Am wanting to try to make up some bundles and see if they will sell. My place is on a busy highway, surely I can sell some. This would be an "honor system" type deal with a cash box. Questions... 1. Do you think a $10 bundle will sell? I sure would hate to sell for less than that. If I give them more bang for the buck versus what they can buy in stores, surely they would buy a $10 bundle. They'll spend close to that in a store with tax included. I sure would prefer a $1o minimum versus $5 or whatever. Seems it would be best to make it divisible by $5. Like, don't sell $8 bundles, sell $10 bundles, that is my thinking. 2. I have several stretch wraps that are brand new but they are 20 inches wide. Do you think I could cut those to make two or three smaller rolls? When I see people wrap bundles on youtube, they are using shrink wrap that appears to be six to eight inches wide. 3. Have you done any good selling bundles? 4. Do you know of a favored el cheapo jig to use to put the splits into to wrap it? I have seen some youtubes, a jig doesn't have to be complicated at all since I just want to test the market. I saw one guy who just made two squares out of a 2x4 for jigs and he stuck the splits in there and was able to wrap it on the tailgate of his truck. 5. Do you have any sales that are non-cash, such as Paypal? If it's not Paypal, what is it? I only have Paypal, not sure what is the most common service used around here. Probably would be a younger demographic who buys bundles? Whatever younger people use! Or is it all cash? 6. Do you have problems with theft? 7. Do you think a 12x12x16 bundle for $10 is a good idea? My math says that is 1.33 cu ft. At the store, they are paying around $1 per 0.1 of a cubic foot, or even worse. If I charge $10 for 1.33 cu ft, that is a better deal. I need to make sure a 1.33 cu ft bundle is not very heavy, is easy to pick up by those who are not so strong. 8. Do you know of an easier, better or cheaper method to secure a bundle versus shrink wrap? I saw someone use twine one time, I need to find a video on that. (Would rather cut and use my "too big" plastic wrap as I already have it in stock!) 9. Do you also sell some "stacks" that are larger than a bundle? (And less than a face cord.) I was just thinking it might just be revenue for the taking if I make it available. Plus... I use a hired hand sometimes and he split quite a bit of my wood last year and made the splits too dang small! No wonder he wasn't making much headway! These splits would be perfect for bundle wood and the improved profit margin (on split costs alone) would help me get some of my labor costs back! And... many people who buy my stacks don't want real small splits, it kind of is a negative for them. Too big is not good and too small is not good. Another benefit is I can sell some non-oak wood (mixed hardwood like maple and oak or whatever) with no concern; people who buy a cord or more, they typically want oak around here.
My kids and I made a jog to build bundles for their stand. We use the 6” Saran Wrap on each end. You’ll have to see what they sell for in your area, but remember the appeal of the bu doe is you can grab it and lift it….not sure what $10 bundle will mean for you but might be easier to have a loose quantity for that amount of money depending on your market. I agree with the divisible but 5, especially if your dealing in cash, which is what we have done. We’ve had no issues with theft. Good luck to you!
Seems every roadside firewood bundle around here is priced at $5. But, they are also close to campgrounds. One guy selling was not very close to a campground and his wood sat all summer long. If you're hoping to sell to the market that heats their home with wood, my suggestion is to place a 4-sided rack (bottom, sides and top) wrapped around the firewood so people will see what they are getting for any given price amount. For example, a face cord for X dollars; 1/2 face cord for X dollars and on and on The bundles that you have been seeing for similar prices are at stores, no? That means the people are going there for something other than firewood (normally) such as fuel, snacks, etc. If you are on a busy highway, and sell only similarly priced wood bundles (even though they would be slightly larger) you may not get the customers to stop...??? Ultimately, it is exactly what billb3 has pointed out yesterday. Try it and find out. It's easier to lower the price than to raise the price if the sales don't work out.
I don't think people will realise you're selling 1.2 cf bundles for $10 vs the stores around sell .75-.80 cf bundles for $9. Keep your bundles at 1cf or less. Otherwise they get heavy. Many of bundle buyers don't want to or can't lift much weight. Personally I would sell bundles 0.80 cf for $6 or 2/$10. But every market is different. As for the jig a couple of 2×2 cut and screwed to size should work. Or watch Joe's Premium Firewood on YouTube..He uses an upside down chair
I'm retired. I try not to think. Best of luck with your bundles! I'd think offering a better deal than gas station bundles(bigger?) would be a good place to start with pricing. Oh no.... I was thinking!!
The only input I have is, when you cut the shrink wrap, make sure it doesn’t melt where it cuts, I did that once and had to throw the whole think away. Fine tooth hand saw or band saw maybe? Chop saw didn’t work for me, impossible to unwrap Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I just welded up some rebar. Drilled four holes in a big white oak cookie and pounded it in. 1.3 is a lot for a bundle. That’s what my rig is designed for in the pic. Store owner thought it was too much. I made some plywood sleeves that slide onto the jig for .6 and .75 cubic feet. Bought a pneumatic stapler to attach handles. (I wanted one anyway Not sure what a good cheap handle is yet. I bought cheap 1/2” yellow strapping material. Not too good. Had to triple and quadruple it up to hold. Must be better stuff out there.
Hi Bill, i only wholesale bundles to gas station/convenience stores. Ive tried retail on CL with little success. No good roadside frontage and shared driveway so thats out. Here's how i do it. Simple jig made from scrap 2x10's and pallet wood.. Size is 8x8x16" so .60 cubic feet. I also do kindling bundles either from scrap lumber or cedar/pine logs. In this case cedar. (It was fresh cut green hence the "born on" date) New bulk customers occasionally get comped with one and some buy them with their wood order. The only problem with this is you cant use a full roll of plastic to wrap them as its way to awkward. I have to cut short pieces which is a PITA but it is what it is. Our ironing board works perfect! I cut to 9' so 111 from a 1000' roll. I use 12" wide stretch wrap (i forget the gauge) and order from a company called "Uline". I get it within a day or two after placing the order.
