Getting Started with Maker Forge
The goal is not to spend hours entering data. The goal is to quickly answer one question: what do my products actually earn?
From zero to better decisions.
Most makers can have their first product analyzed in about 15 minutes. Start with one product, understand what it earns, then build from there.
Six steps to your first useful answer.
Create Your Store
A store is where all of your products, materials, pricing, and reports live. Create your first store, give it a recognizable name, and save.
- Create your first store
- Give it a recognizable name
- Save
Add Materials
Tell Maker Forge what goes into your product. As your library grows, materials become reusable across every product.
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Filament
- Hardware
- Packaging
- Glue
- Finish
- Shipping materials
Add Labor
Start with your best estimate. You can refine it later as you gather more experience.
- Estimate the time to make the product
- Refine it later
- Use it to understand where your time creates value
Add One Product
Do not enter your entire catalog. Start with your best-selling product for the fastest path to useful information.
- Product name
- Selling price
- Estimated labor time
- Basic notes (optional)
Review Your Results
This is where Maker Forge starts becoming valuable.
- Total product cost
- Material costs
- Labor costs
- Profit
- Margin
- Maker Earnings
- Hourly earnings
- Cost breakdown
Compare Products
Once you enter a few products, patterns begin to appear.
- Products that earn more than expected
- Products that consume a lot of time
- Pricing that should be adjusted
- Hidden costs you had not considered
Start with a product you know well.
Choose something that sells regularly, has consistent materials, represents your shop, and is not your most complicated custom order.
Your First Week
Day 1
- Create your store
- Add one product
- Review your profitability
Day 2
- Add five more products
- Build your material library
- Compare Maker Earnings
Day 3
- Review your dashboard
- Look for missing cost information
- Compare product performance
Day 4
- Review pricing
- Test different selling prices
- Explore the Price Advisor
Day 5
- Add reusable components
- Improve labor estimates
- Clean up material costs
Day 6
- Review your highest-performing products
- Look for products that may need price adjustments
Day 7
- Ask: if I had one extra hour in the shop tomorrow, what should I build?
Tips for Success
Start Small
Do not enter your entire inventory on day one. One product is enough to begin learning.
Estimates Are Okay
You do not need perfect numbers. A good estimate today is more valuable than waiting for perfect data.
Build As You Go
Every product you enter makes Maker Forge smarter and more useful for your business.
Update Real Costs
As material prices change, update them. Every product using those materials updates automatically.
Common Questions
What if I do not know my labor time?
Estimate it. You can always improve it later.
What if my material costs change?
Update the material once. Every product using that material is automatically updated.
Can I import my products?
Marketplace imports are planned for a future release. For now, manual entry helps ensure your costs are accurate from the beginning.
Do I need accounting experience?
No. Maker Forge was built for makers, not accountants.
Ready?
Your first product is only a few minutes away. Start with one product, understand what it actually earns, then build from there.
Questions or suggestions? Email support@getmakerforge.com.