How to Sell 3D Prints

You don’t know how to sell 3D prints do you?

If you’ve been wondering how other people are selling their 3D prints and you want to start selling your own, this article is for you.

There are two ways to sell your 3D prints:

Sell in person
Sell online

In this article, I’m going to be looking into the different ways you can sell in person and online.

Selling 3D Prints in Person

Selling to Friends, Family & Locals

So a simple and easy way to sell your 3D prints is to sell directly to people around you.

This means to friends, family, and people in your community.

The best way to do this is to show them various 3D prints that you have done, then they can decide whether they want it for themselves.

You’ll know some interests of your friends and family as well right? What you can do is send them a link to Thingiverse and tell them to search up models.

They will see some models they like the look of and start requesting you make them in particular colors etc.

If they show interest in wanting a 3D print, you can tell them about the costs, the time, and the skills it requires to get that quality.

You probably took some time to learn how to 3D print right?

Once you explain these things, it makes selling a lot easier.

Post high quality photos and videos of your 3D prints on social media. Make sure the lighting is good, the quality of the model is good, and it’s eye-catching.

These are your marketing materials that get people interested in your models.

Once you have interest, it makes selling a lot easier.

You can let them know you’ll need to buy a roll of filament in that color so ask them to cover the filament costs, then you can keep the rest of the filament for yourself.

It’s up to you how you’d like to do it.

I wrote an article called How Much to Charge for 3D Prints & Best Price Calculators which you might find useful.

Local Craft Fairs and Markets

Imagine there was a place where people know they want to spend money on unique, cool looking items.

Well luckily for us, we have these things called craft fairs and markets.

This is how a lot of people are selling their 3D prints successfully.

It’s usually a large open space outside where people organize an event for people to buy and sell things.

Sellers will drive their vehicles in, unload tables, tents, and tablecloths, along with all the objects and parts they are selling.

Once you have your area/booth set up, buyers will walk by and check out what you’re selling.

I saw a really cool example from a YouTube video by How to Craft Fair which shows a real booth with 3D prints.

It’s done by Printer Bros based in Colorado. They have many styles of 3D prints in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

Now, you aren’t going to be at this level when you begin.

You can picture your first version of this being a simple collapsible table with a few random 3D prints you made.

Take note of the types of models that are selling. They aren’t particularly functional or practical models.

A lot of the time, people will want cool-looking trinkets that get people’s attention.

To find these places, go on Google & Facebook, type in *your location* craft fairs and you should be able to find a few.

Get into contact with the organizer or people in the groups, then find out how to get your own booth set up.

Some fairs will charge you for setting up a booth, usually between $5-$30. Some will also want a percentage of your sales like 10% for example.

It’s a good idea to have multiple price levels – smaller items for $5, medium for $10-$15, larger for $20-$30, then big items for $50 each.

This means you have something for everyone. A lot of people see this stuff will love playing with it.

In the video below, he mentions that in some Facebook groups, people have made upwards of $2,000-$3,000.

Pop-Up Shops

Pop-up shops offer a unique opportunity to showcase your 3D printed products in a temporary physical space. This approach combines the benefits of in-person sales with the flexibility of short-term commitments.

You can partner up with local businesses in your area such as art galleries, tech stores, or boutiques to see if you can sell your 3D prints nearby.

It would be an opportunity to set up a temporary display in their space, potentially bringing them business and getting business of your own.

Offering a percentage of your sales or cross-promotion can incentivize this partnership.

Make sure your 3D prints are eye-catching, your setup looks professional and aligns with the location aesthetic.

Ideally you have access to a high-traffic area:

Local events, festivals, busy shopping periods
Consider seasonality and target products that align with current trends or holidays
Look for spaces in popular shopping districts or near relevant attractions

This is also an opportunity to build up brand awareness and expand your customer base. Try to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity around your products.

It’s a good idea to gather email addresses or social media followers for future marketing.

Using social media to announce your temporary location and dates can work very well.

