731 Woodworks

Which woodworking tool would you tell a beginner to skip — at least for now?

2 hours ago | [YT] | 30

731 Woodworks

Be honest… if Ryobi painted their tools another color, would folks call them “pro grade”? Some of these green tools have actually impressed me. But they can’t shake that “DIY” label. Is it time we admit Ryobi stepped up… or are they still for weekend warriors?

1 day ago | [YT] | 100

731 Woodworks

We’ve all got one… which of these do you still do (even though you know better)?

2 days ago | [YT] | 95

731 Woodworks

Which tool brand has surprised you — in a good way?

3 days ago | [YT] | 99

731 Woodworks

Why You Should "Lose Money" on $20 Halloween Signs

Had a guy message me yesterday asking why I keep talking about selling cheap holiday stuff.

"Matt, there's no money in a $20 pumpkin sign. Why would I waste my time?"
I get it. I really do.

When you're used to thinking about $500 tables and $1,200 custom builds, a $20 ornament feels like... well, like you're going backwards.

But here's what that guy (and maybe you) are missing:

You're not trying to make money on the $20 sign.

You're trying to make money on everything that comes after it.

Let me tell you about Michael Sellers ‪@Armorwoodworksbymike‬ Last year, he was cranking out pumpkins like crazy. Not because pumpkins were making him rich, but because pumpkins were bringing him customers.

Those customers left reviews. Told their friends. Came back for more.

And that initial wave of pumpkin buyers became his foundation for steady income and bigger custom work.

Here's the thing most woodworkers get wrong:

You think every sale has to be profitable.

But smart businesses? They use what's called a "tripwire."

Costco sells hot dogs for $1.50. They lose money on every single one. But they know once you're in the store buying that hot dog, you're walking out with $200 worth of other stuff.

Your $20 Halloween sign works the same way.

When someone buys that sign, you're not just getting $20. You're getting:

Their contact info
A chance to show them your other work when they pick it up
A testimonial and review
Someone who now trusts you to deliver
A warm lead for your next project

The real magic happens at pickup.

When they come to get their $20 sign, you've got tables, benches, and custom pieces sitting right there in your shop.

"Oh wow, you made this dining table too? How much would something like this cost?"
Boom. Your $20 customer just became a $2,000 customer.

Here's why this works so well right now:

People are already buying Halloween and Christmas stuff. You don't have to create demand.

They're in a spending mood. The holidays do that.

And $20-30 is impulse-buy territory. They don't think about it too hard.

Most woodworkers are playing checkers. This is chess.

You're not just making a sale. You're building a customer list.

And once someone's bought from you once, they're way more likely to buy again.

The bottom line:

Stop thinking about individual sales. Start thinking about customer relationships.

That $20 Halloween sign isn't your product.

It's your introduction.

For more tips and coaching on growing your woodworking business, check out my coaching community: www.skool.com/thefirstcut

Hope this helps,

Matt

4 days ago | [YT] | 157

731 Woodworks

Be honest… do Milwaukee fans even know why they like the brand, or is it just the red color and hype? I’ve owned some great Milwaukee tools and do like them quite a bit.
But the way folks defend them online can be wild. Let’s settle this: Is Milwaukee really worth the price… or just good marketing?

4 days ago | [YT] | 88

731 Woodworks

🚨 DEAL ALERT 🚨 $110 off DeWALT Grabo TODAY ONLY 10/5/25 shoplowes.me/427TKMG (Lowe's partner). Was $259 now only $149 until midnight tonight.

4 days ago | [YT] | 60

731 Woodworks

Be honest… when’s the last time you used your table saw blade guard? Most folks take it off and “mean to put it back on later”… but never do. Is it actually too clunky? Or are we just lazy? Drop your confessions 👇 (no shame — we’ve all been there).

5 days ago | [YT] | 80

731 Woodworks

🚨 DEAL ALERT 🚨 Just dropped the TOP tool deals at Lowe's for October! Check them out here www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Save on DeWALT, Bosch, EGO, FLEX, Kobalt, CRAFTSMAN and a lot more! I'll be updating this list regularly.

5 days ago | [YT] | 37