Exotic Species Suppliers

[luby492]

Hello all.  I am brand new to the site and I would like to start off with a question about exotic wood suppliers. I would like to expand my business a bit and start to offer exotic species to the local woodworker, turners, cabinet shops etc.  Currently the closest store that offers these species is nearly 160 miles away.  I do believe there is a market for it in my local area.

I am a small bandmill shop who custom cuts and supplies a few shops with oak, ash, walnut, etc boards.  I also have a small dehumidification kiln.

 I would appreciate any comments about how to acquire the logs or timber.  If you have a wholesale supplier to recommend or any past experiences, thoughts, pitfalls, or “what the heck are you thinking” posts would be much appreciated. 

[mad murdock]

Welcome luby. When I logged full time, we looked for niche markets to get the most $$ for our efforts. Get to know reputable loggers in your area, and get plugged in to some professional foresters also. A lot of times the nice exotics are on smaller wood lots so networking with a forester could be a good source, since a small woodlands treefarmer will be seeking them for his services, and it gives the forester a better place to market product for his clients as well.

[jueston]

when i read exotic i was thinking imported logs from africa or south america, the other reply makes me think i am wrong and you mean locally available exotic species.
but i did a little importing from china in a business venture i was part of and after that i thought about importing exotic saw logs from africa to cut here and in the end i decided this was much better left to big companies who can afford to have someone officed there or afford to fly a broker to look at each log, there is no other way to effectivly buy logs....

[pineywoods]

luby492, might help to know where you are located.. Fill out your profile info. I sometimes run across stuff like holly, china berry, persimon, tupelo gum, sassfras, willow, etc. have some sycamore on hand..

[luby492]

I was initially referring to foreign species, BUT I would love to offer some unique domestic types also. 

I have read a bit about imports and know there are a few small shops that actually travel to look at the logs, but I was wondering if there are any large importers of logs that then distribute. 

Obviously we know some of these species demand a high price, but I am trying to find the best way to offer a variety of wood types at a price that is still profitable.  I do not mind carrying an inventory of a reasonable amount of wood and growing over time.  I am (fairly) young yet and not planning on going anywhere. 
Is it normal for the lumber to come in logs or boards?

Again I am fairly small and have not built very many contacts outside of my local area.  If anyone has a stock they are looking to move feel free to let me know.  I regularly travel to Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.  Thanks again for your input. 

[luby492]

Pineylogs Pineywoods

Is the sycamore in logs or boards?  If logs, are they a size that can be quarter sawn?  Thanks

[pineywoods]

re: sycamore, I have a small quantity of both logs and qs boards. One thing we do have plenty of that would be considered exotic to someone from your area is bald cypress. Logs, beams and boards..just about any size...Shipping to Minn would be a killer...