Mate, I love one thing and hate another one…I love that your entire video it was you, no cuts on the video, no edits, I love when people don’t cut videos and show all the errors, etc etc…what I hate? The background music, turn it 50% more down. I love your naturalness and story! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for this informational video. I’m a 67 year old retired systems engineer who is dying of boredom. I’ve been looking at the Saturn 4K printer because I am interested in creating objects using the lost wax method. I also am proficient with Fusion 360 for drafting items and using Daz 3D modeling for creating human models. I never considered creating a business from my hobbies but, after watching your video, it sure sounds like fun. Since I live in rural eastern North Carolina I probably won’t drum up music business but, like I said, it will be fun. Again, thank you.
Let me know if you get into selling anything I’d like to be one of your first buyers , I’m 28 struggling with my creativity and I hope to be 67 still wanting to try new things
definitely the most down to earth advice, he didn't go with clickbait like how to make 100k sales in 3D printing but just the humble beginning of his journey! Love it
The death cubicle bit really hit me, I just graduated and I'm working as a mechanical design engineer right now and I hate that stupid cubicle. Thank you for posting this video, it helps me see that the freelance design and modeling I've always wanted to do isn't just a fantasy
as fellow mechanical engineer whos been out of school for 6 years now, 3d printing as a hobby and now as a side hustle has been a huge boost for my moral post-grad life. I feel like I'm innovating again. i wish i bought a 3d printer right out of school.
Lmfao, everyone hates the cubicle until they need a job. Every single graduate nowadays thinks they can start their own business or freelance full-time and never have to work for a company. It rarely ever works out
You have a very relatable way of explaining things. I'm basically the exact target audience for this video. I'll be taking you up on that email offer this weekend!
Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed to watch this video. I've always wanted to start a small prototyping/manufacturing business and this was like seeing what a successful version of myself could be if I just got out of my own way for once. Fingers crossed this will be the push I needed to finally do it.
You have no idea how much I needed this video right now. I've been a tool design engineer for about a year now and graduated at the end of last year. I want to make my own business, but had so much trouble figuring out where to start and what the best strategies are. Now I know that I just need to start simple and let it grow. I've got my job to fund my startup and I already have a printer that I am proficient at using + countless designs of my own. Thank you for this.
Bro, when you say, “I wanna leave my death cubicle that I hate” that really hits hard, that’s exactly how I feel. I would almost sell my legs and arms to get away from the vicious cycle.
"Just start moving in that direction" That's the quote of a lifetime right there. I remember when my parents got me my first 3d printer. It was about 6 years ago. An original Ender 3. I have printed thousands of hours of prints on it. I fell in love. I am currently a software engineer so I get the "death cubicle" reference. I sold to family friends on my website for a while and recently moved to etsy where I got my first real client. It is still early but I hop to work with them for months or years to come. Keep inspiring and remember we are bringing imagination to life one layer at a time!
Thank you for sharing your story. I started my own business as an electronics design consultant when I had a falling out with my employer one Friday in 1980. I am still not sure if I quit or was fired. Over the weekend my wife and I arranged our 4 kids into 2 bedrooms to free up a room for me. On the Monday I had a contract from the company to finish the project I was on. That enforced relationship only survived that one contract, but by the mid 80s I had a $250K manufacturing contract, making fire alarm boards for Chubb Fire. Three years later I was staring at the prospect of a park bench. It was a roller coaster ride! I retired in 2015, bought myself a 3D printer and kitted myself out to do electronics at home, and settled down to doing what I wanted, not what my customers wanted. Over the years I had designed and produced timing systems and scoreboards for Omega Timing, controllers for Carrier, and "fired" a $30B Utah company who thought they could treat me like dirt. But the thing I get most pleasure from is having helped several one man startups to get sophisticated electronic controls in their products. There are two pieces of advice I would give anyone aspiring to start a small business that is going to deal with large business: 1 Register a limited liability company (LLC in the US, Pty Ltd here in Australia) on Day One. Never operate as a sole trader and never sign a director's guarantee to get credit on supplies. Cultivate good relations with your suppliers. 2. Watch your cash flow and keep clients on a short leash with payments. 3. Learn enough about business law to understand contract law, offer and acceptance, and be very fastidious with how you word your quotes/offers/proposals. I once had to put a large $35B air conditioning company back in their box when they tried to override the formal terms of my offer with alternate wording on their $300K purchase order. That actually was a result of a 1 semester "business" unit in my engineering course back in 1969!
