Firewood Business - Why Is It Hard? -

[@InTheWoodyard]

Today is the last day I will be answering comments and questions on the channel for a while! Please play nice while I am away for a bit! I have a video for every morning all set to go for you while I am gone. Thanks for watching, CHRIS!

[@mysterygardener3619]

is everything ok chris?

[@geoff738]

@@mysterygardener3619 I believe he’s going hunting Deer

[@stewartmckeown5882]

Enjoy your time off 👍

[@novascotiagaragegrower3462]

Enjoy the trip, you've earned it

[@deerdud6009]

Get a biggin Chris 👍

[@larryvankirk7423]

Things my grandpa taught me as a small boy and have served me well: Be honest / treat others with respect / go to sleep with a clear conscience/ get up in the morning and go to work / everything else will pretty much take care of itself.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Wise man!

[@philgriswold2133]

The part about customer service is so true, not matter what business you are in. It also is almost always the cheapest thing you can do for your customers. So often I see people seeking honest, reliable and affordable plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers or firewood providers. In the end people want someone that tells the truth, does what they promise and charges a fair price. While that's not hard to do, it does seem rare. You provide a great example as a small service provider.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for the kind words Phil!

[@mysterygardener3619]

I love these chats so much info for free. I also love deliveries, so I can see what it is like in America, because I will never be able to go there. Have a great day Chris and thank you for the clips on KZbin. Good afternoon Irene.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching, never say never!

[@josevelasco3245]

Broke my left pinky from a rolling round…ughhh. Spot on about separating needs and wants and injuries!

[@InTheWoodyard]

OUCH!

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Well said Chris! You have to enjoy doing it! The money is just an added perk! 👍🏻👍🏻GNI

[@InTheWoodyard]

You got that right!

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Chris - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. The better your customer service is, the easier business growth becomes. Its important for folk to remind themselves that less resources are needed to retain existing customers than it takes to obtain new ones.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Rodders!

[@laurpaqu]

hey Chris, awesome video. We bought a Cord King 18-20 wood processor three years ago and it changed the way we do business. A lot less injuries for me and I'm able to produce wood a lot quicker. Looking forward to doing this full time next year.

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is great, a processor is the way to go for sure!

[@bryanlafleur2419]

Your channel is Awesome! Keep posting! This channel has helped me grow my small firewood business unlike no other. I'm glad I found this channel.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks so much Bryan, I will do that!

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Excellent comments and insights. As the owner of a service business, you hit all the targets! I've always taught all of my employees you have to always focus on over delivering! 👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danthornton5098]

I will say it again. Thank you for doing what you do. I take time to watch your videos.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks a bunch Dan!

[@edsmith4414]

Been away from your channel a while, but SO glad to see you got a nice sized tractor to work with. Huge step up from doing everything by hand. You work like a dog and deserve all the success you get !

[@InTheWoodyard]

Welcome back! Thanks Ed!

[@rustymiller2855]

2 years ago I did close to 100 face cord by myself. Cut the trees down,skidded them out of the woods cut it up split it stacked it plus delivery. That's a ton of work by yourself for the $60 a face cord lol. But I absolutely love being in the woods and doing this type of work. You're spot on about injuries. There's danger all around especially when you are doing cutting in the woods

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes it is fun but a lot of dangerous work!

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Only $60 per facecord? Must be in a ptetty rural area with a lot of trees and only a few people. I'd pay up to $120 per facecord for good wood.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

@Calian Mac, like Chris said in an earlier video, or one of his first ones, the price you can charge depends on your local market. In Chicago you probably have no problem selling for $800 per cord because of transportation costs. Northern Wisconsin with tons of trees and virtually free home heating wood means you can't sell firewood for much $, unless is you are selling to campers.

[@InTheWoodyard]

@@thefirewooddoctor Yup!

[@InTheWoodyard]

@Calian Mac That is not enough!

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Awesome vid that day Chris! I’ve watched this video before but I like coming back to these types of videos where we sit, chat an listen! Really appreciate your thoughts and advice on these topics 🔥💯👍. See you soon! Andrew from NB :)

[@InTheWoodyard]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@donaldparkhurst3006]

All very well put Chris! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day, stay safe, and may God bless…

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Donald!

[@richardbrowne1679]

I’m really enjoying your chat advice videos. There excellent 👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Glad you like them!

[@tjinnes]

Good job Chris. Hope you enjoy your dump tomorrow ;-)

[@InTheWoodyard]

Everyday!

