea. I like it. When placing the handle maybe put one staple each end to hold your shape and position, then put in the rest. Don’t know what you think of it but just a suggestion nothing more. Thanks for the videos !

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Great video Brad thank you for sharing! I sell both and the bags sell way better than the bundles for me. One thing I do not like about bundles is if they sit around long enough the wrap gets loose.👍👍

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

That’s true but I normally make mine 20-30 at a time. When I get low I make more so I avoid that problem

[@EcSsAwS]

…man. I’m so glad the people around me just take a armload of wood (probably 2cu Ft) for 10$ I’ve thought about doing something different. But at this point. Nobody has said anything about it tho. And I talk with a couple customers regularly

[@phillipbryant5865]

Great idea! Enjoy your videos!

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Appreciate that Phillip

[@jameschandler2776]

I have a problem with both methods because of all the plastic it puts in the waste stream. I have made some up with hemp bailing twine but they won't stay tight. The good news is that the twine can be burnt.

[@DDL2728]

That's a good size bundle for $7!! Great value!! 👍

[@TheFirewoodHut]

Yeah! Brad knows. He mentioned his spelling error when installing the sign.

[@DDL2728]

@@TheFirewoodHut Oh, good. Thanks. I missed that. I'll edit my post!!

[@dinotakterov4938]

What an awesome and informative video (as always)! Can't thank you enough. I'm working on my inventory every day and officially have my first customer as of today!!! WooHoo! Your videos have helped SO MUCH. Side note ... I'm looking at that walnut behind you (14:30) and drooling. Wish I could find that here in the South to mill and make projects with. Haha. God Bless, brother!

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks so much. I’m always grateful to hear that it helps someone. Congrats on your first customer!

[@jimwagner6260]

Like, keep up the good work

[@KNLFirewood]

Is anyone betting on the timeline when you’re going to staple the end of your finger? 😂. Love the idea! You could try heavier gauge wrap, that might eliminate the accordion effect. But like you say, most people are taking them from the rack to their car and then from car to fire pit….usually not that long of a journey. I think you’ve added a lot of value for not much cost. 👍

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Lol I hope not!!!

[@Westenberg007]

Nice!👍

[@poppymonroewild]

Just my two cents, but I think the biggest disadvantage of both the bags and the wrap is the disposal after. The plastic waste is kind of a contradiction to the concept of sustainability when burning fire wood. Not sure what kind of bags exist, near me they are all some sort of plastic. Would be cool if there was a sustainable material that could be used as wrap and double as a fire starter to have net zero waste. Just something that I've been thinking about. Probably going to take sone flack over this comment.

[@Dorchwoods]

It's an excellent idea, solves two problems at once. Might be pricey though

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

No I get the ideal as well and I think that is why some use bailing twine either Fiber or nylon.. but a good comment for sure..

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Yes I think that would be a great idea

[@albertbuikema4451]

No flack from me. Burlap?

[@jeffy1466]

You're not wrong at all Poppy. I feel like all of us woodhounds should come up with some sort of solution to not include plastic in with bundles. Some sort of twine webbing that can wrap around a bundle of wood maybe.

[@patrickgalloway8972]

Lumber Capital Logyard video "why we bundle our firewood with netting instead of plastic" and Tony's Cool Tools, Amish made Bundlers" give more thoughts on bundles. OWB KZbinr Joe, has several bundle vids that give cost, quality, and time perspectives that can help with business decisions.

[@donniegrinage9361]

Have you ever looked into making the handle out of a fire starter of some sort? A lot of people struggle in that area.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Yes still looking for other options

[@TT-qb2oj]

Thanks!

[@bwillan]

Another pro for the bundle wrapping is speed. They are faster to make a bundle. Now adding the strap slows that process down to make a completed bundle. Also, taking the handle off the bundle is going to be a challenge unless people just choose to burn it.

[@benscoles5085]

I had the same thought, time saved wrapping used by placement of handle, it is a great idea, and would be a convenience selling point, but plastic in a cooking fire , not such a good idea,

[@Dorchwoods]

You need to use an ez bagger or a palax packer my friend. They are considerably faster than any electric bundler, foot pedal or hand crank!

[@philliphall5198]

The handle will help for sure, stick with it and wrap

[@coopsfirst933]

Nice video. enjoy your channel.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thank you

[@kurtwernberg5469]

How about using cotton strap so it could be burned without worry? I found 1” cotton twill strap on Amazon for $11.49 for 55 yards. That would be less than a nickel per 8” strap. Maybe fold over the ends before stapling to double up for strength.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks I’ll look into that!

[@billypitts6368]

You can use cotton from old clothes, towels and sheets. May have to double or triple it up. Old jeans would work great, but I never have any of those lol

[@kevinmason3086]

I think 1 or 2 staples be enough for the length of the staples. Good video as always.

[@billbryce2538]

I agree - I think that removing the handle with 3 of those honkin' great staples in there would be a definite down.

