So you want to start farming

Start with a plan

3/19/20252 min read

The first Steps to Starting Your 3D Printing Business involve a mix of planning, setup, and marketing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started the right way:

Step 1: Define Your Niche & Business Model

  • Before buying a printer, decide what you’ll sell and who your customers are:

  • Custom Prints – Offer personalized designs (nameplates, keychains, cosplay props).

  • Miniatures & Models – Print D&D figures, board game pieces, collectibles.

  • Functional Parts – Replacement parts, brackets, enclosures, and industrial items.

  • Prototyping Services – Help businesses or inventors bring ideas to life.

💡 Tip: Research Etsy, eBay, or local markets to see trending & profitable products.

Step 2: Get the Right 3D Printer & Materials

Pick a printer based on your niche:

  • FDM Printers (Filament-based) → Bambu Lab X1C, Prusa MK4, Creality K1 (for functional parts, large prints).

  • Resin Printers (SLA/DLP) → Anycubic Photon M5S, Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra (for high-detail miniatures, jewelry).

Other essentials:

  • Filaments & Resin – PLA, PETG for FDM; standard or ABS-like resin for SLA.

  • Post-Processing Tools – Sandpaper, paint, adhesives, resin wash station.

  • Spare Parts – Nozzles, hot ends, resin vats, FEP films for maintenance.

💡 Tip: Start with one or two printers and expand as demand grows.

Step 3: Set Up Your Business (Legal & Financials)

  • Register Your Business – Choose a business name (Monkey Craft) and register it as an LLC or Sole Proprietorship.

  • Get a Tax ID (EIN) – Needed for taxes and opening a business bank account.

  • Set Up Business Banking & Payments – Separate your personal and business finances.

  • Research Licenses & Permits – Check local regulations for running a home-based business.

💡 Tip: Keep track of expenses using QuickBooks or Google Sheets.

Step 4: Build Your Online Presence and make sure your website has:

  • E-commerce Store – Sell prints, accept orders.

  • Portfolio/Gallery – Show off past projects.

  • Custom Quote Form – Let customers request custom prints.

  • SEO & Marketing – Optimize for Google search.

💡 Tip: Also list on Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace for extra visibility.

Step 5: Price Your Products & Services 💰

To price your prints, factor in:

  • Material Costs – Filament, resin, power usage.

  • Print Time – Charge per hour of printing.

  • Post-Processing – Time spent sanding, painting, etc.

  • Shipping & Packaging – Boxes, labels, and delivery fees.

💡 Example Pricing:

A small custom keychain (low material, 2-hour print) → $10-$15

A high-detail mini-figurine (resin, post-processing) → $30-$50

A functional replacement part (PETG, 4-hour print) → $20-$40

Step 6: Market Your Business & Get Customers

  • Social Media: Post on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook (share time-lapses, final prints).

  • YouTube/TikTok: Create tutorials or “satisfying print” videos.

  • Local Networking: Offer services to schools, local businesses, and makerspaces.

  • Run Ads & Giveaways: Offer discounts or free prints to gain traction.

💡 Tip: Hashtags & SEO matter! Use hashtags like #3DPrinting, #Custom3DPrints, #EtsyShop to attract buyers.

Step 7: Scale & Improve Your Business

Once orders start flowing:

  • Add more printers to increase production.

  • Automate processes (OctoPrint for remote monitoring).

  • Expand your product line (offer more designs, kits, or subscription services).

  • Partner with businesses (manufacturers, architects, local stores).

💡 Tip: And finally always remember you will be successful, just put in the time!

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