How to Sell Firewood

How to Sell Firewood

Flickr/Creative Commons: Chris Barron

Selling firewood can be a profitable side business or a full-time occupation. A firewood dealer who sells high-quality wood at a competitive price can turn a profitable income. Following responsible dealer ethics and engaging in successful sales techniques can help boost revenue and grow your firewood business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Wood cutting tools (wood splitter, chain saws or crosscut saw) Twine or rope Tarp Signs
  • Wood cutting tools (wood splitter, chain saws or crosscut saw)
  • Twine or rope
  • Tarp
  • Signs
Step 1
Research your competitors. Make a list of locations that sell firewood-- such as Lowes or Publix--and investigate the types of wood they sell and the size and price of each bundle.
Step 2
Determine a location to sell firewood. Many firewood vendors set up shop in their front yard, near major commuter roads or beside campgrounds. Choose a location that is close to where the wood is cut to help minimize the spread of insects and reduce transportation costs.
Step 3
Cut the firewood. Prepare for your winter business (and allow firewood to cure) by cutting logs in the summertime. Communicate to the buyer when your firewood was cut with clear, easy-to-read signs. Cut each wood piece to be less than two feet long to accommodate most fireplaces.
Step 4
Bundle and price your firewood. Stack the firewood by type (such as beach, elm or oak). Determine a fair market price for your firewood. Price according to the "age" of the wood (how long ago it was cut). Older firewood can fetch a higher price than recently cut wood.
Step 5
Advertise your firewood-selling business. Place an ad online at The Firewood Center (see References). Market your firewood with fliers, posters and business cards. Offer your customers free delivery and loading assistance.

Tips & Warnings

 
To not let your firewood be exposed to frequent rain or snow, cut it several months before you plan on selling it. Store cut firewood in a barn or garage during the off-season to protect it from the elements. Wood is a renewable resource, so each time you cut down a tree, plant another on your property.
 
To not let your firewood be exposed to frequent rain or snow, cut it several months before you plan on selling it.
 
Store cut firewood in a barn or garage during the off-season to protect it from the elements.
 
Wood is a renewable resource, so each time you cut down a tree, plant another on your property.
 
Check with your state's laws to ensure you are legally allowed to cut down trees on your property. Follow all state firewood labeling laws. Do not cut down trees from private or public property. Only utilize the resources on your land.
 
Check with your state's laws to ensure you are legally allowed to cut down trees on your property. Follow all state firewood labeling laws.
 
Do not cut down trees from private or public property. Only utilize the resources on your land.

Article Written By Penelope Lane

Write for Trails.com
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