[@waynetharp]

I have never made or sold a bundle... but have sure watched enough YT videos on it for some reason... I hear so many comments on feeling they are giving or getting a better value with these big ole bundles. My question is...Do customers really want massive bundles to wrestle?? Alot of women do the shopping and even older folks. I can't help but feel that they may walk right past a display, simply because the bundles look way to heavy! Is bigger really better???

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Definitely good for thought. Maybe 2 different sizes might be the way to go.

[@waynetharp]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace Kinda what I am thinking. Someone needs to put a dozen big bundles out for $5 and a dozen half the size for $2.50 and see which sell out first to prove the thought!👍

[@MorrisBreedlove-wl6tc]

The staples are long enouth to hold with the crown set as with the first attachment. The exposed crown would allow your customer to use a screwdriver to pull the staples out to remove the handle. Just a thought from the consumer point of view.

[@patrickdunne1150]

Hello from Chicago! When I buy bundles, I'd rather no handle stapled into the wood. Takes forever to try to get the nylon freed from that piece of wood and I usually throw it into the fire and it stinks when burning. I'd go no handle but that's just me.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks for the feedback! I thought about that . Gonna see how my customers feel

[@cowboyjoyandtheRoughCuts]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace Brad what if we put bundles with and without handles...at my stand I am willing to try that...are you? CBJ

[@fightinglady52]

Yep handle does add more value Now, do we burn the handle??? Or we try to get it off ??? Debate time

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Bundles look awesome! You think you need 3 staples per side of the handle?

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Not sure I just wanted to be sure lol

[@joeshaffer2506]

Brad as your seeing trying to find out where you get your straps from ? Got the rap and Paul # ( mail box full ) put need where you get straps from

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Are you talking about the handles? Here is what I’ve been getting Help me decide on this product: 10 Yards 1 Inch Wide Black Nylon Heavy Duty Webbing Strap a.co/d/6e42TDU

[@joeshaffer2506]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace Looked to me working just fine mybe wrap the bundles little tighter so it don’t stretch so much but there is some weight there thank still trying to get hold of Paul the Amish bundle wrap voice mail still full and have message to Andrew on there site keep up good videos best to you and yours and family god bless

[@LeBlancfirewood]

Try wb mason for wrap

[@DIESELbowhunter21]

Hi brad. How do you get your labels for .03 cents each at custom ink? Are they post cards? Quantity? Thank you

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Yes they are the post cards. The more you buy, the cheaper they are. I also search for promo codes for their website that can get you discounts

[@papascruffy]

Nice job, could you give the link to where you get your labels, I can't find any that cheap.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

www.vistaprint.com the more you order, the cheaper they are.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

www.vistaprint.com the more you order, the cheaper they are.

[@hardwoodharry6364]

Hi Brad and family great vidio however cant find the plastic wrap anywhere by anv chance got a link please thank you

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Hello! This is the wrap I’m using Pallet Stretch Film Wrap,... www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZBYJ3E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@hardwoodharry6364]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace myself and my parter thanks you

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

@@hardwoodharry6364 no problem. Glad to help

[@davidedwards3734]

Your bundle is larger than most wrapped bundles in my area by commercial suppliers!!! I use bags, most of my customers reuse them!! Stay hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@powerram92]

Quick question here? What coupon do you use for your labels cause the cheapest i could get them off thst site is .69cents and thats if i order 50k labels??

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I know prices have changed a little since this video was made. I’ll check into it and find out

[@LeBlancfirewood]

How much wrap do you put on I use 80 gauge 5 times around

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Yes mine is 70 gauge and I wrap 5 times as well

[@LeBlancfirewood]

I do 2 on each end

[@andystampfli9127]

Only downside I see is having those staples to pick out of the fire pit... Might not be good for indoor people or none campground fires in general

[@undercover3498]

Hi B-Rad

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

What’s up!

[@GarrettKjellberg]

Women would definitely want the bags,no mess,colorful and clean,the guys don't care either way,but even some of these soy boys want the clean looking products.

[@firewoodathome]

👍👍

[@КириллНазаров-з1к]

Почему не кладешь растопку в сумку? Это экономия!

[@9stag164]

My only thought is would a customer want to burn that handle and residual plastic wrap while trying to roast marshmallows in their backyard?

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Yes that is a thought as well. I’m going to feel it out and report back

[@johnrowley310]

I have a third party minding my stand. Bag count keeps everyone honest...

[@CliffsideStables]

Would you mine sharing the contact information for the label cards you have printed. Thanks, Tim in northern TN

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Hello. I designed and ordered my labels on www.vistaprint.com hope this helps

[@CliffsideStables]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace Thanks. I thought you said in the video you had them printed at a place called Custom Ink. I’ll check out Vista Print - thanks. Tim in northern TN

[@onlythetruth2899]

You have to be smarter than the wood you’re working with.

[@joeluppino824]

time consuming i think

[@гоша-с5у]

Класс молодец 👍