This business is a hybrid makerspace, training center, and marketplace for handcrafted wood and metal furniture. It provides a fully equipped workshop where individuals, ranging from complete beginners to licensed craftspeople, can access professional-grade tools, materials, and expert instruction. New users can take classes to learn woodworking and metalworking skills, while experienced makers can be quickly certified to use the equipment independently.
Members pay for materials and subscription to shop time, with optional tiered access depending on their needs. Makers can use the space to build furniture either for personal use or for sale. Finished pieces can be sold through the company’s online marketplace, which offers customers the benefits of warranties, returns, and a consistent brand standard. High-quality, specially selected pieces may also be showcased and sold in a brick-and-mortar retail storefront, emphasizing craftsmanship and design.
Revenue comes from classes, shop fees, material sales, and commissions on sold items. The business aims to foster a community of skilled makers while giving customers access to unique, locally crafted furniture they can trust. These are pieces made by truly local workers, who if successful, could make significant money selling their pieces with us. It would hope to tap in to the skills of already professional workers, and find those who have a talent not yet uncovered. Further down the road partnerships could be made with colleges to foster growth and opportunity with blue-collar programs.
Identified Risks:
Large capital needed for real-estate and equipment
Supply of the workshop must meet the demands of the store
Running 3 businesses at once (Online, in-person, and manufacturing)
Finding skilled professionals (ex. Carpenters/Metal Workers) who want to spend their off-time doing even more work
Risk of injury with dangerous shop equipment
Quality control with tens of different craftsmen making furniture
submitted by /u/-leafsnation-
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