I have been 3d printing for 2 years myself. I have created in house parts for my previous boss. He paid well for my time spent Cad'ing up the part and printing materials. Sold a few things on facebook market place and like you put an ad on craiglist. The amount of spam i got from that ad really discouraged me. I still 3d print and create my own design. Thanks for the video, it encourage me to try again and hopefully land something worth while. Video liked.
"The product or service that you offer is what makes the name". This, is the gold. I'll modify that statement in one way. "The service you offer on the product you make is what makes your name". Nothing is ever without flaws. Your ability to service the client and make it right, when it's wrong, is what defines your company. Great stuff. Pair this with "perfection is the enemy of the possible" and I've got what I need for today in moving my efforts forward. THANKS! Subscribed!
This is fantastic. I love your honesty, I can see why your clients have approved of your services. I know when I was providing photography part time, it was difficult for me to price my own work based on competition & confidence in my own work. All of which is quite difficult when teaching yourself new skills. 3d Printing is much more approachable for me. A wider range of services/products. I appreciate how supportive you are of the community. Thank you for this video & inspiration.
I'm an engineering student with an ender 3 pro. I have a design idea I want to pursue, and I occasionally fulfil design and printing requests from other students because the campus printing lab costs too much. Right now it's just printer maintenance money, but this video shows me that I can do much more! Thank you.
Great great down-to-earth video. I see some on here boast I make 100k and you learn nothing…500k gross, net? Having been in business all my life I would only caution about the “one customer” is all you need. A very bad way to go. What happens when that one customer goes out of business or finds a another supplier. You could be wiped out overnight. Same with your suppliers. Always have more then one. Great example I had just today. Ordered an item and the supplier said his shipper was closed for two weeks and he only used one shipper. So I bought elsewhere and the item will be delivered tomorrow. Great video, wish you much success. I am 73, and love to see young people with such a great spirit .
i started my 3d printing and modeling service in 2020 and it definitely had its ups and downs but i was always excited to do a project and the amount of stuff I've learned was definitely the best
This is a ton of excellent advice in this video. I disagree somewhat about the single client idea because such arrangements always end at some point, but it is totally fine to start that way.
I've been stuck in the "I want to start a side gig" for decades now. You speak so chill and matter of fact. I love that! I'm subbed and appreciate your style. Thanks!
Wow, and amen. As I sit here at 5 am drinking my morning coffee, 3D printer whirring away making yet another 37 part Chatzky for someone as a gift, with all the parts to build a lithium battery on my workbench ready to go, I watched this video as I am waking up and BAM! What the hell am I doing? why am I not doing this? Then the first comment reads like the thoughts racing through my brain... then the realization hits. I am doing this; I'm just not getting paid to do it. So, thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, the (seriously, much appreciated) minimalistic outline of your start and ultimately your (realistic) success. Thank you thank you thank you! These next 50 years are mine.
All I can say is WOW! Finally a video that is really down to Earth and so many of us in the 3D printing community can relate to. This video was very well done and full of so many nuggets for anyone wanting to get into 3D printing as a business. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Subscribed and sent you out an email. Will watch your other videos now, thank you again. Best of luck with your business
"Cross that bridge when you come to it" is sound advice. I can relate to over analysis and it seems like you're learning to go with the flow. What I've taken from the video is that when you have a chance seize the opportunity and see where it takes you.
I'm glad I happened upon this. I've been wanting to start a 3D printing business, though I don't have a printer yet. I will do what it takes. We live in a time of opportunity, at the beginning of a manufacturing revolution. These new processes will change the world.
Thank you so much for posting this, and helping others who would compete with you. This is a competition from which all will benefit. You are a great man for sharing what you have learned.
