How to start a 3D printing business.

1. Pick what you sell

"I print anything" is hard to market. Pick one or two things you can be known for: replacement parts, prototypes for local engineers, cosplay, signage, jigs and fixtures for factories. You can still take other jobs.

2. Work out your prices before your first quote

Write down your material cost, an hourly rate for each printer, your labour rate and a markup. Use the same numbers on every quote. Our guide on how much to charge walks through it. Set a minimum order so tiny jobs still pay for the setup.

3. Make it easy to ask for a price

Most first jobs come from a website form or an email with a file. Ask for the file, the quantity and the date they need it. Reply the same day if you can. Speed wins a lot of jobs. See how to quote 3D prints fast.

4. Get paid before you print

For new customers, take payment, or at least a deposit, before you start. It saves you from printing parts nobody picks up. More in get paid before you print.

5. Register and charge tax

Rules depend on where you are. In Canada you must register for GST/HST once you pass $30,000 in sales over four quarters, and you can register earlier. In the US, sales tax depends on the state. Check with an accountant or your tax agency.

6. Decide on pickup and shipping

Local pickup is cheap and customers like it. For shipping, keep a few box sizes, weigh a packed box before you quote shipping, and use a label service so you aren't standing in line at the post office.

7. Keep customers in the loop

"Is it ready yet?" emails eat your day. Send a short update when the order is accepted, printing, and ready or shipped. See how to stop the "is it ready yet?" emails.

8. Add printers when the queue says so

Buy the next printer when your printers are busy most of the week and jobs are waiting, not before. Two of the same model are easier to run than two different ones: same profiles, same spares.