Ways to increase panel sales

ED ETAILERS can develop addit- ft ional panel sales by marketing to specialized uses such as material handling, agricultural or boat building. D-i-yers also can be profitable customers for panels.

Sanded plywood is widely used for a number of material handling applications, including pallets, slave pallets, pallet bins and 0anks, liquid tanks, crating, shelving and cable reels. Because the smooth surface prevents damage to soft fruits and vegetables, it is an excellent product for produce bins.

The Big Bin designed by the American Plywood Association is becoming increasingly popular for agricultural use. Tropicana, Minute Maid and Citrus World, all located in Florida, use over 140,000 Big Bins with an estimated 34 million square feet (3/8 inch basis) of structural panels. Each Big Bin uses approximately 250 sq. ft., according to APA field representative Jack Gianni.

A pear grower in Medford, Or., has replaced all his plastic bins with 47" x 47" x 24" structural panel bins. He likes the lower cost of $40-$60 each, their ability to stack nine high in cold storage and controlled atmosphere rooms and that they are repairable, Mike Drobaugh, APA rep in that area, noted.

B-B Plyfonn is made only by APA members especially for concrete formwork applications. It is reusable and available in Class I, which is stronger and stiffer, and Class II. While this product has advantages, any grade of exterior sanded plywood can be sold for concrete fonnwork.

D-i-yers use plywood panels for everything from garage shelves to furniture and outdoor storage buildings. Two projects featured recently in consumer magazines could give your customers some ideas.

The August Outdoor Life showed a 140 sq. ft. hunting cabin that can be built for $1,000 or less using a variety of APA panels. Providing basic shelter for up to four people, it can be used as a peflnanent or tempoftry cabin in the woods or backyard. A project featured in Better Homcs & Gardens magazine's summer bed and bath spe- cial issue used Medium Density Overlay plywood to build a wall mounted headboard.

Storyat a Glane

How panelsales can be developed in spocialized markets... ways to sell for agriculture, concrete forming, boat building...unusual d-i-y projects using panels.

home repair and maintenance projects. The uses for which it can be recommended are limited only by the imagination and woodworking skills of the customer.

Sanded plywood has a finish quality surface which requires little or no additional sanding for most applications. It can be cut, drilled, routed, jointed, glued, fastened and finished with ordinary tools and basic skills. The wood has excellent nail holding ability and nails can be placed near the edges without splitting the panel.

Standard dimensions are 48" x 96" although some longer and wider panels are available.

In addition, sanded plywood can be sold for cabinets and built-ins, shelving, paneling and accent panels as well as soffits, stair freads and risers and undedayment for floor coverings and floor or roof deck coatings. It can be easily stained and is often used in d-iy furniture proj ects.

Other typical do-it-yourself applications include workbenches, tool and toy boxes, desks and tables, furniture of all kinds, outdoor storage buildings, patio shelters, fences and countless

A special marine grade sanded panel is designed with Douglas fir or western larch for uses requiring resistance to the elements and structural integrity. It is well suited for boat hulls and other applications where bending is involved. Since it is usually special ordered, a retailer can develop a good niche market with it if there are boat builders or hobbyists in his area.

Being aware of opportunities to sell panels to customers other than builders or remodelers can pay off in additional sales.