It's pretty well known that people buy what they want and not necessarily what they need. This can provide a good bit of selling strategy but it can also trip us up.

Most woodworkers are tool addicts. We only confess this to ourselves and, in select cases, each other. If the level of creativity we employ in justifying tool purchases, transforming them from frivolous wants into genuine needs, were applied to the daily chore of running our businesses, we would all be rich and famous.

Buying a $27,000 wide belt sander when all you really need is $2,700 drum sander might not be the best move. Being realistic in our purchases might take some of the fun out of being in the woodworking business, but it might also keep you in business!

D.D.