If an increase is needed, then it’s needed. I would also hope that something of this nature would require a membership vote.
It sounds like people are wondering how money is being spent and allocated. If we have 1000 members, that’s $600,000 a year in revenue. I’d like to see the P&L compared against the budget, and see a detail of all the spending. If we’re over spending from the budget, then we should address those issues first.
Are we insuring that we are also receiving the consumable revenues? In the few times I get to hangout in the space, I can’t say that I see people pulling out their phone to send money for the laser cutter, 3D spools, snacks, wide format printer etc.
As an occasional visitor who doesn’t get to use most of the cool big tools due to scheduling conflicts with training classes, I would have not continued to have sustained my membership if was over $50 a month + $10 for my wife (who doesn’t use the space at all). As of now, I consider my membership fee of $720 / year mainly a donation to the space. I dont know that I can talk others into joining if it’s more than that.
We shouldn’t compare ourselves to makerspaces in New York or LA; and if we do, then the expenses of those areas (lease, insurance, utilities, wages, etc.) should be adjusted to economic area comparables. I would be surprised if the rent in Carrollton/Farmer’s Branch is the same as the other areas.
In our demographic area, my opinion is that if you can afford more than $600 a year, I think you’re more likely to buy nicer tools for the convenience of your own home. It won’t be a CNC or a Laser cutter, but you can begin outfitting yourself with nice table tools at home then save yourself the hour to two hour roundtrip to the space. I live close in Plano, but when you consider 1 hour round trip drive time, tolls and gas into consideration for each trip, it’s more of a luxury for me to attend.
At the higher price point, I would pay the $65 to use something for the month, then not pay it again until I needed it. I definitely would not pay when unable or no need to use the space. Even then, regardless that we are an all-volunteer organization, I would have less tolerance for not having classes and tool availability at my personal convenience, meaning I would likely have negative word of mouth.
One more thought - before we hire employees, we should consider outsourcing the job responsibilities by contract if at all possible. Last thing we need is to have to pay legal fees to ward off disgruntled employees, workers comp/risk management, employer-paid payroll taxes, etc.
But, like I said, if it’s needed, it’s needed.
