So... meta thread on unit economics. In LA, pre-Covid average rates were like $3/sf so a 1000 sf space would be 3k. I’d guess many of these ideas would only start to get interesting if it drops below $2/sf. What the picture in your city? https://hughesmarino.com/los-angeles/blog/2019/11/04/as-rents-continue-to-increase-cre-markets-remain-flat-in-los-angeles-for-q3/ …https://twitter.com/vgr/status/1302282689844633601 …
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Let’s assume $2000. Put in 3-4 slightly nicer 3d printers ($3000), a laser cutter ($3000), 2 electronics workbenches (decently kitted out at say 3k each... oscilloscope, bench supply, soldering iron...). A couple of supply storage cabinets, a good optical table... we’re at 50k.
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If you had say 40 members paying $100/mo (~ mid-range gym), you have 4k revenue. Variable costs: rent, utilities, insurance, cheaper supplies for free (solder, coffee). Assume 5% repair/maintenance/year so that’s another $200. Let’s say $1000. So $1k gross margin.
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You’d make your capex outlay back in 48 months, not counting amortization tax benefit. So that’s $1000 free cash flow. Maintaining 40 people membership at $100 would be quite hard though. But you could add 3 value-added services... coaching, simple outsourcing, and remote fab.
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Think of these as members who offer other members and external people help. Basically like gym trainers who turn a profit on their membership fees without being underwritten by the space manager. So I think small-scale makerspaces are a feasible use of converted retail below $2k
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Unlike first-gen maker spaces that were larger destination communities and max a handful in a city, this could be scaled down to one in every neighborhood. Starbucks or 24x7 fitness level proliferation.
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Venkatesh Rao Retweeted Krampus with Golem Characteristics
Hmm... this is a huge, well-equipped space at $150/mo membership. I wonder if this market naturally wants to aggregate or decentralize.https://twitter.com/DavidRalin/status/1302307626865233920 …
Venkatesh Rao added,
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It’s in Costa Mesa, and $199 month-to-month. An hour drive from LA. So not really practical. Also way overpowered. Now I’m thinking 1000sf walking-distance minimalist makerspaces should be closer to $50/mo to work.
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Or even pay-by-the-hour/by the machine use. Reserve the 3D printer, pay $3/hr. PLA free, other filament costs extra.
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