3D Print on Demand for Profit (Without 3DHubs!)
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- 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!
Read more about 3DHubs changing their structure here - 3dprint.com/22...
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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. :)
I wonder if a piece of carpet on the floor and free-standing cloth covered panels alongside the walls can help a bit - but I don't think it's strictly necessary, I think just the lav will cut the reverberation down to borderline inaudible or at least far enough that the audibility should no longer be impaired for anybody.
Hey, you said you have a lot of reviews, wich i agree, i think you're doing great contributions to the comunity.
But i would like to see a review from you of a makerbot printer, or at least hear your opinion about those machines.
Didn’t really notice as I was concentrating on the content. But, if you choose to fix it you can hang soft things on the walls. You don’t need to cover all hard surfaces. Just throw a few cloths, acoustic foam pads or carpet samples up and it will help. I sound dampened a workspace with low cost acoustic panels and it made a huge diff.
yea a bit of carpet on the floor and put some foam or cloth on a frame/panel nearest too you will cut what ever a lav may pick up if its still a problem after that. it was a little jarring at first but then the content took the center of my attention
There's no way I can recommend one compared to other brands. The 5th gen just isn't at all competitive even if it does (now) work properly.
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.
I've always heard the saying as "good, fast, cheap. Pick 2"
If only someone could explain that to my boss whenever they wonder why nothing seems to work…
They say that in the architectural design business also. Pick any two.
We say that in the culinary world!
That concept goes with any kind of work actually
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.
I've definitely outpriced people before just so I don't have to deal with them XD
Exactly. its more professional than telling them to fuck off lol (my dads a engineer / builder)
Did that. Charged the customer 10 times and he accepted. :) It was hard to work for/with him, but at least worth it.
Also known as "go away price" at some places!
Ive done it so much
"PLA ... Not suitable for medical parts...:
No one ever expects the coronavirus pandemic!
fakiirification what about durable polycarbonate?
Does pla not seal?? Do particles still get thru it?
@@Ecko92 the face shields LTT set up 3D printers for didn't require the 3D printed parts to seal. I don't know what medical parts one would be referring to...
@@Ecko92 none of the masks seal except sealed n95s lol
Pla wouldnt be a filter u twats not the question, so if y'all don't understand what was being asked why answer???🤦♂️🤦♂️
“Don’t compete on price” Amen to that, and it’s true for any service industry.
I get asked weekly if I will match prices on welding services. Like for one, where the fuck did you get an online quote for a repair weld on a tractor? Two, no. Lol
@@casey360360 agricultural machine mechanic? nice
@@RedMediaStudios trying anyways. My day job is a heavy equipment mechanic/welder/fabricator. Agriculture equipment isn't too different to keep me from doing it but the farmers where I'm at are picky. Fortunately there isn't a whole lot of sole proprietors here doing mobile repair work, so i get the benefit of being the only one.
@@casey360360 Ah, okay. Im learning that profession right now. An agricultural machine mechanic here in switzerland is kind of an everything mechanic. We have people coming into the shop with tractors, rollators, trucks, wheelbarrows, small corn/wheatharvesters, shelves and whatever else....
its a race to the bottom otherwise
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.
Thats a wrong mindset because maybe printer price is decreasing but knowledge necessary to profesionnaly use one is very similar and if 3d printer price is decreasing then you can also decrease the price you are selling from. If there are places to pay to wash your clothes imagine how much 3d printing is doable
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!
I'm in the same situation. In research mode!
Hows it going??
@@Womynxx hows it going?
@@greywolf2809 slow; I need to change how I market myself.
hey magic i just started 3d printing from cnc- i went to some diy shops and stores and asked if they wanted some signs etc to make for them and their customers/suppliers! you wouldnt believe how much work i picked up from them and ive only been doing it for 2 weeks! and as MM says in his video^^^ word and mouth! and quality! maybe you have some stores (any Kind) in your area to look up
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!
It's good for potential customers to know that whenever dealing with a small service provider, how you treat them affects the quote! Even to the point of "No soup for you!"