Thank you for your video. I'm an architect, model railroader, diy'er and I always build a sketchup model first of anything I'm planning to build. I bought a Creality 6 about 3 years ago and did some useful stuff with it, but I couldn't keep any commitments to mass produce anything because it was just too finicky to keep the settings dialed in and tweaked. ETC. I just bought a pair of Bambu Labs P1S's and they run so good... My OA is about 98%. Week's pass between issues. Anyway, I'm gearing up for a novelty to sell at Christmas time... but after that, I think I'll advertise custom architectural models. And maybe some widgets. The first success story I heard about a 3d printing business was from a fellow who was selling mailbox flags. Again, thank you for your candid review of your business beginnings.
i recently bought a 3D printer for the purpose making some money on the side, and if possible branch towards and make an actual business from it, and i'm struggling on how to get started, this video was just thing i was looking for. Also your friend gave you the advice of a lifetime, "just start moving in that direction" those are words to live by
Thank you for sharing in a down to earth kinda way which everyone can understand. You just shared from your experience and kept everything simple. You didnt try to speak fancy etc etc like some people do. And it inspires me .
I just started my own thing similar to what you did in Craigslist, but on facebook marketplace a month ago. Still doing stuff like what you mentioned you did(mini toys and brackets and stuff). I planning to start selling on etsy soon, but so far going pretty good. Printer has broken down a few times, but already made my money back.
Grat story, thank you for sharing. As an automotive design engineer one advice, please take care of you safety precautions. Most sites do you mention it but carbon fiber prints can be pretty dangerous. You should under no circumstances breath that stuff in, unless you are okay with cancer. Same goes towards resin prints. Never touch or breath that stuff in.
You know what? I live in England, I'm in Europe, but I also want to do something in my old age. You gave me good advice and more transparency, thank you for sharing this knowledge. And it's free ... It is a very good alternative for people who can still do a lot in life using their many years of experience (e.g. engineering) but are no longer perceived attractively by the market. And that's probably the worst. You gather experience and knowledge over the years, and then there is nothing left. Nobody wants that. Managers of companies prefer to pay young people to keep making the same mistakes. Best regards and good luck to us :)
This was a great inspirational video, thank you for being so "sober" (or light is the correct word here idk tbh) it was really relatable and enlightening!
Love the fact that you make the meaty content relatable while keeping the cool factor to attract people. Your story is fantastic and that’s the route I want to take. Make a product that’s repeatable and related to an industry. If I can get some nerdy stuff going sure that’s cool but otherwise I like the mom and pop factory like design.
Hello Joe. Thanks a lot for your down to earth video about your business. I'm personally a designer/ product engineer and also want to start a business in the 3d-printing world. I can totally agree with you that a business stands or falls with the customer. If you have one who is paying for your product, time, design, etc. is all you need for the beginning. Returning customer are always the best was to push your business. Unfortunately the market in Germany is totally different from the US or other foreign countries. Here the customers are more reserved and it's a mess to get in touch with them or to get a a project from them which is profitable.
Thank you for the insperation ser. Today im posting an ad on craigslist . After 15 yrs of machining and working for giant companies its time to do my own thing. Honestly im freakin scared . Im getting layd off in 28 days from a company i thought was going to retire from . Ive never been layd off or fired through my entire career. Im really scared because im raising 6 children at age 35 . Overthinking everything is stopping me . Anyways thanks again for your video . Its truly an eye opener . subbed and will shoot you an email ser❤
The advice at 12:30 was something I really needed to hear... I always talk myself out of fully committing to something because I'm worried the client will ask me for something advanced I haven't done yet. I'm also such a perfectionist, like when I'm designing something to print with ink I'm working down to the pixel for hours then zoom out and realize it won't even be visible underneath a microscope lol
I've watched videos with with similar titles nonetheless, when I clicked on this vid, I had no idea I would be this inspired. You have a gift of conveyance.....incredibly personable.
This video has been so encouraging. I too have come up with a product i'll be doing through Amazon, following your example. So your videos, (seen two so far) have took so much of the fear out of this process. thanks.
Hey Joe, Im here in Australia, and your videos are great mate! I appreciate the chilled vive of your videos and your calm voice, There no bullshit and thats what i like!
holy crap - when you pointed to your head I really understood why I couldn't stop watching. I feel it's my worst enemy. Can't think of anything useful print lately. Thanks for the video - very much.
love this man.. keeping it raw and not so polished or expensive commercial or something to explain whet you just did. I really want to get into this. So many thing i want to make for myself but why not make a little money as well. Just lost as to where to begin. got ideas and all that. i just need to take the step
I'm a hobbyist that's thinking about starting a business just to see how it goes I'm still learning how to use CAD software and I have access to an old construction office trailer as a shop it needs work so it's far from usable at this time (wiring is a joke) I've rigged a Ender 3 pro to run PETG, ABS and TPU (I hope) plus I've successfully printed both wood and marble infused PLA. Your video was the first real advice on starting a business thank you!
