If you’re a 3D printing enthusiast, you may have already accumulated a collection of impressive prints. But what do you do with them once they’re finished? Selling your 3D prints can be a great way to make some extra cash and share your creations with others. However, with so many different platforms available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Fortunately, there are several options available for selling your 3D prints. Some of the most popular platforms include online marketplaces like Pinshape and CGTrader, as well as e-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider your goals and needs before choosing the best option for you.

Online Marketplaces

If you’re looking to sell 3D prints, online marketplaces are a great option. They provide a platform for you to showcase your designs and connect with potential customers. Here are a few popular online marketplaces to consider:

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including 3D prints. It’s easy to set up a shop and start selling your designs. You can list your items for sale, set your prices, and manage your orders all in one place. Etsy charges a small fee for each sale, but it’s a great way to get your designs in front of a large audience.

Shapeways

Shapeways is a 3D printing service that also offers a marketplace for designers to sell their 3D prints. You can upload your designs to Shapeways and set your prices. When a customer orders one of your designs, Shapeways handles the printing and shipping. Shapeways takes a commission on each sale, but it’s a great way to reach a large audience of 3D printing enthusiasts.

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is a marketplace for handmade items, including 3D prints. It’s easy to set up a shop and start selling your designs. Amazon charges a small fee for each sale, but it’s a great way to get your designs in front of a large audience. Plus, Amazon offers a variety of tools to help you manage your shop and promote your designs.

When choosing an online marketplace to sell your 3D prints, it’s important to consider the fees, audience, and tools offered by each platform. Some other popular options include Pinshape, 3DExport, and CGTrader. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of each platform before setting up your shop.

3D Printing Service Providers

If you’re looking to sell your 3D prints, using a 3D printing service provider can be a great option. These companies offer a variety of services, including printing, finishing, and shipping. Here are three popular 3D printing service providers to consider:

Sculpteo

Sculpteo is a 3D printing service that offers a wide range of printing materials, including plastic, metal, and ceramic. They also offer a variety of finishing options, such as painting and sandblasting. Sculpteo allows you to upload your 3D model and get an instant quote for printing. They also offer a marketplace where you can sell your 3D prints directly to customers. Sculpteo takes care of the printing, finishing, and shipping, so all you have to do is upload your model and wait for the sales to come in.

i.materialise

i.materialise is another 3D printing service that offers a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and resins. They also offer a range of finishing options, such as polishing and dyeing. i.materialise allows you to upload your 3D model and get an instant quote for printing. They also offer a marketplace where you can sell your 3D prints directly to customers. i.materialise takes care of the printing, finishing, and shipping, so you can focus on creating and selling your designs.

3D Hubs

3D Hubs is a 3D printing service that connects you with local 3D printing companies. You can upload your 3D model and get quotes from multiple providers in your area. This allows you to compare prices and choose the provider that best fits your needs. 3D Hubs offers a variety of materials and finishing options, depending on the providers in your area. They also offer a marketplace where you can sell your 3D prints directly to customers. 3D Hubs takes care of the payment processing and shipping, so you can focus on creating and selling your designs.

In conclusion, using a 3D printing service provider can be a great option for selling your 3D prints. These companies offer a range of services, from printing to finishing to shipping, and can help you reach a wider audience. Whether you choose Sculpteo, i.materialise, or 3D Hubs, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Local Stores and Shops

If you prefer selling your 3D prints in person, local stores and shops can be a great option. Here are some types of stores to consider:

Hobby Shops

Hobby shops are a great place to sell 3D prints, especially if your prints are related to specific hobbies. For example, if you print miniatures for tabletop games, hobby shops that sell those games might be interested in carrying your prints. You can also try selling other types of prints that appeal to hobbyists, such as figurines, puzzles, and models.

Craft Stores

Craft stores are another option for selling 3D prints. If your prints have a handmade or artistic quality, they might fit in well with the other items sold at craft stores. You can also try selling prints that can be used in crafting projects, such as jewelry, home decor, and accessories.

Tech Stores

Tech stores are a good option if your 3D prints have a tech-related theme. For example, if you print phone cases, laptop stands, or other tech accessories, tech stores might be interested in carrying your prints. You can also try selling other types of prints that appeal to tech enthusiasts, such as robot figurines or game controller stands.

When approaching local stores and shops, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re selling and who your target audience is. Make sure to bring samples of your prints and be prepared to explain why they would be a good fit for the store. You should also be prepared to negotiate prices and terms of sale.

Overall, selling 3D prints in local stores and shops can be a rewarding way to connect with customers and build your brand. Just make sure to do your research and find stores that are a good fit for your prints.

Social Media and Forums

Social media and forums are great places to sell 3D prints. They allow you to reach a large audience and interact with potential customers. Here are some popular platforms to consider:

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are a great place to sell 3D prints. There are many groups dedicated to 3D printing and related topics where you can list your items for sale. Some popular groups include:

• 3D Printing for Sale or Trade
• 3D Printing and Modeling
• 3D Printing Marketplace

When posting in these groups, be sure to follow their rules and guidelines. Provide clear photos and descriptions of your items, and be responsive to potential buyers.

Reddit Communities

Reddit is another platform where you can sell 3D prints. There are many communities dedicated to 3D printing and related topics, such as:

• r/3Dprinting
• r/3Dprintmything
• r/3Dprintersforsale

When posting on Reddit, be sure to follow the community’s rules and guidelines. Provide clear photos and descriptions of your items, and be responsive to potential buyers.

Instagram

Instagram is a great platform to showcase your 3D prints and attract potential customers. You can use hashtags to make your posts more discoverable, and even create a separate account dedicated to your 3D printing business. Some popular hashtags to use include:

• #3Dprinting
• #3Dprinted
• #3Dprinters

When posting on Instagram, be sure to provide clear photos and descriptions of your items, and include a way for potential buyers to contact you.

Overall, social media and forums can be great places to sell 3D prints. Be sure to follow their rules and guidelines, and provide clear photos and descriptions of your items. With a little effort, you can reach a large audience and find success selling your 3D prints.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different channels available for selling 3D prints, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider your goals, resources, and target audience when deciding where to sell your 3D prints.

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to sell your 3D prints, online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon can be a good option. These platforms have a large audience and handle many aspects of the sales process, including payment processing and shipping.

However, keep in mind that these platforms charge fees and take a cut of your revenue, so make sure to factor these costs into your pricing strategy. Additionally, competition can be high on these platforms, so it’s important to differentiate yourself by offering unique designs or high-quality prints.

If you’re looking for more control over the sales process and want to build your own brand, setting up your own online store or selling at local events can be a good option. This approach requires more effort and resources, but can offer higher profit margins and a more direct connection with your customers.

Ultimately, the key to success in selling 3D prints is to find the right balance between convenience, cost, and control. By considering your options carefully and experimenting with different channels, you can find the approach that works best for you and your business.