Special discount and limited edition signs can help you boost sales.

Networking and Word-of-Mouth

Similar to selling to friends, family and locals, this is more specific with networking and word of mouth to make sales.

In the world of 3D printing, your personal connections can be your most powerful marketing tool.

Building a strong network and leveraging word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost your sales and reputation.

Start by engaging with your local community.

Attend local meetups, local events, fairs and festivals where you can showcase your work and connect with potential customers and collaborators.

These gatherings are excellent opportunities to demonstrate your expertise and the unique qualities of your 3D printed products.

Don’t underestimate the power of your existing social circle.

Friends, family, and colleagues can be your initial customer base and your most enthusiastic brand ambassadors.

Encourage them to spread the word about your 3D printing services and products. Consider offering a referral discount to incentivize them to share your business with their networks.

Building a local reputation is crucial. Deliver high-quality products consistently and provide exceptional customer service.

Happy customers are more likely to recommend your services to others, creating a positive feedback loop that can lead to organic growth.

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to market your business. Carry business cards or small 3D printed samples with you.

These can serve as conversation starters and leave a lasting impression on potential clients.

It’s a good idea to focus on building genuine relationships and delivering value. This allows you to create a network of supports who will help your 3D printing business thrive.

You’ll get personal recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing working for you.

Selling 3D Prints Online

Online Marketplaces – Etsy, eBay, etc.

Etsy and similar platforms offer a great starting point for selling your 3D printed creations online.

These marketplaces attract customers specifically looking for unique items, making them ideal for 3D printed products.

To succeed on Etsy:

Craft compelling product listings with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions
Use relevant keywords to improve your shop’s visibility
Price your items competitively while ensuring profitability
Respond promptly to customer inquiries and maintain positive reviews

Etsy is great because it has a built-in audience, but that also comes with competition. You can overcome this by showcasing unique and eye-catching designs, as well as offering great customer service.

Personal Website or Online Store

Creating your own e-commerce site gives you full control over your brand and customer experience. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easy to set up a professional-looking online store.

Benefits of having your own website include:

Complete control over design and branding
Higher profit margins (no marketplace fees)
Ability to build a mailing list for direct marketing
Flexibility to offer custom orders or personalization

However, keep in mind that driving traffic to your site will require more marketing effort compared to established marketplaces.

Invest time in SEO, content marketing, and social media promotion to attract potential customers to your store.

When you diversify your online sales channels between marketplaces and your own website, you can maximize your reach and build a sustainable online presence for your 3D printing business.

Leveraging Social Media for 3D Print Sales

Facebook: Your Local Sales Powerhouse

Facebook offers a unique blend of features that make it an excellent platform for selling your 3D prints, especially to local customers.

You can simply use your own personal page, or create a dedicated business page for your 3D printing venture.

It will be used as a digital storefront where you showcase your latest creations, share updates about the printing process, and interact with potential customers.

To maximize your reach on Facebook, take advantage of the Marketplace feature.

This local buying and selling platform is perfect for 3D print sellers, especially if you’re offering larger items that are costly to ship.

When listing your products, provide clear, detailed descriptions and high-quality photos that highlight the unique features of your 3D prints.

Respond promptly to any inquiries to build trust with potential buyers.

Another source you can utilize is Facebook groups.

Seek out and join communities related to 3D printing, maker spaces, or niche interests that align with your products.

These groups can be goldmines for networking, gathering inspiration, and subtly promoting your work.

Engage genuinely in discussions, offer helpful advice, and when appropriate, mention your products or services.

Remember, successful selling on Facebook is about building relationships. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your page and share photos of their purchases.

This social proof can significantly boost your credibility and attract more buyers.

Consider running occasional promotions or contests to engage your audience and attract new potential customers.

Facebook also has advertising tools to reach a wider audience.

Even a small budget can help you target potential customers in your local area who have shown interest in 3D printing or related hobbies.

Experiment with different ad formats and targeting options to find what works best for your business.