[@norman1826]

thank you Chris ..I now clearly understand what a cord is 😜😜...yip plenty wood comes with plenty if responsability

[@InTheWoodyard]

You bet! Thanks !

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Great tips, especially for those breaking into the biz! Thanks! -Brad

[@InTheWoodyard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasholder9220]

Great video, huge knowledge. Thank you!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Another video full of good info.. I did a Marathon split 4 days ago and I am still feeling it this morning.. Everything I split I have stacked it all too..

[@InTheWoodyard]

Wow, that is a big day.

[@coreyriley7160]

G’mornin Chris. Wise words ! Thanks for the information. I sold 23 face cords this year. GoodNightIrene

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nice, keep cutting!

[@shawnyoung4714]

Nice video chris, thanks for the important pointers very useful.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Shawn!

[@SGD3000]

Gooood morning Chris! Another good video. Keep tellin it like it is Chris. I liked how you said customers are important. "If you dont have customers, you're gonna spend a lot of time alone out in tha woods wishin you had some money" 😂 crying in the wilderness!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Well said! I just might use that line some day!

[@SGD3000]

@@InTheWoodyard by all means sir. Those were words from ole John the Baptist himself lol

[@InTheWoodyard]

@@SGD3000 Ha! Good one.

[@timthompson5885]

Your sit down talks are always enjoyable! There's too many people out there that think its easy to run a firewood business....far from it lol!! Stay safe my friend!!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Tim!

[@eliteoutdoors2748]

Centrally located processor sounds like a good idea to me. Even the small ones take time to move and you would need much more open space to move it around

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes!

[@thefirewooddoctor]

And have the log piles setup right so you don't have to move it a lot if you don't have a tractor and a live deck to feed the firewood processor.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

@@jakebredthauer5100, usually his log supplier just backs in from the parking lot, giving him a straight shot out.

[@stevesedgwick5789]

Good advice as always Chris and if I maybe so bold, with your volume and age a substantial processor will become essential very soon.

[@InTheWoodyard]

I hear you!

[@peterbabcock4568]

So true a lot of work but worth it

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, thanks Peter!

[@jimrichards8703]

Spot on, currently looking for more storage/ drying area.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup more space is always needed!

[@samw5767]

Great video. Another avenue for sales is to strike a deal with gas stations and grocery stores. I work in a suburban retail store, and we handle probably 40 or so skids a year (maybe 16 cords?) of seasoned bundles, They sell for waaaay too much at $6.49 a bundle-- even more for for the beech, at $8.29 each. The labels on these bundles are marked 'USDA Inspected,' meaning that they are not likely to spread disease. Here in Michigan, the state parks warn visitors to use only locally-sourced firewood as a way of reducing invasive bugs. One thing I wonder about transporting wood: why not just stack it to dry on pallets, to begin with, and then bring it to the customer on the same pallets, stacked and dried? I've seen lots of people get deliveries of seasoned firewood heaps from trailers and dump trucks, and then they re-stack it; it's just that, stacking the wood once, is collectively easier on everyone's back... :)

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is a good idea, the problem id how to unload a pallet full of wood at someones house, just dumping it is fast and easy.

[@timbervisions]

Great tips on what firewood work is really like. Good luck on your hunting trip! Get some footage for us of out west, I'm sure we'd all like to see some of it.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching!

[@stewartmckeown5882]

Great advice Chris it's a good idea to take it slow at the start 👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Absolutely!

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Am glad I went to visit mom when I did. Just got the call a few minutes ago that she passed away. The funny thing about her was she complained about all the sticks I brought home. After my parents moved moved and bought a house with a wood stove, she regretted those moments, but in a funny way.

[@canvasman2307]

My condolences on your mom’s passing. Thankful you had opportunity to visit her before she passed. Treasure the memories you have with her.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

@@canvasman2307, oh the funny moments I could tell that mom said and did.

[@canvasman2307]

@@thefirewooddoctor Glad you have happy memories and vivid stories to cherish. I’ve been blessed by having some great friends and quirky family members that have enriched my life and my memories.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

@@canvasman2307, gotta love the quirks in people. Is what makes us unique.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Accessibility for log trucks is important when doing big volume. To keep up and have a life outside of firewood, might need to get a small processor at some point if I only keep doing firewood on the weekends. But I'm also in a major growth period so have absolutely no clue how much I'll need to process for the demand I have now, plus I want to expand into home delivery.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Delivery is where it is at!