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 job.....No 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 😎
Yeah, time frame is important and you need that financial cushion to see you through to profit. This channel took about 2 years of hard work before I could realistically 'pay the bills' with it.
@@MakersMuse:
Well said Angus, a lot of people....assuming mostly newcomers don't realize how long you have actually been at it.
I bet it was not an easy road, and for those without the drive and determination you have it will be much harder......not to mention the skill set. Anyways thanks again for the great content buddy.
With love from Canada ☝
I have thinked about it as a "sideshow" and get some money printing stuff for my friends, in my case work as freelance designer, use to work in a design studio and was doing freelance gigs also as a sideshow, first year I did around $300 in a year so that was just to pay the cell phone bill and not for the whole year, with time there was one day that had a lot of freelance work and no time so I quit my job and get full freelance, even having 10+ years of experience fist year was not easy (even already having some clients), if you have a day job and a really reliable printer that you can leave unatended you can do this like printing while you are at work but be aware that as we say in my country will be "money for snacks". In my case I have another "sideshows" like developing photo film and scan negatives and still my main income is the freelance design, I'm into 3D printing as a hobby and to make some stuff that I need and design for my use.
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!
Do you know generally who your customers are? Like have you targeted anyone specifically or you have just made a website and orders came knocking?
Haven't targeted specifically anyone.
Customers ranges from private clients asking for a replacement part, drone part/accessory, to companies with custom parts, 3d modelling / 3d scanning needs.
The important about the website I think is to target locally (if we think that's the power of 3d printing, localized manufacturing), target your area, here we're only two proposing 3d printing services in my area, so it was easy.
You need to have enough content talking about 3d printing/modelling/prototyping/3d scanning, mainly for the search engines (google) to put you in a nice position. If you can be on the top of the first page when someone searches for "3d printing *your region*" orders should came by themselves.
atm. I don't live on 3d printing but i'm getting more and more requests and it's already paid all equipment and more.
Hope this help a bit.
Hey I have pretty much the exact same numbers from 3D Hubs :) I don't enjoy the idea of making it a hustle though but it is motivating to know there can be success with it
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 😀
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!
Thank you Ryan, really appreciate it. Best of luck with everything!
@@MakersMuse Thank you! Just a quick follow up question related to this video: How would you go about a situation in which a client pays for a 3D design and print, but you'd like to continue to sell the print? The direct question I have deals with pricing. Assuming the client is fine with you selling prints of the design you made for them, it seems there's no way to make pricing fair for both the client who paid for the design work and print, and the customers who buy the print only. What would/did you do in that sort of scenario? Again, thanks for any and all the help you provide!
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.
We also have the “rush fee and special client fee” glad to see it’s more common than I thought.😂
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.
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.
"... quite frankly, Stuff Them All...." - except your valued Customers!
As usual Angus, a succinct summary of the important points - keep up the good work!
Before I started my own business, I really underestimated the amount of time I would have to spend working "on" the business, as opposed to "in" the business.
And I'd add a cautionary note about trying to make your hobby your (sole) income - although I hope that Makers Muse continues to be passion-driven while letting you pay the bills.....
Haha, appreciated. Yeah the 'working for yourself' thing is a whole other story. I only changed when I saw an opportunity and had around 6 thousand subs. It was a tough transition and risky. You have to have the financial cushion in place in case things don't work out or take longer than you expect (because they always do).
The whole "working for yourself" thing would be better if I didn't have such a ratbag for a Boss!
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
You always over deliver! Thanks.
Haha, cheers!
"a lot of..."
**undresses completely**
"hassle"
Basti Elektronik I think it was hustle
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
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.
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.
Honestly, the main problem I have with this whole "anyone can be a 3D print on demand company" is that every single person who has even the crappiest of printers thinks "oh yeah I'm a 3D printer owner" as if it's some sort of qualification.
Lets face it, conservatively you could say 50% of people trying to make money with 3D printing don't have a proper grasp on what it takes to make good prints. They deliver bad layer adheasion, poor layer lines, and forget to add supports where needed. These then go to customers and the customer is more often than not annoyed.
