“I’ve never been here before” and other things you don’t need to worry about.
Twice a year, we get an influx of students from the local university beginner shop class. They are here to get materials for what is usually their first wood working project ever, and when they walk through the doors of our 200,000 SF warehouse, their eyes get big and I see the panic start to set in.
“I’ve never been here before” is the first thing from their mouth, almost every time.
Most of our clientele is of the, ahem, “elder” variety, so seeing an influx of young people is really exciting. Some of them take to it right away, let us show them around, take our recommendations into consideration. Some of them can’t wait to leave, apologize profusely for not knowing how to calculate a board foot, and on and on. To them, and anyone who is feeling a little green when you walk in our doors, I have a few things I want you to stop worrying about:
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time.
Shopping at a local lumber mill is a good thing. You are doing a good thing when you support us, and it makes a difference in our lives and our community. We keep knowledgeable staff on hand so that we can help you. We are invested in your success, we want to see your projects, we want to hear about your dogs and kids and vacations. It’s fun for us to get to show you what we do, what we love. The money you spend with us stays here, paying local workers, buying local products, supporting local causes. We are excited that you’ve heard of us, that you’re here, that you’re interested on any level in what we’re doing. Don’t apologize for it being your first time.
Stacks of lumber are just infiinite creative possibilities.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to shop at a lumber mill.
Can’t calculate boardfeet? Don’t know the difference between poplar and maple? Who cares. We’re here because we do know it. If you don’t know something, you go to an expert. That’s us! Ask away. We will show you. Or if you don’t care to learn, and you want to get in and get out, we will take good care of you.
It doesn’t matter if you spend $1 or $1000.
As a small business, making a sale is one type of win. We also celebrate meeting new people, hearing that word of our business is spreading, and collaborating with other local businesses. Don’t worry about coming in to buy one board. Walk in the door with some spring in your step and tell us what you need!
My point is really simple— it’s ok to be somewhere for the first time. When John and I decided to start this business 8 years ago, I had never shopped at a lumber mill either. Your life is an opportunity to learn infinitely. Take it. Don’t let the fear of not having done something before stop you from doing it today.
We’ll see you at the Mill.
Amanda