Argh! I need a magnet... and I don't have any!

This is the problem I had at 1am a few nights ago - and I asked:

"Why doesn't the space have a supply of magnets??"

I decided that the space should have a supply of magnets - and other things besides. The Artifactory should have stocked consumables for sale!

What consumables are we planning to stock?

You tell us!

We're initially considering things like:

• Round magnets in a variety of sizes from 2 × 2 mm to 2 × 25 mm.

• Dust masks.

• Heat set threaded inserts (as used for many 3D printing projects) in a useful range of sizes - at least M3.

• Hardware to match the heat set inserts (e.g. M3 screws, washers, etc)

• Sanding discs, sandpaper, etc

• Teeny tiny drill bits (the ones that always break)

The general criteria for something to be stocked would be some combination of:

• Things that aren't already in the hack rack or communal supplies.

• Things that people need small quantities of, but you can only buy in big packs.

• Things that are expensive to buy 1 of locally, but cheap to buy 1000 of from China.

• Things that are reasonably commonly useful and used in the space.

• Things that you usually realise that you need at 1am (when Bunnings is closed).

How will this work?

We'll have some containers (boxes, drawers, shelves...) segregated from the rest of the materials in the space, so there's no confusion about what consumables are free, and which need to be paid for.

The containers will have signage on them something like this:

MAGNETS

Prices as marked - $1.00 minimum

Payable immediately upon taking magnets out of the box

Same price for members/non-members

Please pay by bank transfer - reference "MAGNETS"

Contact Lewis Yip for restock

How will the consumables be priced?

The aim will be to have the consumables sold for the same price as you would pay to buy them in small quantities yourself.

This will be a significant markup on the price for the same item in a pack of 1,000 from China... but you won't have to buy 1,000 of them, and you won't have to wait 2 weeks for shipping!

Profits from consumable sales will go back into running the space, and potentially expanding the consumables sale program to a wider range of items.

How is this better than individual members buying their own stuff from AliExpress?

Members are already buying these sorts of consumables - but usually in small quantities (expensive!) and from overseas (shipping time!)

The space can buy big batches of consumables in bulk, and have them cached at the space, ready for you to use instantly at any time you realise you need them.

How is this different to the free supplies of consumables (duct tape, superglue, etc.) that are already available?

Those supplies aren't really "free" - they are kept in stock by generous members, who can afford to do so out of pocket. (Please continue to re-stock the supplies you use!)

Relying on pure generosity for the supply of bulk batches of consumables isn't something we should ask any one person to pay for. If we're going to make these supplies available, let's do it in a way that is sustainable for everyone involved.

How is this different to the hack rack?

The hack rack is a wonderful thing, where people give a little of what they have, and take a bit in return. You might find the things you want - or you might not, and have to do a Bunnings run, or wait 2 weeks for shipping from China!

The space will make a concerted effort to replenish the stocked consumables, so that they are reliably available when you need them, at the instant you need them.

Sounds awesome! What next?

• Tell us if this general idea sounds good or not.

• Tell us what you'd like stocked.

• Let us know if you think the system above sounds workable, or what improvements you would make.