Shopsmith Forums

Not sure if this should be posted here, but thought this might be an interesting conversation. If I were NOT restricted by laws regarding retired Federal retirees, I would try to do this. It would open up a whole new world for woods available and tools that woodworkers could enjoy and use. The other thing would be that is that customers can walk in to handle the merchandise before buying.

http://www.woodcraftfranchise.com/

Curious to our thoughts!

My "local" Woodcraft store is a class operation. I accentuated local since it is at least a 45 minute drive to the Ventura store, sometimes an hour.
I have no idea how the francise works; however, with this lovely store such a long drive away, I often purchase needed items on line. Also, the assortment of exotic wood is greater on line than in store inventory. I really hate to bypass the local store, but it is often much easier.
I have no idea if my on-line purchases are shared with the local store, but I would hope that anyone investing in a francise would consider all aspects of their investment.

The nearest Woodcraft is over 100 miles away in the next state! I'd LOVE it if someone would open one in our area. Someone should. We are the fastest growing area in the state and one of the few areas that continued to grow during the economic downturn. I know a bunch of woodturners and assume most of them do some woodworking as well, and there must be a BUNCH of woodworkers around here to support a local store. Shoot, I'd put in an application to work in one in a heartbeat!!

My nearest Woodcraft is about 40 minutes away in good traffic. The store is high class. I often wish they had one in my part of Denver area. Given my current health and family status starting a new business would not be wise. Still this is the one type of business I have dreamed of operating most of my life. What a crappy time to read this discussion. Jim

Here's my nearest ones:
[INDENT]Not that my area is out in the sticks or anything
Woodcraft of Oklahoma City 249.04 miles
Woodcraft of Fort Worth 300.90 miles
Woodcraft of Dallas 322.96 miles
[/INDENT]

Have been in the one in Colorado Springs a couple of times with a friend. Really a neat store, and good people working there.

kalynzoo wrote:I have no idea if my on-line purchases are shared with the local store,...

I SERIOUSLY DOUBT it. That's why I do the ordering at the store. Be it woodcraft or ace.

I have one that is 3 hours in Lenexa, KS , and one that is 3 hours in Tulsa Ok. I do have a Rockler resaler about 10 miles from me. I would not hesitate one minute to drive 1 hour just to be able to touch the merchandise.

beeg wrote:I SERIOUSLY DOUBT it. That's why I do the ordering at the store. Be it woodcraft or ace.

Woodcraft mail order gives a cut to the local store if an order is placed in their area.

If I were going to open a woodworking store I would go as a Rockler reseller. You would have access to all of Rockler's inventory but be able to make a store into what you wanted. We have a Cincinnati area woodworking store that has done just that.
http://www.hardwoodlumberandmore.com/

I like the retail store including the Rockler store. Good for the industry, novices to experienced woodworkers. Enjoyable with seminars, demo's and fair prices. Would rather pay more for an item, support the little guy vs. a big orange box store.

Nearest Woodcraft store is 350 miles round trip. As far as I know its the nearest wood working store.