Running classes and workshops: capacity, waitlists and materials fees

Many of our makerspace and studio customers run paid classes alongside open access: beginner woodworking, wheel-throwing, soldering for kids. Classes come with their own headaches, so here's how we suggest setting them up in Tidewell.

Capacity follows the equipment

Set the class size to the number of stations, not the size of the room. A pottery class with eight wheels has eight places, even if twelve people would fit.

Turn on the waitlist

When someone cancels, the first person on the waitlist gets a message and 24 hours to claim the place. Most popular classes refill their cancellations this way without a host lifting a finger.

Charge materials separately

• Keep the class fee and the materials fee as separate lines, so people can see what they're paying for
• Offer a member price and a non-member price. It's one of the best ways to turn class attendees into members

After the class, Tidewell can send attendees a short note with next steps, such as booking an induction for the tools they used. That's often how a one-off class turns into a regular member.