Hi guys
I looked at a couple of locations yesterday, one of them perhaps ideal. It's simple a warehouse space, but clean with white painted besser block walls, plenty of natural light, good industrial lighting, a toilet and a couple of sinks. The floor is bare concrete but I will organise some carpet, and there is probably enough space for a decent-sized training/meeting room, 12 workstations and a relaxation area. The exterior front is clean and shiny, and looks very professional. 3 parking spaces with the location and plenty more on surrounding streets.
The only question is the location - Brunswick East. As you can imagine, the rent is much cheaper slightly away form the CBD. So, of the guys who were interested in this idea, is Brunswick East too far away?
Cheers,
Shaun
Comments
Another location on Gore St, let me know what you think
Hey guys
For those interested in the webdev co-working space, I'd love to get your opinion.
I've looed at two locations that might be suitable. The first is the Brunswisk East one, which I described earlier. It's $22k inclusive of outgoings, which means I would probably only need to charge $100/week rent, and as long as there are at least 5 people renting desks expenses would be covered.
The other place is on Gore St in Fitzroy, and has a number of significant advantages, including carper, a shower, a kitchenette, air-con, security system, bike racks, network points and cabling already installed, and an entertainment area/deck shared with 3 other businesses where they have Friday night drinks and whatnot. It's also much closer to the city. Parking could be an issue as it's 4 hour parking there, but not if catching the tram, obviously. It's about the same size, but costs around $30k inclusive of expenses (not counting internet, electricity and insurance), which means I would need to charge around $150 per week per person to cover expenses with 5 people.
Here's the listing: http://www.realcommercial.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=depi&id=5634641&fmt=&...
So I was wondering, would people be willing to pay this higher weekly rate for a better place? It's not a warehouse, but a proper office space, although without partitions and walls etc. - just open plan. This option has much lower setup costs, other than rent, since there's no need to find e.g. carpet. Another point is that I have to get in quick or someone else will take it, however, it won't actually be usable until July 1.
Also I've found some furniture that I can borrow at no cost, mostly tables and chairs (quite suitable for programming).
Thanks!
Mossy
ALL CAPS HEADING GOES HERE
I pay over $250 at the moment but I get a serviced office with good security, cleaning, someone at the front desk, clean bathroom and kitchen and access to other facilities like meeting rooms (for a fee). It's a very professional operation.
I had a cheaper, larger place before but the toilets were dirty and the landlord was a f*@ker. The extra money is worth while.
So what you're charging sounds reasonable to me. I imagine you'd have to pad out the rent to manage risk (vacancies etc) and running costs like a cleaner, bog roll and tea bags. You'd also have to cover the risk of someone defaulting on the rent. That's bound to happen. But if you can't afford $150 for rent on your business, you have to wonder if you're doing things right.
Good on you for setting this up. Good luck.
thanks
Thanks Rimian, that's very useful information. I was originally looking at serviced offices. It's simply a case of (a) startup costs, and (b) reliable tenants. Since this is my first location, I need to minimize risk as much as possible. What I have in mind is to rent somewhere cheap for 1 year, then if there is a good bunch of guys keen, move to a more professional setup.
Thanks for the great info!
Shaun
This is the furniture that
This is the furniture that would be on permanent loan.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?id=625867064&aid=190765
Unfortunately I have to move it all out of the office in the next two weeks, so what do you think about the timing Mossy? I'll probably have to go to ebay in a few days unless we can lock it down.
furniture
If I take the place at Brunswick East then we can move the furniture not next week but the week after. Should be fine :))
Yahoo group
Hey guys
I've set this group up as a temporary communications tool (until we build a Drupal site)
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/webdevwarehouse
Cheers,
Shaun
warehouse - setup time
Hi guys
I paid the bucks, signed the lease and got the keys yesterday - here is the "Web Developers' Warehouse" in its initial state:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=61017&id=1014928604&ref=mf
(Sorry for non-facebookers - I will put the pics somewhere more accessible soon.)
As you can see, I have some painting to do this week! Tables and chairs arrive tomorrow.
We currently need the following things - if you have anything like this you want to get rid off, please consider donating it:
Also, if you know anyone who likes to do graffiti art, please let me know.
Rates are as follows:
$40/day
$150/week (Sunday to Saturday)
$600/month (21st to 21st)
PHP course starting in July!
Cheers,
Mossy
Congrats on getting the
Congrats on getting the place. Looks like it's going to be a good set up for those looking to get themselves established there. PHP course sounds exciting as well.