I Made Bank Selling Hand-made Nails.

Summary

In this episode, the creator embarks on a challenging yet rewarding journey to forge and sell 500 handmade nails. With live-streamed progress, the process involves forging, heading, and managing the sales of nails through a website built on Squarespace. The creator faces technical challenges, such as tool issues and the need for greater efficiency, while dealing with real-time customer demand. Throughout the day, they make significant progress, refining their techniques, selling inventory, and tracking their results. The video highlights the process of crafting, selling, and using Squarespace's tools to manage a small business from start to finish.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video showcases the process of nail making, from raw material to finished product, and highlights the challenges faced during the process.
• 😀 The narrator emphasizes the need for efficiency improvements and the importance of getting into a rhythm while making nails.
• 😀 The use of a custom-made nail header tool is introduced to help form the head of the nails, though it sometimes causes issues like nails getting stuck.
• 😀 The script details the transition from crafting nails manually to selling them online via a Squarespace website, showing how the product was listed and sold in real-time.
• 😀 The video highlights the use of Squarespace for not only selling physical products but also handling scheduling, invoicing, and marketing, with a discount code provided to viewers.
• 😀 The narrator experiences issues with the homemade forge lubricant, showing trial and error in finding solutions for smoother production.
• 😀 A significant milestone is reached when the narrator makes 500 nails, a task that takes over 12 hours to complete, showcasing the physical and mental endurance required.
• 😀 Throughout the video, the narrator reflects on the process of making nails, including tracking steps, hammer blows, and the physical toll of the repetitive task.
• 😀 The importance of managing inventory and tracking sales is discussed, as the online store frequently sells out of nails, leading to rapid re-stocking.
• 😀 The script ends with the narrator sharing analytics, revealing the success of the sales process, including revenue and customer engagement metrics, as well as a call to action to use Squarespace for starting a passion project or business.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is a blacksmith forging nails and selling them online through a website powered by Squarespace, while also reflecting on the process and challenges of making 500 nails in one day.

How does the blacksmith begin the process of making nails?

The blacksmith starts by cutting a 6mm bar into pieces and then forges them into nails, beginning with shaping a taper and then using a tool to upset the head of the nail.

What issue does the blacksmith encounter with the heading tool?

The blacksmith faces problems with the heading tool getting stuck, causing the nails to bend and waste time while straightening them. The tool sometimes works smoothly, but other times it doesn't.

What solution does the blacksmith try for lubrication of the forging process?

The blacksmith attempts to make a homemade forge lubricant from graphite powder and wax, and also considers using graphite sheets from a steam hammer restoration to improve the lubrication during forging.

How does the blacksmith handle inventory and sales of the nails?

The blacksmith uses Squarespace to set up an online store where he tracks inventory, adds new stock, takes photos of the nails, and adjusts prices as needed. He also sells the nails in packs, initially of 5, then increasing to 10, 20, and 50 as demand rises.

How does the blacksmith deal with the challenge of counting nails?

The blacksmith struggles with keeping count of the nails he makes, as he often loses track while working. He eventually relies on the live stream audience for help and uses a tally system to track his progress.

What technology does the blacksmith use to enhance his online sales experience?

The blacksmith uses Squarespace's website-building tools to create an online store, taking advantage of features like product listing, stock tracking, and integrating invoicing and email marketing. He also checks website analytics to monitor visitors and sales.

What is the blacksmith's reaction to reaching the milestone of 500 nails?

The blacksmith feels a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction after reaching the milestone of 500 nails, realizing the effort involved while reflecting on the day’s accomplishments. Despite the struggle, he expresses a sense of pride in his work.

How does the blacksmith use feedback from the live stream audience?

The blacksmith interacts with the live stream audience by taking their suggestions for adding more inventory, adjusting stock levels, and even counting nails. The audience's engagement helps motivate and guide the process.

What challenges did the blacksmith face in terms of physical endurance?

The blacksmith experienced physical strain, including wrist pain and thumb fatigue from repetitive hammering. Despite the low-intensity nature of the task, the hours of continuous work caused physical discomfort.