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Artwork for The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Paul Mencel
Craftsmanship
Marketing
Custom Furniture
The Handcrafted Network
Business Strategy
Business Growth
Branding
Philadelphia Table Co.
Woodworking
Philadelphia Table Company
Seth Godin
Sales Process
Entrepreneurship
Interior Designers
Sales
Social Media Marketing
E-Commerce
Pricing
Lead Generation
Customization

The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things" is where craftsmanship meets business strategy. Hosted by Paul, founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, this podcast dives into the mindset, pricing, marketing, and systems that help makers turn their craft into a thriving business. Whether you're a woodworker, artisan, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll learn the strateg... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes66Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessArts

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Artwork for The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Latest Episodes

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In this episode, Paul challenges one of the most common pieces of business advice: "Find your niche." While niching down is important eventually, he argues that many makers do it far too early—before they've collected enough real-world da... more

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Summary:

This episode argues that makers should stop relying only on social media or handing out business cards, and instead start collecting emails so they can “own” their audience. The main idea is to use e... more

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In this episode, Paul shares a recent change to Philadelphia Table Company's sales process that has dramatically improved closing rates: replacing an immediate 60% deposit with a $500 design deposit. What started as advice fro... more

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Summary:

Paul shares a candid update on Philadelphia Table Company's recent cash flow challenges and the practical steps he took to stabilize the business. From accelerating collections and leaning on vendor relationships to a... more

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Host

Paul
Host of The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things; founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 13 ratings
  • Great insights

    Great stuff Paul! Really enjoy everything you’re sharing. Very helpful, and a great reminder to focus on marketing and sales!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MPBlacky
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is valued for its clear strategies on pricing and positioning for makers.
Listeners appreciate practical, actionable insights and real-world experiences from running a craft-based business.
Guests and topics consistently connect craft with business outcomes and scaling a small shop.
Audience benefits from hands-on guidance and community resources that support growth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#241
United States/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Office Hours: Pricing Fear, Better Clients, and Breaking Out of the Shop
Q: How did you break out of feeling overwhelmed when you have more work than you can handle and you're stuck in the shop instead of working on the business?
He recommends deliberate time blocking for different business activities (sales/office time vs. making), prioritizing non-production tasks, and using structured schedules to prevent busywork from replacing strategic work. He also notes the importance of moving from in-the-shop work to planning and growth activities.
Office Hours: Pricing Fear, Better Clients, and Breaking Out of the Shop
Q: Hey Paul, I know I'm undercharging, like I know it, but every time I try to raise prices, I get in my head that I'm going to lose the job and end up with nothing. How did you actually get comfortable charging more without feeling like you were pushing people away?
The host explains he's going through the same struggle, emphasizes staying close to sales goals, and notes that higher-price projects, though fewer, bring stronger, more valuable opportunities. He advises sticking with higher price tiers, recognizing that longer sales cycles may occur but eventual success is higher-value work.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: What about efficiency in a shop that mostly does custom furniture?
Move toward collection pieces to streamline production while keeping room for custom work. Build tight systems (Trelo/ Kanban-style workflows, standardized finishes, pre-made jigs) and clearly map each project's lifecycle to reduce variability and boost throughput.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: How do you ensure quality and consistency if you hire another maker to scale production?
Establish clear standards and a detailed checklist covering appearance, finish, and functionality; implement a sign-off process before shipping and use a foreman or operations lead to enforce these standards across the shop.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: Should I take on projects that look amazing for my portfolio but aren't very profitable?
Avoid underpricing; use a balanced approach. Some portfolio pieces can be worthwhile as learning experiences, but don't clutter your schedule with unprofitable work. Prioritize profitable projects and consider portfolio pieces only when they align with long-term business goals.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A pragmatic show focused on turning craft into a scalable business, with deep dives into pricing, positioning, marketing, and systems for makers. Episodes frequently cover value-driven pricing, client acquisition, brand storytelling, and practical workflows for small shops, often weaving in personal anecdotes from running Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network. Notable feetures include structured frameworks, live office hours, and emphasis on community-led growth, making it useful for makers aiming to raise their game in pricing, branding, and operations without losing craft quality.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Shop Talk Live - Fine Woodworking
2. Shannon's Lumber Industry Update
3. Woodshop Life Podcast
4. Shop Sounds Podcast
5. Your Money Guide on the Side

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched a year ago and published 66 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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