I run a very successful Etsy shop, as well as a few other online outlets, and I get at LEAST 5 emails a day saying "hey, I paid this person to make this but it looks terrible, do you have better 3D printers?"
More often then not, when I look into it, it's not the other person had a bad machine, it's simply terrible settings and bad filaments. These people then WAY overcharge people for prints ($15-30/h) and uninformed customers think that price=quality. This is not the case.
Yes, realistically at scale you need to account for filament costs, electricity costs, machine depreciation, and expected maintenance. But nobody seems to be doing this right at all. They either WAY overcharge, ripping people off... OR they undercharge and cut profit margins so thin it's impossible for people trying to do things right to make a profit.
In the end, you really really need to think about how good of a printer operator are you? Have you been using printers/your specific printer for hundreds of hours at least, if not thousands? Do you know how to deal with basic things, like stringing or the perfect first layer? Are you using good filament, and what makes a good filament?
I am all for more people being into 3D printing, and for people to make money, but at a point there needs to be some sort of regulation, standardisation, or just honesty... I can actually see why 3Dhubs would do this, imagine their complaint department?
Just have a serious think before you start taking trusting people's money.
Very wise words. I'm not sure regulation is possible, but the cream definitely rises to the top in this kind of industry. People, like yourself, who offer good reliable service become the ones who are recommended and it grows from there.
@@MakersMuse Thanks! Yeah, I have no idea how it would be possible, but as I said... Honesty could go a long way! I just feel terrible about the amount of people who lose their hard earned money to people who can't be honest about their work.
And it certainly does. Most of my customers are either repeat clients I do good work for and they're happy or people who've been recommended my services. As you said, find a niche and do good work and you'll be able to go a long way!
I completely agree, I also print tools and shit (not on demand) and sell them and seeing the competition, they dont do the numbers, charge absurd amounts and if you see the photos the pieces look like they were printed with a 3d pen by a person with parkinson......and of course they'll copy anything i publish including description and photos. (but now that i started watermarking the photos they stoped)
which Brands do you consider reliable enough to start the business formally? After more than a year learning I've started to make some stuff for friends or people who have heard of me but I want to buy 2 or 3 more printers to make the big leap.
In my case my machines are home made. They are my own design and improvements based on a modified Mendel frame. I'd say learn how stuff works instead of relying on some brand which you wont be able to fix if it doesnt work like you want. They take some time to assemble but they work really well (Ultimaker 2 quality), are realiable, and cost less than half the price of the cheapest chinese printer i can get locally.
Excellent advice Angus! Everyone should give self employment a shot once in their lifetime. But, you soon learn that the idea of "Being Your Own Boss" is pretty much a myth. EVERY person seeking your service/product is (potentially) your boss! There are few things as rewarding as the feeling you get from providing quality services/products to satisfied customers - but there are few things as difficult either. :-)
Haha, absolutely agree Ron :) The other way to look at it is you ARE your own boss, so you can't slack off or tell your boss off because you are that person! Still, I wouldn't trade it for a 'normal' job.
@@MakersMuse but how do we start? im saying like look for a job that needs done? all i print is like nick knack stuff. i want to teach kids in our community how to 3d print.
These are good advice for doing business in general, not just for 3D printing. As someone who works with 3D as a business, it's nice to hear more advice geared towards this industry. Great job!
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 quality/printer/experiance.... its seems crazy they leave this gap like you say at 2:50ish
"Probably skipped the ad before this video"
*Laughs nervously in Brave browser*
Lovable and interesting channel and it continues to amaze me his voice sounds like he has worked for BBC for a decade.
Bbc😏😆
@@theycallhimthebandit I feel sorry for your corrupted brain.
In few weeks... the big.... MILLLLLLION subs!
You deserve it!
Keep sharing the passion!
Love the heavy bass when you bang the table, adds for extra dramatic effects ! \o
The way the outfits are on point for the video is one of my favorite things from this channel ^^
689 000 + subscribers....
Do you realize that this is like a whole city that is waiting to get your video and like your work!
Congrat!!!!
Alex from Montreal, Canada
My printers are reliable and give pretty good quality. I maintained a consistent 4.96 star rating, have good supplies of filament and have some repeat customers. Becoming known is where I’m stuck. You’ve given me a few ideas there, thanks.
