3D Print on Demand for Profit (Without 3DHubs!)

In this video I'll share my experiences in running a successful, profitable business around 3D Printing on demand, without using 3DHubs and similar style websites.

NOTE! This video contains my opinion and experiences on this subject and is not legal or business advice. You are responsible for your own business decisions!

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[MakersMuse]

Regarding the audio and video quality - this was recorded using the gear I live stream with as a test to produce long form content. The room is rented with concrete walls and a roller door. I can't do anything to it (including sticking things to the walls...) so not much I can do regarding the echo. Future videos of this format will be done using a lav mic to alleviate any reverb. If you're keen to see us continue to improve production quality then consider supporting Maker's Muse on Patreon! Link in the video description. :)

[videolash]

In video production we use the saying:
You can have your product three ways, fast, good and cheap, you get to pick 2.
Fast and Good is not Cheap
Fast and Cheap is not Good
Cheap and Good is not Fast.

[adampsyreal]

I am also a business owner.
"Pain in the ass fee" is perfectly reasonable.
-In fact, I will sometimes intentionally price so high that the bad customer doesn't want my service.

[putrid.p]

“Don’t compete on price” Amen to that, and it’s true for any service industry.

[cidrain]

I'm laid off and have been considering starting a 3D print on demand business. This video was SO HELPFUL in my research. Thank you!

[fakiirification]

"PLA ... Not suitable for medical parts...:


No one ever expects the coronavirus pandemic!

[RylanStorm]

Also, don't go out and buy a 3D printer expecting to make a career of it. This is a market which is rapidly dying as 3D printer costs fall substantially.

[bejay]

thanks Angus. The engine that 3dhubs got going was what made it great for hubs and printer geeks... A central site you saw local hubs at different prices depending on its seems crazy they leave this gap like you say at 2:50ish

[gowron]

This is one of the best videos I've watched regarding business and business practices. I've had to fire customers and I've added fees for customers that were a pain. I'm glad that someone actually explains that you do in fact need to do this to run a business and be happy. Thank you Angus!

[Dimitri]

Nice video Angus, as expected.
To those thinking of this path just be aware, like Angus touched on....it's not easy
Definitely not a quick money thing.
It takes time and a lot of effort to establish a customer base that will provide any real source of income.

So for the guy that just got laid off or lost his this will not replace your weekly pay check, unless you already have 500 customers a month knocking at your door..
Set a realistic goal like 1 year

Just thought I'd put that out there.
Good Luck to all and Happy Printing 😎

[YG-wecl]

Very nice video!
Since I registered on 3dhubs (~1.5-2 years) I made 200 usd :)
In just 2018 I made around 8-10k outside of 3dhubs, only for printing, designing and 3d scanning adds 3-5k. So yes it's possible without 3dhubs!
My advice, create a simple website (simple wordpress theme is enough) and eventually a facebook page.
For printers I use only Prusa i3 MKs for reliability, quality, price and filaments range (printing quite a lot of PC). For colors, stocks white/black/grey, the rest can be "on demand".
Good advice for the price too!

[garywheeler]

1. Don't forget state/local sales tax in the U.S. and V.A.T. in Europe etc. (although often "services" are exempt although "products" are taxable.)
2. Consider adding 5 or 10 percent contingency fee for underestimating time, delays, etc.
3. Don't forget that prices may change in 6 months or a year as technology and supplies change. We don't know what future competition might be like, although Angus might have a better handle on that.
4. Understand the value of your personal freedom. Allow time for time off, vacations at some point. Especially if you are an older person without infinite energy lol. Or figure out a special relationship with another 3d printer to share work when you might be off doing something else.

[PHCShadow]

Angus, I just wanted to let you know that I sincerely appreciate the effort you've put into helping others towards achieving the heights you've managed to reach. I'm very serious about turning this hobby that i'm passionate about into a career, and many of the tips and guidance from those in the community such as yourself and TeachingTech have helped me more than I can express. Thanks so much!

[stevesm]

Having been on a journey with a friend, starting a business, I can say that Angus's advice is absolutely bang on. Running a business is very hard work. Be prepared for long hours and lots of upsets. However, if you succeed, it's well worth it. Thanks for a great video Angus.

[BaronVonSparklefarts]

under promise, over deliver.
You're a hell of a business man. Ive followed the same model building my own business and it's worked wonders for me.

[pkf]

I am so surprised that an other organisation hasn’t stepped in and taken the disowned garage printers and set up a new 3DHub without the only industrial printers and prices BS.

Great video as usual, keep up the excellent work 😀

[Hroubert]

Great video, straight to the point and, at least for me, the timing was perfect. I'm actually setting up my own printing on demand service and most of the time it has been a learn by trying thing for me, it's great to see I'm on the right track and also learn some things I didn't even know I was still missing

[andrewstambaugh]

You are 100% correct about price and what customers you get!
I dabbled in a jewelry business off and on for several years, and pricing too low was one of my biggest mistakes that I wouldn't do again.
*People set your value relative to how you display it.

The cheapest customers expect the most, send things late the most, do change orders the most, are the least appreciative, and even when you bend over backward and take a huge loss for them to fix something that is their fault, they will still go around talking bad about you!
- AND...a friend could be the worst offender. Treat your friends like regular customers and you will both come out better for it. (If they don't want to act like a good customer, then you are better for your friendship to not enter a business deal//project together)
*better to price them out and get a customer who values your time

I do have a few friends that I have worked with that I would cut a special deal, but I'm now much much more careful about doing that. For the few I do, I know we are both very clear about expectations, and they are the exception that would be willing to pay for a risky project that might completely fail where others would want to back out or get upset if it failed.

[SepokuKing]

i dont know why 318 people disliked this video, you were as informative as could possible be. tomorrow i am selling 5 drill hangers, 5 battery hook for a total of $30 for a 1/4 spool of filament as a start to my brand. Thank you for all of your knowledge

[AHunterInTheShadows]

I've found out very quickly that fursuit parts that I 3d print have sold the best out of anything and people actually... Snap them up. I had one of my customers love my product enough they actually reached out to make me their contact on Discord. They're a consistent customer on top of this which makes me more than happy that I'm able to make back all that money I spent to get my 3d printer. But goal was actually be making money and... I've started to finally get that goal hit. I want it to be a full time job and one that I actually enjoy. For videos like this one you made, I GREATLY APPRECIATE THEM. I just had to drop by and see for what you had to say and if there was anything that might help me a bit and there was indeed some great pointers.