Make sure to consistently engage with your audience and showcase your unique 3D printed creations.

Facebook can become a powerful tool in your sales arsenal, helping you connect with customers and grow your business.

Instagram: Showcasing Your 3D Prints Visually

Instagram is known for being very visual, which is great for displaying your 3D prints.

You’ll want to focus on building a profile that’s visually appealing that showcases your best work.

Organize your feed with high-quality photos and videos that highlight the intricate details and practical applications of your prints.

Use a mix of product shots, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your printing process, and images of your items in use.

This variety keeps your feed interesting and gives potential customers a comprehensive view of what you offer.

Experiment with different photography techniques, lighting, and backgrounds to make your prints stand out.

Engage with your followers by responding to comments and direct messages promptly.

Use Instagram Stories and Reels to share quick updates, printing time-lapses, or tutorial snippets.

These features can help you connect with your audience on a more personal level and showcase your expertise.

Remember, consistency is key on Instagram.

Maintain a regular posting schedule and a cohesive aesthetic to keep your followers engaged and attract new potential customers.

TikTok: Capturing Attention with Short-Form 3D Printing Content

TikTok is actually a great place to get eyes on your 3D prints. You can showcase your 3D printing skills and products in an engaging way.

It has great tools to help you create content, and you can get ideas/inspiration from related videos on the platform.

The key to success on TikTok is creating content that’s not only informative but also entertaining and shareable.

Start by demonstrating your 3D printing process through time-lapse videos.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – use popular music trends or voice-over effects to make your videos more engaging.

Making educational content can help establish you as an expert in the field while attracting potential customers.

You can participate in TikTok challenges to build up an audience and even your own skills.

This can increase your visibility and encourage user-generated content, expanding your reach organically.

Remember to keep your content authentic and relatable.

Show the human side of your 3D printing business by featuring behind-the-scenes moments or sharing customer stories.

This personal touch can help build a loyal following and differentiate you from larger, more impersonal competitors.

You can tap into TikTok’s large user base and reach new markets for your 3D prints by consistently posting creative and engaging content.

Remember, consistency is key across all platforms.

Regularly post content, engage with your followers, and always respond promptly to inquiries.

When you effectively leveraging these social media platforms, you can significantly expand your reach and boost sales of your 3D printed creations.

Social media can be particularly effective for 3D print selling because it allows you to:

Showcase your work visually
Reach both local and global audiences
Build a brand and personal connection with potential customers
Provide real-time updates on new designs or limited edition prints
Offer behind-the-scenes looks at your design and printing process

Tips for Success in 3D Print Selling

Quality Control

Maintaining consistent quality is crucial in the 3D printing business.

Customers expect products that match or exceed the images they’ve seen online.

Implement proper quality control measures to ensure each print meets your standards before it reaches the customer.

This includes checking for printing defects, ensuring proper finishing, and packaging items securely for shipping.

Unique Designs and Niche Markets

Stand out in the crowded 3D printing market by offering unique designs or targeting specific niches.

Research market trends and identify gaps that your skills and interests can fill.

Whether it’s custom game pieces, architectural models, or specialized tools, finding your niche can help you build a loyal customer base and command higher prices.

Pricing and Profitability

Determining the right price for your 3D prints is crucial for long-term success.

Factor in all costs, including materials, electricity, printer depreciation, and your time.

Don’t undervalue your work – remember that customers are paying for your expertise and creativity as well as the physical product.

Be transparent about your pricing structure to build trust with customers.

Customer Service and Communication

Excellent customer service can set you apart from competitors.

Respond promptly to inquiries, be clear about production and shipping times, and address any issues quickly and professionally.

Consider offering customization options to meet specific customer needs, which can justify higher prices and lead to repeat business.

Conclusion

Selling 3D prints offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurship.

Whether you choose in-person sales, online platforms, social media, or a combination, success in this field demands dedication and market awareness.

Each selling method has its advantages: in-person sales foster direct customer connections, online platforms provide broader reach, and social media allows for community building and visual showcasing.