Tired of the back-and-forth that eats into your printing time? Juggling multiple customer requests, pricing calculations, and file management can turn a fun side hustle into a tedious chore. For makers on «3D-2GO», efficiency isn't just about fast printers—it's about a smart workflow that minimizes admin and maximizes printing. This guide will walk you through a robust, repeatable process to handle orders smoothly, from the first chat to a successful sale and a happy review.

🤔 The Foundation: Preparation is Key

Before you even receive your first order, a little preparation goes a long way. The goal is to create a standardized setup that works for the vast majority of jobs, eliminating guesswork and ensuring consistent quality.

• Master Your Pricing: Don't waste time calculating costs for every inquiry. Use a simple tool like our Pricing Template Spreadsheet to pre-calculate your rates based on material, print time, and weight. If this is too scary for you, just translate the needed grams and hours of printing into a price that feels comfortable to you, once a customer contacts you! Knowing your numbers upfront allows you to quote confidently and quickly.

• Create a "Go-To" Print Profile: Consistency is crucial for customer satisfaction. Develop a reliable standard profile in your slicer. For example, in Orca Slicer or Bambu Studio, a profile like 0.2mm layer height, with supports, ironing for top surfaces, and the Arachne wall generator at default settings creates high-quality parts suitable for both PLA and PETG. This profile will be your workhorse for about 90% of projects.

👨‍🔬 Step 1: The Initial Contact & Scoping

When a potential buyer messages you on «3D-2GO», your first reply sets the tone. Instead of a simple "Hello," aim to gather all crucial information in one go to reduce messaging rounds.

Your template reply should ask:

• "Thanks for your interest! To provide an accurate quote, could you please share the link to the 3D model files? A shareable link from Google Drive or another cloud service is perfect."

• "Also, please confirm which specific parts from the project you need printed."

This direct approach ensures you're working with the correct and final files right from the start.

📅 Step 2: Project Setup & Quoting

Once you have the files, it's time to move to your slicer. This is where your preparation pays off.

1. Assign Parts to Plates: Import all the required parts. For better reliability, assign each part to a specific plate rather than crowding everything onto one. This often leads to fewer print failures and better adhesion.

2. Apply Your Standard Profile: Slice everything using your pre-established default profile, as written in the previous chapter. Note the total print time and filament usage.

3. Save the Project: Crucially, save the entire setup as a .3MF project file. This archives all your settings, plate arrangements, and parts, allowing you to easily re-open and re-print the exact same project later without starting from scratch.

Now, return to the chat. Based on your slicer's data and your pricing template, send the customer a clear proposal. Don't ask open-ended questions—provide solutions.

Your message should include:

• "I can print this in [e.g., Sparkly Blue PLA] for [Total Price]."

• "The price includes [Local Pickup / Shipping within Switzerland]."

• "If this works for you, I can get started right away!"

Proposing your available colour and material is a power move. It simplifies the decision for the customer (they can just say "yes!") and helps you utilize the filament you have in stock, which is efficient for everyone.

✅ Step 3: Closing the Sale & Getting Paid

Once the customer accepts your quote, it's time to make it official on «3D-2GO».

1. Start Printing: Fire up your printers with the saved .3MF project.

2. Create a Secure Payment Link: On your «3D-2GO» homepage, click "Post new listing" and select "Customer specific gig". This creates a private listing linked directly to this order. The customer can pay securely through the platform, which protects both of you.

3. Finalize the Order: After delivering the print (either in person or via post), click "Delivered this order". Once the customer confirms receipt by clicking "I received this order", the payment is released to you.

📈 Step 4: The Icing on the Cake: Reviews

The process doesn't end with payment. This final step is vital for building your reputation on the platform. After a successful transaction, both you and the customer can rate each other.

These reviews are incredibly valuable. For you, the Maker, they build visibility and trust, making your service more attractive to future buyers. For the buyer, it shows they are a valued and reliable customer. It’s a win-win that strengthens the entire «3D-2GO» community. Once everything is done, you can archive the customer-specific listing to keep your public profile clean.

By structuring your workflow this way, you turn a complex process into a simple, repeatable system. You save time, reduce errors, and provide a professional experience that encourages repeat business and glowing reviews. Now go ahead and streamline your making!

Ready to put this into practice?

Download our handy Pricing & Project Spreadsheet Template to get started.

Set up your Maker profile on «3D-2GO» and attract your first customers!

Later you can come back to our guide on pricing your service!

Sources used in this article:
3D-2GO Homepage
3D-2GO Guide on Pricing for 3D-Printing Services
3D-2GO Pricing & Project Spreadsheet Template
The Importance of Reviews in a Marketplace
Orca Slicer
Bambu Studio