A birdhouse business manufactures and sells birdhouses, typically built from wood. The birdhouses can range from simple to extravagant. Some are small enough for just a single bird, while others have multiple compartments for multiple birds. Building and selling birdhouses can provide a good source of additional part-time business income. The only requirements for starting a business that manufactures birdhouses is to have basic woodworking equipment and skills.
Sales Venues and Channels
- Flea markets
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Company website
- Etsy
- Craft fairs
- Brick-and-mortar stores such as:
- Hardware stores
- Garden centers
- Grocery stores
- Craft stores
- Feed stores
- Antique stores
Additional Services and Products
- Bird Feeding Supplies
- A system that sends text alerts to customers when birds arrive at their birdhouses
- Use sustainable materials and production methods to showcase your environmental commitment
Benefits of a Local Following and Referrals
- Craft shows
- Farmers’ markets
- Local storefront businesses
How to Start
With basic woodworking tools and skills, you can start manufacturing birdhouses. Ongoing costs include materials, tools, shop space, store maintenance, and possibly employees. Some costs, like tool maintenance, are unavoidable, but you can keep costs down by using found materials.
Target Market and Earnings
- Homeowners
- Birdwatchers
Ongoing costs include materials, tools, space, store maintenance, and potential employees. Earnings come from birdhouse sales. Prices depend on materials, size, and features. Profits increase by controlling costs, offering promotions, customizing, and expanding your market.
Advantages of Starting a Birdhouse Business
Starting this business requires little capital if you already own basic woodworking tools and have space to work. Other advantages include:
- Low overhead with no need for paid employees or retail space
- Creative expression in designing unique birdhouses
- Satisfaction from crafting useful products and seeing birds enjoy them
- Flexible schedule
- Direct interaction with customers at craft fairs and farmers markets
However, challenges include finding volume sales, competing against mass-produced items, and establishing productive sales channels. It’s important to consider the risks of seasonal slumps and fad fluctuations before quitting a regular job.