CARITO PARTICIPATING SHOP REQUIREMENTS GUIDE v1.0
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Document: Carrito_Shop_Requirements_Guide.txt
Status: Public-Facing Shop Orientation
Applies To: Fabrication shops, casting shops, community build spaces, and service partners

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PURPOSE
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This document explains what a shop needs in order to build,
assemble, or participate in the Carrito platform.

It is written for real-world shops evaluating whether
Carrito is a good fit for their capabilities.

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CARITO SHOP
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A Carrito shop does not need to do everything.

Carrito is designed so that:
- Some shops fabricate
- Some shops assemble
- Some shops cast
- Some shops only service

Participation is modular, just like the platform.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (ALL SHOPS)
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All participating shops must be able to:

- Read and follow platform documentation
- Maintain build and serial records
- Assemble modular components accurately
- Disclose configuration and class honestly

No proprietary tools are required.

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TIER 1 — COMMUNITY BUILD / ASSEMBLY SHOP
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Capabilities:
- Assemble vehicles from certified components
- Install MMF cages, Power Frames, and HH modules
- Perform basic service and inspection prep

Typical Tools:
- Standard hand tools
- Torque wrenches
- Drill press or basic fabrication tools
- Vehicle lift or jack stands

No welding or casting required.

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TIER 2 — LICENSED FABRICATION SHOP
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Capabilities:
- Fabricate MMF cages
- Fabricate Power Frames
- Modify non-critical structural components
- Build jigs and fixtures

Typical Tools:
- MIG or TIG welding equipment
- Metal saws and grinders
- Drill press or mill
- Measurement and fixturing tools

Requirements:
- Adherence to MMF geometry standards
- Documentation of fabrication methods

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TIER 3 — LICENSED CASTING SHOP
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Capabilities:
- Cast approved components using official molds
- Perform controlled pours
- Track material and batch information

Typical Tools:
- Foundry furnace (commercial or approved setup)
- Crucibles and pouring tools
- Mold handling equipment
- Ventilation and safety gear

Additional Requirements:
- Mold licensing agreement
- Casting records and batch labeling
- Material declaration

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HOME CASTING PARTICIPATION
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Home casting is permitted only for:
- Class I molds
- Approved Class II molds (if explicitly allowed)

Home casting does NOT qualify a shop
as a licensed casting facility.

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DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
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Participating shops must maintain:
- Vehicle serial records
- Power Frame documentation
- Mold usage records (if applicable)
- Disclosure acknowledgments for experimental builds

Documentation protects both shop and customer.

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INSPECTION AND QUALITY EXPECTATIONS
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Shops are expected to:
- Self-inspect builds
- Use platform checklists
- Correct non-compliance before delivery

Carrito favors predictability over speed.

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WHAT SHOPS DO NOT NEED
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Shops do NOT need:
- OEM certification
- Proprietary software
- Exclusive contracts
- Platform ownership

Carrito is intentionally non-gated.

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WHY SHOPS PARTICIPATE
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Carrito allows shops to:
- Sell modular builds
- Offer upgrades without full rebuilds
- Specialize without isolation
- Participate in an open ecosystem

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GETTING STARTED AS A SHOP
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Recommended first steps:
1. Read the Carrito_Quickstart.txt
2. Review the Master Index
3. Choose a participation tier
4. Start with a Small Grid reference build

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SUMMARY
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Carrito meets shops where they are.

If you can build honestly,
you can build Carrito.

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END OF SHOP REQUIREMENTS GUIDE
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