Evaluate markets for the sale of forest and woodland products and services

This standard covers the activities required to evaluate markets for the sale of forest and woodland products and services.

Products can include timber and other items such as foliage, seed and cones, moss and bark. Services could include recreation or sporting facilities.

It involves researching markets and identifying the demand for timber and other products and services.

1. obtain the relevant information to carry out the work activities in accordance with organisational procedures
2. research and evaluate potential markets for the sale of forest and woodland products and services
3. assess the suitability of forest and woodland products and services to meet market requirements
4. determine the specification and quantities of each product to be sold
5. quantify and value the products to be sold
6. determine the method and point of sale according to the requirements of your organisation
7. obtain the best return for each available product and service in accordance with the policies of your organisation
8. complete and store all the relevant documentation in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

1. how to identify and access information relevant to the required work
2. why potential markets should be evaluated and the consequences of not doing so
3. the global factors that influence and affect the industry
4. the factors that can affect the suitability of markets
5. the market values of different woodland products and services
6. how historical evidence can be used
7. how to research market requirements and constraints
8. how to interpret product specification
9. the potential operational constraints that may exist
10. the different sales methods for forest and woodland products and services
11. how to produce estimates of the expenditure required to obtain income
12. the current market prices for various forest and woodland products and services
13. how to access and interpret price size curves
14. the implications of timing and grouping of sales for achieving the maximum effect
15. how to evaluate and implement contract alternatives
16. the availability and seasonality of markets
17. legal and organisational requirements for the completion and storage of documentation

Determine the specification and quantities of each product:
• the time of supply
• product specifications
• historical evidence

Quantify and value the products:
• the cost of production
• transportation
• the reliability of the market

Obtain best return by:
• setting the valuation and reserve
• selecting the method of promotion
• selecting the method of sale
• selecting the point of sale
• the timing and grouping of sale

Contract alternatives – short-, medium- and long-term contracts, period contracts, etc

Global influences – exchange rates, worldwide demand, transmigration of diseases, climate change

Information required to carry out work activities could include:
• drawings
• plans
• schedules
• specifications
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer’s instructions
• customer requirements
• quality assurance requirements
• industry standards (e.g. British Standards)
• verbal or written instructions
• industry guidance (e.g. FISA)

Organisational procedures refer to procedures set by the organisation you are employed by or the organisation that you are doing the work on behalf of (the client or customer)

Other products and services – foliage, seed and cones, moss, bark, recreation facilities and sporting facilities