Product design studio with prototype shop

Startups, hardware inventors, established small manufacturers and brands that want working prototypes before paying for tooling.

Project fees for design work plus separate charges for prototypes, test builds and small batches of samples.

• 3D CAD and 3D printing
• Workshop skills and materials knowledge
• Project management
• Pricing and quoting projects

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus coverage for your equipment and premises
• Check zoning and your lease, since workshop use, noise and fumes from resins or finishing may be restricted
• Ventilation and workplace safety rules for tools and materials, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Equipment costs can tie up cash, so avoid buying machines before you have paying work
• Agree clearly in writing who owns the designs and prototypes
• Winter heating and slow periods around holidays can affect cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your rented space, 3D printers and workshop tools. Equipment can tie up cash, so it helps to avoid buying machines before you have paying work.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many projects you take on and how you price design, prototyping and short-run sample work. Holiday periods can be slower, which affects cash flow.

Check zoning and your lease, since workshop use, noise and fumes from resins or finishing may be restricted. Also check ventilation and safety rules, insurance for liability, equipment and premises, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province).