Very nice video! The key takeaway is making what your client wants, be a service and going with the flow. I think this approach can be very hit-or-miss in the sea of 3D printing people competing to sell such service, especially in a metropolitan area. I develop products to sell and arguably can make models to sell whatever is trending, but damn I love making my own things too much so the market just isn't reacting my stuff. Marketing is tough too, no one buys from a no-body with an unfamiliar product that he/she doesn't know in the first place! Really it's hobby (things you make out of passion) vs business (popular things that sells) and the two rarely overlap.
I made around 6k selling the Kylo Ren Sabers in 2015. The biggest bucks is in making vintage action figures using resin printing. i.e. TMNT Scratch vintage figure sells for $1000...if you can make a replica people still pay 100$ for it
Thanks for this video! I am about to get out of the military, and getting my first 3d printer to start a side business in my small garage in southern California. Appreciate the advice!
Great video. I have been working professionally in fab labs and 3D printing for over 8 years now but I'm planning to move on and open up my own little business in 3D printing and making different products. Thanks for the encouragement :)
Joe thanks for the walk through. You share your experiences in an honest way and surely I can see why you have gained customers over the course of the business. You are indeed a marketing genius with or without a logo!
Just watched this and it hit me hard. I am in the same boat. Wanted to start something new and have a passion to create. Looking how to get my first start and the honesty and truth behind your video gave me some hope. Thank you.
This seems like great advice. I just acquired a 3d printer and I went ahead and posted on Craigslist. I am excited to hear what people have to say! It seems like a lot of work to find a product, post it on Etsy, market it, ship it out, etc. I just want to get down to printing and I don't want to worry about what will and won't sell. Hopefully, I will run into problems that will give me direction pretty soon.
Great video I have an Ender 3 Pro and just invented a product. I've been printing for about 4 years but now retired and having fun with my own machine. It is tough but all it takes is one or two clients and it's on... Thanks for the inspiration and I will follow you. Cheers Steve
Great video and very informative. The only thing to add is that whilst starting out a single client is great if profitable. As time progresses (if this becomes your profession and you leave you're death cubicle) you don't want to have a single client if you are doing custom jobs and do not have a product portfolio as you're full time profession. If you only have the one client to rely on if that work stops the cash flow stops.
Excellent video, thanks for sharing your honest journey. This is very similar to our journey 3D printing. We started our small manufacturing business by making small clips and connectors for a mini football helmet collector (he was our first repeat client). After that, we prototyped a table saw dust collection adapter to fit the saw and the vacuum hose and sold it on eBay ($200 or so per month). We now do between $800 and $2000 a month in products, and we do $1,000 to $3,000 in design and service work (CAD modeling). Always great to see people like you making it work. Cheers,
So glad I found this video. I am very new to 3D printing but beyond determined to make something big happen. I've focused on gaming content on my page mostly but am quickly shifting focus to 3D printing. Thank you for all of the advice.
"I'm just chasing my passion. I just wanna leave my death cubical that I hate" - That is exactly where I am at in my life, dude. The death cubicle that I hate. I have been doing finance for a leasing company for the past 3 years. I was THIS close to quitting with no plan recently. I thought about it for a bit and decided to ask about part time. My supervisor agreed to letting me go part time and hired an administrative assistant to handle the more monotonous tasks associated with my position. I now work 930-130 in my death cubicle and do 1:30-5:30 in my own office where I am trying to create my own 3D printing business. I am so determined to make it happen even more after watching this.
I agree about the one good client notion, as I had a PC Repair business which ended with COVID after 6 years. I enjoyed helping customers, but they always controlled my time. I would be waiting for a drop off or pickup, and have no shows. I would do B2B consults and then have the company not pay their invoices, I had to learn a lot as a one man show which was a challenge. I still have a solid handful of people I repair PCs for yet on the side of my current online sales business.