Building a brand is way out of my comfort zone as an engineer (we’re better at doing than PR). May need to find a snazzy teen with some advertising skills.
Thanks a lot Angus, really needed this video as encouragement!
Been running my business on/via 3Dhubs for years and got kicked out due to some made up reason, considering that I've run all my orders through it, it was a hard blow to deal with and has had me down for a few weeks..
I'm definitely going to resume work on my website and brand in general and not let their odd enforcement of policies get me down!
Great video with sound advice. Especially when it comes to finding the best clients. Having started a few businesses of my own I would add that its great to not quit your day job in the start up phase. Keep up the great work 👍
:D Love the shirt! Classic stuff! It is a bit of a shame about 3d Hubs in the sense of being a good one stop shop to find someone to print stuff for you, but at the same time, I think a lot of people who have customers already, will end up doing much better without going through the likes of there. I swear almost every person I've ever heard speak about that site, only has negative things to say.
Thx bro. You helping me start create my own business in Russia. 3D printer is not so popular yet. But I change it)
Great video and lots of information, also learned your dad's mindset about underpromise and overdeliver haha!! Thank you! 👍
I am working on setting up print on demand now. and you have a a lot of points I have considered so I appreciate the confirmation. I developed a spreadsheet that exactly tells me all the real cost s of a 3dprint. Filament, by weight, cost, electricity, machine depreciation, Time, Labor. and I am working through shipping options now.
The intro was adorable, especially when he said hustle
Just now starting my own business, as I'm doing so much "side" work printing and designing, I almost need to go full time. I've literally done everything on that list short of the spreadsheet, which is next, then it's on to brand building. I already have my niche products and reactions have been far in excess of what I've expected. Your video has really reaffirmed the way I'm planning on developing my company and my brand. Hopefully one day I'll be able to meet you as you have been a major source of information and inspiration for me. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work!
This is the best video I’ve seen recently on UA-cam. Honest, direct.. real! Great one, thanks Angus!
dude, you're doing a great job!
awesome content on every video of yours. keep it up and thanks so much! :)
Never thought of if that way. I consider myself on the lower end of the spectrum. what started as a hobby has turned to my biggest ambition in starting my own 3D print business. I have cut profits for the sake of learning how to print such a complicated model. and even then, to have the customer bad mouth you. while others seem more innocent and willing to pay the price. This very ecample happened to me in the same time frame, and they both sold at the same price. the complicated model took a week and 2 rolls of filament at my expense. the easier one about 30 hours. It's amazing to see the diversity of problems, scenarios, and even the people you have to deal with. Didn't take any of it into consideration when I first started, but you're right. Honesty and word of mouth has gotten me this far.
Hey mate just getting into 3D printing myself, for my tech channel, not specialised like Makers Muse, but glad to hear a fellow Perth UA-camr doing something awesome! Been watching your videos to educate myself and then my audience, thanks alot!
Thanks for making this video and for the links. As someone being booted from 3D Hubs, even though I keep getting "Fulfilled by £D Hubs" orders, this will help a lot. Although it is a hobby that has allowed me to make money back for my printers, I enjoy printing for the clients I do have and have managed to build up a reasonable amount of repeat offenders. It may also help towards ditching the day job in the future.
3d print as part of my design & prototyping side gig that I'm hoping to make full time soon and this was really helpful. Definitely some stuff I knew but definitely need to clean up in my act. My printers have some of the best print qualities for fdm and I feel like I have definitely gotten stuck promising the moon before... and yes I need to raise my prices. Cheap people are such a waste of time. Thanks for making this.
Again an honest and good advice. As being an IT entrepeneur for 26 years, I have learned it the hard way. You probably as well ;).
20% of your customers will give you 80% of your daily income. The ones that select you by a competitive el cheapo offer are indeed no customers for a high end product. Excellent summary of a complicated matter. Please go on with your unbiased work!
I just gave a thumbs up, not for the content which is very good, but for pursuing your dream and succeeding. It's a treat to see someone doing what they love to do. Cheers!
