Why My Small Business Isn’t Doing a Black Friday Sale
Black Friday is on the horizon again - hitting us right in the kisser on the 28th of November this year.
I’m sure like most small business owners, I’ve been thinking about whether to take part. Last year I did a half-hearted offering. But it was because I felt like I had to, rather than because I wanted to.
This year though, after a lot of consideration, I’ve decided to not run a Black Friday offer.
I thought I might share my reasoning in a wee post. If you’ll induge me. It’s definetly not a grand statement. And by no means do I want to criticise brands that do take part.
It’s simply what makes sense for me. My workshop. And the way I make things.
Why Black Friday Discounts Don’t Fit My Handmade Business
Everything I make - whether that’s a bud vase, a bowl or three legged stool - takes time.
Some pieces take an hour, some take four. Some take a little swearing under my breath. Esepcially when the grain doesn’t behave.
As such, I can only make so much per week. That limit is actually part of what I enjoy about woodturning.
It’s a slow and focused way of working. It’s not something that scales easily. Well, not for me at the moment anyway.
So I don’t feel that discount-driven sales events fit naturally within my one-person workshop.
Fair Year-Round Pricing vs. Seasonal Black Friday Sales
I’ve always tried to keep my prices as fair as possible.
The cost reflects the wood, the time, the skill, and the small-batch nature of it all.
Black Friday works brilliantly for businesses with larger margins or high-volume stock. I’m just not set up that way.
Offering big discounts would mean earning less for the same amount of work. Or rushing to produce more.
Neither of those align well with my approach.
This Isn’t a Moral Stand - It’s Simply Practical
I’m not necessarly anti–Black Friday. I will no doubt be taking advantage of deals around that time. Although whether or not there is true low value from big corporations is another topic for another day.
However, I know that there are independent makers out there that use it successfully. Some customers love it. Some businesses rely on it. There’s absolutely no judgement from me.
I just looked honestly at what I do.
My customers usually buy because they love the work, they love the handmade nature of it, they love wooden objects. Not because they’re waiting for a discount. That gave me confidence that opting out is the right move for me.
Instead of Black Friday
Rather than a Black Friday offer, I’m focusing on:
releasing small batches when they’re ready
improving my forms and exploring new designs
keeping a healthy balance of making and family time
Essentially: doing what I do all year. And doing it as well as I can.
My Final Thoughts on Not Taking Part in Black Friday
So that’s where I’ve landed.
No Black Friday offer this year.
If you’ve read this far, thanks for supporting my work - and for being part of this small, steady, handmade corner of the world.
