The 4 reasons to set up a shop in your makerspace or third place.

In fab labs and makerspaces, consumables play a crucial role. They enable members to carry out their projects and serve as essential tools for learning how to use the machines. Whether for 3D printing, cutting materials, or other applications, these supplies are indispensable for creativity and innovation. However, obtaining the right materials suited to the machines isn't always easy. Setting up an in-house shop directly within the fab lab can provide numerous benefits for both users and administrators.

An online shop in a makerspace?

An online shop in a fab lab, laboratory, or makerspace is a platform where users can purchase materials and/or objects. The products offered can range from consumables such as 3D printer filaments, wooden boards for laser cutting, electronic components, to crafted items like project kits or finished products made in the workshops.

Coworking spaces can also offer specific items for their members, such as prepaid material cards, customizable t-shirts, or embroidery frames later used in workshops. This variety of products not only meets the immediate needs of users but also caters to their creative desires.

The Benefits of Setting Up Your Own Shop

Improved access to consumables

Having a shop within a fab lab or makerspace significantly enhances access to the consumables needed for project completion. Finding the right materials can be complex and often expensive, especially when it comes to specific or rare materials. By allowing members to directly purchase consumables on-site, you save them from time-consuming searches and unnecessary trips, resulting in valuable time savings. Additionally, an in-house shop enables the fab lab to centralize bulk material purchases, potentially leading to economies of scale. These savings can be passed on to members in the form of more attractive prices, making materials more accessible and affordable. By simplifying the acquisition of necessary supplies, the shop contributes to faster project initiation and better planning of users' activities.

An additional service for users

One of the main advantages of setting up an in-house shop is the convenience it offers to users. They can purchase the necessary materials directly on-site or online before coming to work on their projects, avoiding unnecessary trips and saving time that would otherwise be spent searching for materials elsewhere. Moreover, Fab Managers can advise users on the most suitable materials for the machines and projects, ensuring better quality results and optimal use of the equipment.

Generating additional revenue

Establishing a shop can also become a significant source of additional revenue for the organization. The funds generated from the sale of consumables and/or objects can be reinvested in several crucial areas. These revenues can be used to purchase new equipment, maintain and upgrade existing machines, or fund new projects and workshops. By increasing income through the sale of consumables, the fab lab can offer enhanced and diversified services to its members while ensuring the sustainability and quality of its operations. This approach not only strengthens available resources but also supports growth and innovation within the fab lab.

Centralized management of orders and inventory

Integrating an online shop significantly streamlines inventory and order management. With management software like Fab-Manager, stock management becomes simpler and more efficient. The software’s advanced features allow for real-time tracking of inventory levels, forecasting restocks, and automating orders. Administrators can manage inventory directly from their Fab-Manager interface, reducing the risk of shortages and optimizing resource management. Centralizing stock management operations also contributes to better organization and reduces errors associated with manual management. This approach ensures easier maintenance and continuous supply of necessary consumables.

Concrete use cases

• La Casemate in Grenoble: This fab lab uses a prepaid material card system. Users purchase a card with a predetermined amount, and each material purchase is deducted from this balance. This system simplifies payment management and allows users to better control their expenses. La Casemate Store
• LIDD School of Design in Lille: The numerous consumables offered are categorized into major groups: metal, wood, textile, plastic, and printing. Depending on the reserved machine, members can easily access a wide catalog of consumables and quickly find what they need, directly on-site. LIDD Fab Manager
• Eurêkafab in Martillac (near Bordeaux): This fab lab offers t-shirts in its online shop, which users can purchase and then customize during the workshops offered. This approach combines product sales with creative activities, providing a streamlined experience for users. Eurêkafab Store

Setting up a shop to sell consumables and objects created within your fab lab, laboratory, or third place offers several benefits. It enhances the user experience by making materials more accessible, generates additional revenue, and allows for centralized and efficient inventory management. Consider this solution to make your fab lab or coworking space more effective, sustainable, and enjoyable for all its users.

FAQ

• What types of consumables are most in demand in fab labs?
  The most commonly requested consumables in fab labs include 3D printer filaments, wooden or acrylic boards for laser cutting, electronic components for prototyping, and various materials for crafting and creation. Demand can vary based on ongoing projects and available equipment.
• How can I manage inventory effectively in a fab lab shop?
  To manage inventory effectively, it is recommended to use inventory management software like Fab-Manager. These tools allow for real-time tracking of stock levels, forecasting restocks, and automating orders. Regular inventory checks and good communication with suppliers are also important to ensure a consistent availability of materials.
• Does setting up a shop require a significant initial investment?
  Setting up a shop may require an initial investment for purchasing consumables, setting up infrastructure, and possibly acquiring management software. However, there are ways to minimize these costs, such as starting with a limited stock and gradually expanding the inventory based on demand. The revenue generated from sales can quickly offset this initial investment.