How To Research Profitable Woodcraft Products Before You Build
Ever spent hours crafting a beautiful wood project—only to wonder if anyone out there actually wants it? You’re not alone. One of the biggest mistakes woodworkers make is building first and researching later. Smart sellers flip that script: they start with research, so every build has a real chance to sell.
In this post (and the video below), I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process for finding woodcraft products people actually want to buy—before you pick up your saw.
Step 1: Spot Niches With Real Demand
Start by browsing places where people are already shopping for woodcrafts:
- Etsy – Search categories like “wedding decor,” “pet furniture,” or “custom signs.” Look for products with lots of reviews and “bestseller” tags.
- Facebook Marketplace – What local sellers are posting? Notice repeat listings, “sold” tags, and hot trends.
- Amazon Handmade – See what’s climbing the charts and how items are bundled or personalized.
Pro tip: Write down what you see—bestselling product types, most common price ranges, and ideas that jump out to you.
Step 2: Dig Deeper With Data Tools
Next, take your best ideas and run them through some research tools:
- Etsy Search Bar & Autocomplete – Start typing a product idea; the autocomplete suggestions are real shopper searches.
- eRank, Marmalead, Everbee – Plug in your product names and see real search volume, competition, and seasonality. Which ideas have steady demand and less competition?
- Google Trends – Check if interest spikes for your product during holidays or certain seasons.
What to track:
- Top 3 products in your chosen niche
- Number of listings competing
- Typical price range
- Any “bestseller angles” (like personalization, seasonal, or bundles)
Step 3: Analyze What’s Already Selling
Click into a handful of top listings for your target niche. Ask yourself:
- What makes this product stand out? (Photo style, wood type, custom features?)
- How are they priced—are there bargain and premium options?
- What’s missing? Is there an angle or upgrade you could offer (faster shipping, premium wood, unique personalization)?
Step 4: Validate Before You Build
Once you have a short list of product ideas:
- Sketch it out, create a digital mockup, or make a quick prototype
- Post it in a relevant Facebook group, email your list, or show it to real buyers—ask what they’d pay and if they’d actually buy
- Look for genuine interest (“How do I order?”) instead of just likes or “That’s nice!”
Download: Free Woodcraft Niche Picker Worksheet
Want to follow along and organize your findings? Grab my free printable worksheet right here: [Insert download link or opt-in call to action]
Why Research First? (And a Quick Lesson Learned)
Doing this work up front saves you from wasted hours and helps you:
- Avoid building what doesn’t sell
- Price for profit, not just to “get by”
- Discover new twists or gaps in the market
- Build confidence that your next project is actually wanted
[Insert quick personal story here: A time research saved you from a dud, or when it helped you spot a hit before anyone else.]
FAQ: Product Research for Woodcraft Makers
How much research is enough?
You don’t need to spend days—just enough to see there’s demand, active sales, and room to stand out.
What if no one else is selling my idea?
That can be good or bad! Look for similar products, or test interest with a sketch/mockup post before committing.
Can I test ideas without building a full product?
Absolutely. Share a digital render, a rough prototype, or even a simple sketch and gauge reactions.
Get Started Today
Before you cut your next board, take 20 minutes to research, brainstorm, and validate. Watch the video, download the worksheet, and give yourself the best shot at making what really sells.
Have a product idea you’re researching? Drop it in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to see what you’re working on!