Fantastic video Angus. Do I plan to make 3D Printing into a business? Hell No! For me it's a hobby.
I like your videos! I'm not particularly interested in 3D-printing itself but as an engineer I like the gadgets that you make and how you do several revisions of your models untill they do work. You have some persistence! Also I like to listen to your voice. It's very pleasing and you talk clearly. I came here to check your mechanisms and then I have gone backwards like now. In this video you have a lot of great pointers that I think apply in many other trade as well! Great job!
Hi, under / over was a Star Trek rule for Scotty, Scotty told Captain Kirk once, after being asked how he did it. His reply was if was a 5 hour repair, he would say the job would take 10 hours. Then he would always have the job done on time or sooner.
Thanks for this Angus. I've been watching your channel for about 2 years now and you have taught me alot. Since that 2 year time I've been fortunate enough to build a client base off 3D printing and am looking to launch the business professionally within the month. This video was very insightful and definitely gave me even more inspiration in order to make things more successful. So again, thank you for what you've contributed to the community!
Great video Angus! I did most of what you suggested for 4 years on 3dhubs. I was one of the most popular hubs in my area, customers contacted me direclty after getting the message that 3dhubs is closing. (I can't even apply for 3d hubs partner due to tax reasons in my country) Now I have to start building a reputation outside of 3dhubs. I think that was my mistake, keeping my reputation on one platform that I can't control and not diversifying (all eggs in one basket). Level 4 professional hub, but now all those reviews and reputation will not help me in getting new clients anymore. I need to automate/make it easier for me to manually quote orders and try the underpromise method. Once again thanks for the video, it reminded me of the important parts that I have to keep in mind while rebuilding a brand/reputation outside of 3rd party platforms. Better to be in control and self-reliant.
As always your videos come at the exact time I needed it.
I offer different 3D services, from modeling to 3D printing... now that 3D hubs kicked out hobbyist I was a bit confused how I could easily offer my services.
Since a lot of people in our local maker lab know I'm the go-to person for 3D printing, I think I have a good chance of being successful in offering my services as a 3D printer expert.
I'm glad you mentioned your point of views. I rather have happy clients that annoying ones. unfortunatly those are kinda hard to find.
I love your logo video. The audio track takes me back to the 80’s. Your endeavours do definitely pay homage. 🤜🏼🤛🏼🇦🇺🍀😎🤓
Really basic stuff, but that's what is most important! We usually tend to forget these principles because we take them for granted, but they are the ones that differentiate between success and failure. Thanks for the reminder!
99% agreed on everything you said. Here is my 2 cent on "under-promise / over-deliver". Its not a good strategy in many situation, where your client actually planning their logistics. Yes off course many times its a nice surprise if you call a client that they can come and pick it up their stuff. Although it could be "pain in the ass" well. Not mentioned that if a client is realising that you do it on purpose. I would just keep the given delivery time.
Covers up pretty much all the points one can think of.
Brilliant advises and well from experience, personal meeting with a customer is a much better way to have long term clients. As you suggested, word of mouth is a very powerful way to promote your brand. It sure does take time though. Need lots of patience and hard work.
Loved it and as always a great video.
Fantastic video and great advice, I like many others was listed on 3D hubs before they got all "snobbish" and spat in the face of all the hobby/semi-professional people that helped build up their site by listing their services, I'm now listed on treatstock but find that there is not much traffic there and have been thinking of going "on my own" with a website etc. What would be good is if you could maybe do a video listing what you would consider good hosting systems (eg WIX, squarespace etc) and quoting systems that are more 3D printing friendly if you understand what I mean so that people that are thinking of "going alone" have a better idea of what systems and services to use.
Again great video and I appreciate the time and effort you put into your content, keep up the good work
18:49 This is a very important lesson I learned working in software development; Manage expectation so your client will also manage theirs , nothing worse than telling a client you need an extra day , when they already invited a client to look at your work.
19:05, Though don't underpromise too excessively or suddenly "one week" means "one day".
