It would be nice to get some income from designs that we post that others decide to also get printed.
This has to be balanced against trying to keep the costs as low as possible because 3D printing is still not very cheap.
I would like to propose two possible mechanisms. Maybe others have more ideas too...?
1. Fixed amount per print. If another user prints one of my designs then I get a dollar (?).
Advantages:
- Its simple and all parties can see the true costs.
- Its easy to manage on Shapeways end.
- If your design is successful and 50 prints are made then you get 50 USD.
- Your account could accumulate this money which you could choose to get when it exceeds (say) 20 dollars and/or use it to buy prints yourself.
Disadvantages:
- For designs that are only printed a small number of times - You may not make very much. So the cost of your effort to make the design is not well rewarded.
Summary:
This approach favors simplicity. Good designs will make a small amount of income. It does not reward users who design purely for the hope of sales.
2. User sets price. So profit is price - cost.
Advantages:
- Designer sets the value of a piece
- More reward for designs that are designed to be "commercial".
Disadvantages:
- Designer may make a design people want to buy but price is too high.
And so may need to add feedback mechanisms, advertising, specials, etc - which turn Shapeways into more of a commerce site.
- Requires more work on website.
Summary:
More complex. Good designs wil make more money for the designer even if the number printed is low. (Conversely Shapeways may not make as much.) Shapeways needs to do more to beef up the sales aspect of the website.
Any comments ?