Sell Your Woodworking Online, Part 1; Etsy

This series is based on Matt's video, "Turn Your Hobby Into a Business."

Today we’re diving into a question Matt hears all the time: How do I sell my woodworking online?

There are two main ways to sell physical woodworking products online:

1. Etsy (or similar platforms): Best for small, shippable items.
2. Local Facebook listings: Ideal for large items like furniture.

There's a third path via social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube—especially useful if you're selling woodworking knowledge (e.g., plans or tutorials). We'll touch on that briefly because no matter your model, you'll likely use social media to promote your work.

And regardless of how you sell, we strongly recommend creating your own website. That gives you full control over your brand and protects you if a third-party platform ever shuts down or changes policies (it happens).

Selling Woodworking Products on Etsy: What Woodworkers Need to Know

If your products can fit in a box and be easily shipped, Etsy is a great option. It’s a top destination for handmade goods, and buyers expect to pay more for unique, handcrafted work.

We won’t go into the technical side of setting up an Etsy shop—those details change often—but we’ll share the principles that matter most.

The Market for Handmade Wood Products

There are over 648,000 handmade wood listings on Etsy. Yes, it’s competitive—but demand is high too.

Average sale prices:

• General handmade wood item: $63
• Custom wood desk: $380+ (some over $4,900)

(We don’t recommend selling large furniture like desks on Etsy—shipping is a challenge—but it shows the earning potential.)

Search competition for “handmade wood” is around 50,000. That’s high, but manageable with smart niching and product strategy.

What Sells?

Top sellers are often simple, functional, and giftable. Think cutting boards, personalized signs, or small decor items.

Home Decor:

• Wooden signs with quotes or farmhouse style
• Rustic shelves and risers
• Wooden maps of lakes or coastlines
• Custom wooden coasters

Kitchenware:

• Cutting boards and charcuterie boards
• Wooden utensils and salt keepers

Personalized Gifts:

• Docking stations for phones and watches
• Holiday ornaments with names or initials

Small Wood Items:

• Soap dishes
• Keepsake or storage boxes

Why These Items Sell

• Personalization: Custom touches make gifts more meaningful.
• Style: Rustic and farmhouse aesthetics are still trending.
• Functionality: People love beautiful items they can actually use.
• Handmade Appeal: Buyers value craftsmanship over mass production.

Key Takeaways for Woodworkers

• Niche down: Don’t try to sell everything. Focus on a category—signs, kitchenware, or gifts.
• Invest in photos: Quality photos reflect quality work. Lighting and composition matter.
• Offer personalization: It adds value and differentiates your work.
• Stay consistent: Etsy favors active sellers. Add new listings regularly.
• Use smart keywords: Instead of “wooden box,” try “rustic cedar keepsake box.”
• Show off your edge: Mention sustainable materials, special finishes, or custom options.

More From Matt

Create High-Quality Products

• Use durable, eco-friendly woods like maple, walnut, or bamboo.
• Ensure smooth finishes and clean joinery.
• Test for durability—especially kitchen items.

Take Great Photos

• Natural lighting + neutral background = wood grain that pops.
• Include multiple angles and close-ups.
• Show your product in use—context builds desire.

Optimize Listings

• Use clear, descriptive titles like “Handmade Walnut Desk Organizer – Office Decor.”
• Add keywords in descriptions and tags.
• Include all the details: dimensions, materials, care, and customization options.

Price Smart

• Check what similar products sell for.
• Account for materials, time, Etsy fees, and profit.
• Don’t underprice—your time and skill have value.
• Matt’s tip: Use a daily rate. Figure out what you need to make per day, then set prices to meet that goal.
  • Higher price = higher perceived quality. Undervaluing can hurt sales.

Encourage Customization

• Offer engraving or name personalization.
• Promote this feature clearly in your listings.
  

Provide Excellent Customer Service

• Reply quickly to messages.
• Be upfront about shipping times.
• Handle issues professionally.

Market Your Shop

• Use Instagram and Pinterest to share your work.
• Post behind-the-scenes content.
• Partner with influencers or bloggers.

Collect and Use Reviews

• Include a thank-you card asking for reviews.
• Respond to feedback to show you care.

Ship with Care

• Use strong, eco-friendly packaging. You can purchase on Ebay in bulk. 
• Protect your work so it arrives safely and beautifully.
• Pro Tip: Consider using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes
  • Boxes are FREE from USPS.
  • Allows you to ship packages within the USA for a flat fee, regardless of the weight (up to 70 pounds) or distance, as long as it fits within the provided Flat Rate boxes or envelopes.
  • Predictable shipping costs.
  • Fast delivery (typically 1-3 business days).
  • Includes USPS Tracking.