One of the points here is huge. Reputation and relationships are the lifeblood of a small business or handyman. If you know a successful small business owner, I'd guess that WAY more often than not, when you ask him about getting anything done, he says "I've got a guy for that"
I tried looking up your contact email for this but there's only one for business inquiries. So I'll send it here.
"Wonderful video. I don't own a 3D printer, or interested in buying one, or the D printing business besides the technology. But your videos are so informative, and this video really showed how pragmatic and realistic you are. Really invigorating to see someone so passionate that lays down steps in such a real fashion. Keep up the hustle Angus! You are brilliant."
As a newbie to 3DP I am slowly working my way through your videos. They are clear and paced well and help me understand the successful actions and foibles I might run into. Cheers, mate & thanks.
TYVM for this course... it felt like a class for an MBA degree... great vid !
One of the advantages of running your own service is that you can communicate directly to your customers, something the big hubs/platforms won't do (they have bots and fully automatization processes, so doubts the customer may have are difficult to clarify there).
Good vid! Haven't started yet, but I'm thinking of using it as a side-hustle during college.
Great video Angus,
I never worked with 3D hubs as I started 3D printing here in our local library.
As I became better in it, people started asking me to do their print jobs and then I bought my very first machine, the XYZprinting Da Vinci Pro (worst choice ever, but I made money with it).
Nowadays I have multiple machines to choose from and one machine, in particular, I choose to have 5 of them because of their reliability. I think that could be another advice for people who want to make a business out of 3D printing. Make sure to have more machines of one and the same type. Then you know that machine the best and you can become the best man for the maintenance as well. It's also easier when slicing your parts as you know that machine the best.
Great shirt by the way...
Wow, just wow. Incredible content. Subscribed! (Just realized it's an old video!)
Im just getting into 3d printing and dont have much money so this video is a great help as i already know a lot of people who want stuff 3d printed but noone can do it for them
18:21 : "Oh hey Mark!"
Wow really did under promise and over delivery with the whole video! Learned alot of Information for what I otherwise thought would be a casual I print thing for my neighbors video!
Great introduction to the channel, I hope to learn more here!
*I'm not looking to print for profit, but I'm looking to do something bigger and a bit more impactful. I just want to thank you for some of this advice I will follow.
There are many videos out there that I love makers muse is one of the best ones that I’ve ever watched. I love all of his business ideas his strategies their direct and they give you a good sense of how things should be. One thing that I notice and all of his videos is that he promotes the confidence in all of his listeners and watchers and followers. That to me is worth it’s weight in gold. Thanks for all the good advice and for some reason I wish I would’ve known about this video sooner.
hahaha did you buy that shirt just for this episode? I love it. awesome!!
Pretty much but I'll find an excuse to wear it again!
@@MakersMuse absolutely it looks good on you :-)
I was expecting Ms Muse to throw something at you when you flashed the shirt.
@@MakersMuse The real question is what else does the shirt say when you flip the sequins??
Hey Angus, excellent video - as always. One question, though, since I've been pondering the thought of developing 3D printing as a side business: How would or did you treat supports? I see in one of the first clips of this video you printed the cat with supports. The question for me is would you rather offer the print including supports for the customer to remove those and possibly have support removal as a VAS? Or would removing supports be just part of the on demand service? Cheers! JM
Awesome video, Angus! This is why I send people to your channel all the time. You give great advice and it's always on point.
Another brilliant video..and I'm again strangely 'randomly' assailed' with the sight of gold. One day I'm surely going to stumble upon £427m worth of the stuff. Better check under my bed+floorboards. Meanwhile I'm sending your video link to my friend in India as it confirms *every* point Ive made to him for 2yrs whilst trying to get him to stop printing plastic crap & to start using his Engineering Degree to make Product Prototypes or unique/tasteful/funny non Corner Shop sold items. I sympathise with your ex Boss. YES people can be their own worst enemy in business, but ironically, he prob. got you where you are today by presenting you with a steady stream of impossible challenges : )
This would be the perfect time for someone too open a 3d print website.
