Raymond,
This is material for instructors to use at classes (these are being purchased specifically for use for the Sherline classes) and there will be a material fee of $5 for the class to cover the cost and to buy consumables like cutters. But the Machine Shop is otherwise not in the business of selling materials not associated with a class.
Also, when we buy materials we use our non-profit tax exempt status - the materials are consumed in the course of giving the class. We can’t buy material tax free for individuals.
There may be enough interest to do a consolidated order (think Adafruit orders). There are significant prices reductions if you buy standard lengths, which are typically 10’ and usually 12’ lengths. Example on the bar above for a 12" vs 2’:
12 foot length, standard size, about a $12 a foot
2 foot length, includes cutting charge, about $15 a foot or 25% more.
However, if you wanted say a 4’ piece and someone else an 8’ piece they’ll do one free cut on a full piece. Where this becomes beneficial really is when buying sheet or plate. Most people don’t need a full sheet. The standard is typically size 10’ x 4’. You could have them cut it into 2 - 4’ x 5’ pieces or a 4’x 6’ and a 4’ x 4’ (much much easier to handle).
Big thing is getting a pickup or trailer, the weight adds up fast. In fact we had to buy a 8’ sheet for the work table because a 10" would fit in Tim’s Beastmobile (would love to have them do a load into the Cruel Bus). If enough people order the same items there a quantity discounts available.