Giving Away

[lonepine]

I seemed to have run into a habit over the years of just giving away projects.For a long time I did just that,Churchs, Schools, Boy Scouts,Family and just friends an co-workers, etc. Since I started selling projects, I still revert back to my old ways...My wife tells me all the time to stop. She has threatened to take away my saws. Pretty bad eh.
It is not so much the income,(would never get by making a living at this) but a stress releiver, and to recreate, something I enjoy.
Is there a fine line here? I am I missing something?
Thanks for your comments. Bob

[ndtroll]

I, also, am called upon to donate items to various events and prizes and many times to auctions which are fund raisers for different events.... I always try to donate when asked... It does give me some extra exposure and people seem to remember it. I have had people come up and tell me the items they bought was more expensive at the auction than my regular price... many times they will purchase a complimentary item....
I keep track of the items I donate and let my accountant know so he can handle any tax savings there may be....
I ususally donate items that I have excess of or that don't seem to be selling very well

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

A fine line??? That is each individual's call. There are those that never sell anything and only give away what they make. There are those that take this serious and only sell. You can look at it as a sales pitch or advertisement. I look at it as a way to pick up a few dollars to keep my passion for tools alive. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[pops-shop]

I'm with JT on this one (surprise). When I go to shows, it is to sell. when I find a worthy cause, I give it away (and make an accountant note). So, ya see, I do both. Selling keeps getting new toys. :)

[Ex19k]

I am with Jt And Fred on this one...My father and I are in the middle of doing a pulpit and communion table for a couple of churches. Instead of having them to "pay" they are giving us a letter for tax reasons. Works out great for both parties concerned. With my pens I seem to "give" a few away but in the end it seems to bring in more bussiness. I always get " are you the guy that made the pen for so and so..couldyou make.."
So I guess it works out....But taking your saws away? OUCH!


May all your work be good

[TimD]

I have given away several pens and other things. Sometimes a smile on someone's face is worth more than a few bucks in the pocket. But I guess the one that I will enjoy remembering the most is the one that I gave away tonight. I am a Freemason and one of our members was presented his 50 year pin and award tonight. I presented him with one of the pens that I do with the Masonic logo on the clip made out of 2 types of wood that are symbolic along with a laurel wreath design on the center band.
If I had known that that 85 year old man would get that emotional over that pen I might not have presented it to him. I was just kidding on that for that experience was priceless to me.

[Deanna]

Nice Story Tim

What a great gift you gave him...and he gave you. Thanks for sharing. It's nice to hear heartwarming stories like that.

Deanna

[K&MScrollworks]

Sounds like the most of us certainly enjoy giving away projects for what ever reason. I know to me it feels great to see the smile on a boy scouts face or any kids and even adults when they get something hand made given to them.
Still have to go with John, Freb and many other who use the income to purchase required tools and equipment for their woodworking craving.
Tim great job, its a great feeling.
Kris