There’s also websites like Etsy which is more of an hobby art/maker selling website but places like these would be great too besides I know you can sell something you made on fb or eBay for say £20 but Etsy customers would pay £40+ for it
The PITA fee is absolutely real, in any field. I used to be an auto tech for a living, but now that I'm out of the industry, that's my #1 factor for pricing. How much of a pain is the job, and how much of a pain is the customer?
I am making money with 3d printing in my university over a year now and I can say that I did most of your recommendations by judging by my own. I recently opened my website and I hope that it will be successful for printing for people outside my university. Thank you for this awesome video.
Definitely approve of the 'special job' fee. And I do the same thing when I fix computers. 'This is going to take a week' and then when the parts I need are there the next day, and I get it repaired in 3 days, the customer is super happy. But then you get the people who are like 'I'm going to drop it off Thursday at closing time and I have to have it back by Friday' and I just tell them 'Sorry, I don't have space on my bench, maybe you can find a shop that can help you.
Angus you're the man! Always enjoy your vids...Always learn something useful! Keep it up my friend!
Good video mate. You gained a sub for it.
Excellent video and your advice translates to other areas of retail sales.
A lot of good advice here. I've not been using 3dhubs myself as they were already phasing hobby level machines out of their services 4 months ago when I was looking. I think all your points are quite valid, and that unless your serious about turning 3d printing on demand into a real business, it's a lot of work as a hobby.
Love the video, I'm working on my own brand on UA-cam and as a business! Great tips!
Great video, I believe that each person has the potential to develop small or medium impressions workshop, with the same quality without requiring support from companies such as 3dhubs.
Your advice has always been very useful, and I think one of the most important messages of your video, is to be clear about the objectives and have a well-developed work plan.
Again, thank you very much for sharing and developing this type of videos.
you are literally an angel. this is exactly what i wanted to know about the last weeks!!
So far I only have one client, following these rules already. And I've already told him it's a lead time of a week on every print. I'll put multiple things on one bed if I can (because A) I have a 350mm bed, B) It takes FOREVER to heat up, and C) It's less total print time.). And then after that I email him as soon as I ship the prints. So far so good.
In the first 10 seconds of the video "Well stuff them!" Lmbono SuperVinlin
Some good advice you have there. Through some misadventure of my own, I ended up stumbling into this stuff after a small time wargame company wanted me to at first design terrain for their 1:285 scale game, but then since the guy in charge could not figure out his printer. I said screw it I'll just get a printer of my own and figure it out myself, and two printers later, well I think only one of them is reliable 4 times out of 5, but it gets the results you can expect at the scale its working it.
Funny, I don't 3D print and not interested in the business either, but I wouldn't miss one of your videos for anything! You rock man. :)
Great info. Im just getting into the biz and work is taking off. Thanks for the tips!
As a general rule in business, I bid to get 40% of the jobs. You'd be amazed at the repeat customers and referrals that follow if you do quality work. While I can vouch for this method in welding, fabrication, and various skilled trades. I see no reason it wouldn't work in the 3D printing world. The key is to be honest and reputable.
Thank you for the video. 3d printing will be a hobby for me but I found your business advice spot on. I had always used the idea that we should under-promise and over-deliver. Nice job helping educate others.
Awesome tips! The biggest take away here and one as a web developer I learned the hard way is to underpromise and over deliver! Second is do not be afraid to fire a client, it sounds rough but trust me there is nothing more frustrating than a pain in the ass client and bottom line is they are not worth the money to deal with them!
Sage advice from your father.
I had some wisdom given to me by my father who worked as this rather big chemical company and despite being over qualified, he was the companies lead sales year in year out and accounted for 35% of the company income, hated by the other reps because my father seemed to be able to get the orders in places where others had failed.
When he dealt with a client, he didn't talk shop, he got to talk to them about whatever they wanted to talk about and he then led them in to resolving their problems and got the orders and delivered on time in the specified quantities or if not possible, a quantity followed by another delivery before it was needed guaranteed.
Selling, he told me is a case of this, if you have to sell the item, it is not worth selling because, a product of worth will sell itself as the client has often decided that's what they want, need the assurance that their investment is going to be worth while.
So that under promise and over deliver is how good business grows with satisfied customers.
Word of mouth is more powerful than social media will ever be.