[@bobhuston192]

I know not cheap but make pallets crib that could stack in ! And dry then put crib on truck with loader forklift when sold . But have to have a flatbed truck.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, that is a god idea!

[@karencary3312]

Wise advice.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Karen!

[@sawdustacres]

The man is a working machine. By the way, I picked up my new 14' dump trailer yesterday, Woo-hoo! -Dave

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nice, a new trailer will earn it's pay!

[@kenweis2291]

The best clients are the ones that take green wood in the spring so you can split it and throw it right on the trailer

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, I just delivered a load today that was done just like that!

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

You forgot tearing the knees on trees roots/branches in the snow like I did

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, injuries jump up and bite you sometime!

[@noenwarrior1]

Safety is always #1 we have a safety creed we say at work daily in our maint. Department... I do alot of work outside of work including obviously cutting wood and i havent taken safety into account while cutting until my boys started helping so im back in supervisor mode making sure we have the proper ppe on while helping we get the jobs done

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup safety is very important!

[@sean3301]

Best money spent is a quality saw. Keep it clean sharp and maintained.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Couldn't agree more!

[@TrippyOG-xj1mb]

I’m sorry that it’s hard for you I really don’t mind it because it’s a peaceful place for me

[@InTheWoodyard]

It is for me too, but I was just getting peoples attention that it is work, but fun work!

[@garny3766]

Facecord measuring device… 4x8 sheet of plywood on edge one rank of 16” length pieces. Full cord…4x8 sheet on edge 4’ deep.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes!

[@aldredske6197]

Good morning Chris!!😀😀 Great advice as usual!! Shouldn't give any all your secrets. LOL!!😀😀 Take care my friend!!😀😀👍👍 Logger Al

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Al, the problem is most people know the secrets but think there is an easier way somewhere and don't do what it takes! Have a good one !

[@aukebij3193]

what I do is I send all the customers an order list in the spring and when they send it in, they receive a free pack of firelighters, for example. or 4 bag of kindling wood. they can also tick the month on this list when they want to receive it. this way you already have an idea of ​​what you will sell to your regular customers over the year. 90 to 95% of my customers complete the list and return it

[@InTheWoodyard]

Sounds like a good system!

[@nickcr1312]

Good morning Chris!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Morning Nick, I will try calling you today!

[@nickcr1312]

@@InTheWoodyard sounds good!

[@timphillips9594]

Good Morning from East Tennessee

[@InTheWoodyard]

Hello there Tim!

[@deanmagnuson2993]

Good morning from Grand Forks

[@InTheWoodyard]

Good morning!

[@oakrunacres2564]

Bigger trailer means a bigger truck if you want to use it's full potential. I started with a borrowed 5x10 that worked fine with my half ton. I now have a 14x7 and a 3/4 ton truck. 😁. Enjoy your time away. Hopefully you're doing something fun like hunting. Dave in Ontario Canada

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, going deer hunting!

[@oakrunacres2564]

@@InTheWoodyard Awesome. Good luck. I just got back from helping a buddy drag a nice buck out of the bush. Dave

[@brucearney9536]

Good advice .

[@InTheWoodyard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tombryan720]

Great insight

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Tom!

[@bwillan]

The challenge with wants and needs, is that most people can't objectively make the distinction.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes!There emotion gets in the way to often!

[@bentwedgestanleybrand5818]

Good morning from Piqua Ohio

[@InTheWoodyard]

Morning!

[@atomicwedgie8176]

East, west, and southern exposure for a woodlot. 3/4 ton pickup for 12ft. or longer trailer.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes, that would be a good set up!

[@jerryduncan3157]

Its a funny thing i hated putting firewood up when i was growing up. Now im just getting into selling firewood its not so bad these days lol

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, work makes the man! Kids avoid work because they know that means responsibility and growing out of childhood.

[@jerryduncan3157]

@InTheWoodyard sure does. I work anywhere from 10to 15 hr days

[@Lifeinthe906]

Good morning from the 906.I'm gonna get out and get cuttin' GNI

[@InTheWoodyard]

Hello there Mr. Yooper!

[@Knightslugger]

So you're saying... it's *work*! I'm looking to start up. I've got just about everything i think i need (Land, Tractor, skidsteer, chainsaws, truck). What do you suggest is the very first thing a new startup should do? Have logs delivered so they sit around and season? Or just start cutting and stacking... deal with sales later? Also, are you calling a local forestry service for logs or what is typically your process for getting materials?

