Welcome to TroubleMaker! 

Welcome to the core of Shenzhen's creative community. The place where individuality melts together with co-creating between makers, engineers, designers and business people alike.

How we work together at TroubleMaker

Our sharing principle

At TroubleMaker, we share resources with each other. We started this concept in May 2016 and little has changed. Sharing resources is hugely beneficial for everyone if it's done right.

For prototyping, developing, and manufacturing your product

As a product developer, you get to use high-quality equipment at a top ranked location close to the supply chain without having to invest in real estate and without the need to purchase tools and machines.

You also get referrals to reliable suppliers and manufacturers -based on years of working experience- instead of the trial & error method most inventors use when assessing their supply chain.

And you get to enjoy feedback and mentoring from peer developers and a small army of volunteers without having to engage with self-proclaimed coaches or expensive agencies.

So, how does this work?

We have two shared labs at TroubleMaker. A machining lab and a dust-free lab for electronic and hardware prototyping. Scheduling machine time is easy. Just log into your account, select the station you want to use, and lock it down for the period you need.

You can also schedule a call with one of our team members to discuss your current challenges and have the right people introduced to you who can help you overcome your roadblocks. Be it designers, engineers, sourcing heroes, legal advisors, marketers, manufacturers, or other specialists. These people all live in China and have years of experience under their belt.

A virtual desk, for when you are not in China (yet)

You obviously need to start and prepare your supply chain long before you arrive in China. Instead of lab access, you might need translators, negotiators, quality specialists and sourcing agents. We have them! We can also store your samples at TroubleMaker and ship them to you as a single shipment to save hundreds of dollars while preventing damage during transportation.

Lab safety

Your limbs, eyes, and ears are important. So, before you can operate complicated or dangerous machines, you need to pass a safety test. This test is free for members. There is no man overboard if you fail the test. We work with experienced trainers who can get you up to speed in no time. The cost per training varies per machine and you enjoy member discounts. Alternatively, you can hire a certified operator who can handle the machines for you.

Opening hours

This one is easy: Our labs are available for members 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. If you are not a member yet, you can make an appointment to come visit us. We will brew you a fresh cup of artisan pour-over coffee from our roastery in Yunnan.

Your membership

Your membership includes the use of all tools and machines -based on scheduling- and you can choose an office desk or engineering bench as your territory.

Included in all memberships:

365 days per year, 24 hours per day access to the labs and office area

High-speed internet

220V electricity, light, air conditioning

Unlimited coffee, tea, and water

Restaurant and hotel directory

Corporate rates for booking rooms in our 5-star level hotel

Personalized referrals to supply chain

Reception desk service

One shelf in our storage room

Translation service*

Huaqiangbei search & pick up**

WeChat VIP group

Facebook group

LinkedIn group

Bi-weekly online community meetup

Monthly workshops, presentations, and interviews

TroubleMaker newsletter & blog