I’ve been told by some of my TF friends that the business aspect of timber framing is the most difficult, and I surely have to agree. Given that, I though I‘d float some questions to you all out there that have been on my mind for some time.
1) When first starting out with your business, what marketing tool did you find to be most effective in getting the word out?
2) What factor has played a larger role in keeping a continuous flow of business for you, print/media advertising or “word-of-mouth”?
3) To my way of thinking, people don’t NEED a timber frame, and it’s a niche market within the construction industry, thus creating a much smaller pool of potential clients. Have you found it to be a common occurrence where you’ve lost jobs or found it necessary to lower bids in an effort to sway folks who pull out the, “Oh, I-could-just-get-Joe Shmoe-to-stick-frame-this-for-a-lot-less” card?
4) Have there been periods where you just finished your last project, there is nothing on the dockets, and you are wondering, “what the heck am I going to do now?”
5) Are there any measures that you have taken (or can take?) to assure the long term future success of your business?
6) Is finding clients who want a timber frame a constant year-to-year worry for you?
Thanks to any and all who want to contribute.
Ron,
A lot of the same responses, but...
1. Word of mouth for me as well. Also, I should have finally have my website up in a bit. But if you want to build only TFs above 6000 sf in Vail, then there are some more conventional marketing sources. I think that that's one of the unfortunate things about the TF business--that (for the most part) the face of TFing is 2 glossy magazines and the business council.
2. same as 1
3. I certainly agree that people don't always need a TF. And that's why I don't always TF. I'd say if you feel that way, that you're going to have a hard time being honest with your clients in trying to always sell them a TF. For example, a client may be interested in a hybrid timber frame (stick walls and roofs)(perhaps to save money), and this system may very well be better suited to the client's needs.
If a TF/SIP combination is the most appropriate for that situation, then that's what I'll build. But I always talk over enclosure systems (SIP, wrap and strap, infill framing, outfill framing, natural systems, superinsulation, etc.) with the client. If you're building an insulated structure, the TF is really only a small portion of a much bigger picture.
4. There certainly have been slow times, and I agree with everyone on the low overhead. Being flexible and not overly specialized helps in filling in between jobs. Take those slow periods to learn new techniques--practice scribing or hewing or design or accounting or whatever you need.
5. Do the best work that you can, and be honest with your clients and people you work with. A lot of just general communication stuff. I GC jobs, so I always want to know what my subs need from me before they come, and while they're on site. Pay people fairly and on time. Basically just don't screw people over.
6. Many of my jobs last for months so I generally stay busy. I've found my clients want a TF for a few reasons: aesthetics, community building (mainly through the raising), the tradition, romanticism, and the prominence (visibility) of the structure itself. I really don't have the type of client looking to impress with the height of their ceiling. If you can sell what works with what you want to build and what your client wants built, then you're all set.
Brad