[@InTheWoodyard]

The first thing you need to do is get cutting. A lot! You need product to sell. And a lot more will not be enough! Get cutting!

[@jasonpeterson9276]

As I tell the guys that work with me when they start, let's me take ya to the woods and make a man out of ya!! Almost 36 years in the woods and splitting wood and many cuts and bruises later we learn..

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup! You are right!

[@powdercreekwoodworks3403]

Hi Chris, I believe Honda engines are great too. However I see on Eastonmade website that all models are listed with Vanguard engines. I have heard the name sometime back but not really familiar with this manufacturer. Do you know anything about Vanguard engines? I did hear this last year or so that Honda was hard to get. Thanks, Kel

[@InTheWoodyard]

Vanguards are great engines! Hondas are impossible to get.

[@jerrymueller4137]

Can you tell me where you get those billboard tarps? I need a new cover for my boat.

[@InTheWoodyard]

In your area there must be a company that makes and hangs them, start looking on the web or check advertising companies. I get mine from a guy who is a reseller of junk stuff!

[@davidedwards3734]

Wants will put you in the poor house faster than needs. Patience is a key to growth. No customers, no income. Thanks for the advise. Have a Safe Day

[@InTheWoodyard]

YES!

[@rustymiller2855]

Good morning Chris. Here in central PA everyone burns and cuts wood. There is always people buying wood but since it's so plentiful and so many people cutting it makes it tough. I'm lucky if I get $60 or $70 a face cord delivered. If I haul it an hour away to the bigger towns I'm lucky to get $80 or $90. Not really worth it.

[@justinvanscoy140]

Here in northeast pa, 1st full yr selling full time, I'm in the suburbs, I do pretty good selling bagged wood for $15 for the back yard fires. Not alot of guys selling near me and the box stores sell small pieces and small bundles for $10 For mid size truck I get $60.

[@justinvanscoy140]

Im def a smaller operation, not huge area of working and storage, at best I can have 2 cords on hand

[@InTheWoodyard]

A bad combo is lots of trees and few people.

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is good side money!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Then go after dead wood as it will be some what dry and you can move it faster!

[@jandblawncare8570]

I guess if there is a bright side to the way the world is, is there's less and less people willing to break a sweat so yes you can get into this business fairly cheap, the competition is dwindling. As far as a new trailer...just get a 14ft. IMO, it wouldn't be worth the price of a new trailer if I was only gaining an extra 30 or so sqft. With a 14ft trailer, they're 7ft wide and usually 2ft tall sides and probably only another 100-200 bucks or so more than a 12ft. I finally sold 1/3 of a cord the other day but noticed it's starting to turn moldy due to the endless days of humid, rainy days we've had here in nwpa. Next year my goal is to sell 100 cords and moving my tiny operation to my In-Laws property where I have about 1/2 acre to play around on.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Sounds like a good plan as long as your wife and her family still like you!

[@kenweis2291]

Best way is to take the right logs from a tree service....smaller stuff and you dont have to deliver it

[@InTheWoodyard]

I do that some times but I can not get enough of it in the kind people want.

[@bobhuston192]

Could Find someone with portable saw mill and cut 4x4 4x6 from your wood and make wood cribs to stack wood to load on truck after dry for delivery

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes I could do that or get IBC totes.

[@1JeffJames]

Want to get your advice. This year is my first year selling fire wood, i have a Stihl MS250, a regular hydraulic splitter, truck, trailer, and a place to put my wood. I have gotten some free wood and i have purchased a little bit(like $100 for a massive dump trailer load), and also I use and have 6-8 IBC totes. I’ve made a little over $1000 selling firewood so far. I thought about putting money back into the business and getting a new saw, What do you think? I was thinking about getting the Stihl MS291 or the 362 both pro saws, but obviously more pricey then my homeowner 250. What would be your advice? Get another saw to help cut logs faster, save the money, try to buy more wood? 🤷🏼‍♂️ just looking for another opinion.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Definitely get a bigger saw..70-80 cc saw...first... you will cut 2x the wood as with the little saw. Next get as much free wood as you can then start buying loads of wood. You will need more wood and after that get more wood. Good luck and GET CUTTIN'

[@1JeffJames]

@@InTheWoodyard thanks for your opinion! I appreciate it! Just curious, how much do you want pay for your truck loads of wood? Keep making videos, love watching all the way from North Carolina!

