How is the best way for a small logging company to find pine and hardwood timber for sale?

Question

I think big logging companies use timber management companies to find their timber for them, but there are requirements such as really expensive insurance, that my mom's company isn't able to afford. Does anyone out there know what to do about this problem, if so please help

Answer 1

Check out you local farm extension organization, they may have contacts with farmers that are interested in small logging companies to clear some tracts and typically do not require abnormally large insurance issues. But I firmly recommend that you have enough insurance to cover yourself and your client should some one get hurt on the job site. Also, it is just good business. Some times you can get short term insurance riders that are based upon specific projects you are doing and you only carry them until the job is done and the client signs a clearance waiver. Insurance companies do not advertise these as they do not make good residuals on them but they are out there.

Answer 2

You have to use some form of "target" marketing. Decide who your clients are and then seek them out. What do they read, what organizations do they join, where do they shop, etc., etc.?

Then you need to decide the best way to contact them: by mail, phone solicitations, print or radio advertisement, etc.

You should also consider joint venturing with other non competing companies that have the same clientele as you. For example, a pet store could coop with a Veterinarian to cross market to each others clients.

I don't know much about the logging companies but I would imagine the big operations don't bother with certain size acreages that wouldn't be worth their effort. If you coop with them for the smaller plots they could concentrate on larger deals and still profit from your efforts. It would be win win scenerio if you present it correctly.