[@1JeffJames]

@@InTheWoodyard although it’s not in the 70cc range, i found a great deal on a MS261, like half price from a guy that’s only had it 6 months.

[@tbonemc2118]

A new trailer hmmm. I've seen your deliveries so keep the old one too for all those tight driveways and small sheds. You have to ask yourself what the cost of a new trailer is and whether it will earn you more than just buying more logs and compounding your money. Bigger isn't always better either as our cities are designed around cars that aren't towing 14' trailers.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Good points TBone!

[@tbonemc2118]

@@InTheWoodyard Sorry for pouring cold water on your new trailer but I only did it for uncle Benjamin. You'll see much more of him buying more logs instead.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Some people like one famous channel van physically handle 50 cords bucked himself and buys the rest in blocks because of physical/medical needs.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nice!

[@briansmith5235]

I have 14 acres of wood. 3 acres of each type of wood. I have 4 types available. The other 2 are logs. Its constantly being rotated.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nice!

[@briansmith5235]

Its hard work. But it pays off in the year

[@edkerkhoff522]

Last winter i wrenched my elbow running the saw was dun cun whole month all ok now

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, firewood is hard!

[@waynerowan290]

Every man wonders where he can put his wood.

[@InTheWoodyard]

YES!

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Chris, you left out the benefits, mental stability and “Benjamin’s”😂😂😂😂🚜🪵🇺🇸

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes!

[@momullins8320]

How about dead wood oak it's pretty dry soon as you split I tell my customers

[@InTheWoodyard]

If it has been dead for many years maybe, oak is the slowest drying wood there is, you might want to try a moisture meter, below 20% is burnable.

[@tonybunch543]

👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Tony!

[@tonybunch543]

@@InTheWoodyard good luck deer hunting. Hope you get a big buck.

[@danahasson2892]

If firewood was easy a lot more people would cut and split it themselves.

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is correct!

[@Mainelywork]

🤘

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks !!!

[@stevenbrown5210]

How the heck do you make money when you're trying to get started and you jave to wait all this time to sell?

[@InTheWoodyard]

It is called delayed satisfaction. Like investing money to earn more, it takes time. It ain't easy that is why most people are poor. Work hard and do not give up. Have a goal with a plan and work toward it a little every day. You will get there.

[@885Blackjack]

define "rich"

[@InTheWoodyard]

Doing what you love and want every day and being healthy. The richest man in the world would give up everything he has on his death bed for just one more day of perfect health to do what he likes best.

[@885Blackjack]

@@InTheWoodyard Amen

[@jarndt908]

Arndt Forest Products Antigo WI Here 2 45 face cord kilns 2 multitek 2025 electric processors 5000 sq ft building on 5 acres logging equipment 1165 trgercat harvestor barko forwarder mack log truck 550 deere dozer. We process 4000 pulp cord per year all packaged. 11 employees . 24 yeas started from nothing.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, you have a great operation for sure! Your firewood is in a lot of locations. I would love to come up sometime and see your operation! If you are interested let me know, my email is [e-mail] Thanks Chris

[@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19]

and a population base to sell too. LOL

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes!

[@firewoodathome]

'Morning

[@InTheWoodyard]

Hello Bill!

[@mjmtreeservicemaintenance2940]

Honestly a firewood business isn't hard. Just my opinion.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Maybe for you, for most people with limited equipment it is physically demanding. You have the right attitude for sure!

[@mjmtreeservicemaintenance2940]

@@InTheWoodyard 100% equipment is for sure a game changer in every way. I just feel that whatever the circumstances are when one decides to go into this knows to expect the physical labor of it, I would hope anyway.

[@donnairn3419]

Why is business hard? Would I sound like a economics boffin if I mention "economic profit" There are few barriers to entry and lots of people doing it.

[@InTheWoodyard]

It is hard because a lot of people buy expensive stuff before they have customers.

[@ralphkanagy4602]

Nice video Chris baby keep coming with the videos Chris baby I think I'm getting sick again Chris baby I wish I could do what you do is cut wood and split wood all day long maybe ilir to get a plane ticket and come and help you with the wood would that be a good idea text me back Chris baby

[@InTheWoodyard]

Sorry to hear that Ralphy baby, just get better my friend!

[@LeBlancfirewood]

I come in sore everyday I tell my wife it's a good hurt

[@InTheWoodyard]

HA! yup me too!