Wow the most straightforward video I’ve seen and not all about wasting money and trying to sell us on anything. You sir got yourself sub. I have a ender 3 pro and a reason printer just sitting here and was thinking about doing side jobs and you really encouraged me to start
I’ve made a successful business from 3D printing as well. I didn’t mind my cubicle all that much, but I do like to have the freedom of being a full-time business owner. There is so much to be learned from this video. No doubt. There is something you probably should have emphasized though. You LOVE this and probably did a great job for your employer. You weren’t just trying to “get out of your death cubicle”. How many people have the same mentality and will never achieve self-employment? What set you apart from them? You were doing what you PREFERRED… after your day job, when you could be doing other things. That’s why you would accept a couple dollars per part and be happy about it. Usually, when someone is striving for the end they give up from lack of “end”. What if the satisfaction was in the “end” AND the “means” by which you reach the end. If you love what you do and do what you love, you’ll do well in time and people will be happy to do business with you. You have to be passionate about your work. You have to be all in. Damn the consequences…
This was an awesome video. I’m hoping to head in the same direction and this video was exactly what I needed. “Just move in that direction” is so simple yet rock solid advice. Thank you!
OK, first congrat's on your business success- you come across as a good guy with a solid work ethic. I have worked for myself for a few years on and off mostly consulting - but I hate it because of the amount of travel required. So now I am in a regular 9 to 5 job which as it turns out in my recent job is really 7 to 7 plus Saturdays... yea, full on bull. i am tempted to go back to consulting but watching this video was super inspiring, maybe it hit me at just the right time I duno but I really do appreciate your information here, I am after all an engineer and you know what they say - you can take the boy out of the workshop but you can't take the workshop out of the boy! So now you got me interested in what else you have to say so I am going to go take a look and hopefully will see you around! Cheers.
Amazing stuff you’re sharing. I want to warn others of just ONE thing you said @ 11:00. I’m sure you know this, but I want to make sure it isn’t misinterpreted by the listeners: You said you only need just 1 good client to make a business. I would emphasize that you only need one good client to START a business, but you need a good spread of clients to have a successful and strong business. You may not have been in business long enough to feel the burn of your best client disappearing, whether it be that your contact there left the company, or they stop producing things that require you or they do it themselves. It happens. To diversify your portfolio of clients is crucial to stay in business, otherwise you may make the mistake of building a business based one the big fish in the pond and then when they go, you can’t support the expense of your large company.
I have seen this video before. It came across again today. I liked it the first time around. I like it again this time around! Love the real person story. Great work!
The business part you said was really on the spot, one client has the potential to either make of break and in my business ive been able to see that really well, awesomee video, keep up the good work
Great video and just what I needed to hear. I have had to stop working because of cancer. I am extremely lucky and should end up cured but life is going to be a bit different after treatment. I've spent my life working in construction. Always to an exacting standard of the highest quality . I now want to take my skills and working ethics in to creating prop and costume, decorative pieces and ornaments, selling my own pieces and commissions. It's the beginning of a new adventure.
Very well done video and great story. I am getting older and thinking about pulling the trigger to get one and see where it goes. Maybe get some supplemental income after a while of learning? Thanks.
"Just start moving in that direction". That's what I thought, good to have you back me up on that. As soon as I sit down for a couple of days and really get my hands dirty with 3D modelling I'll reward myself I'll lock things in by buying a 3D printer. I can use some simple programs to make basic things, but I really want to invest my time in Fusion360 so that I can snowball into some bigger ideas I have.
I really enjoyed this video! It was very encouraging and the parallels as I am starting out really emphasize to keep moving forward. Just do it. Trying to solve future problems is the anxiety a lot of consciencious people face. I have definitely learnt that the hard way and pleased to now solve the problem if/when it happens. Thank you, you have a sub.
Thank you for the Video Joe, you gave me an insight to how 3D printing business actually is and what a beginner should be looking out for. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for being so peaceful. All the videos I watch are People yelling and being too dramatic. It is very relaxing to listen to you and I feel I retain more informations because I am just less tensed.
I'm just about to start my new business; I'm going to be building 3D printers that can print sizes up to 2m*2m*2m, for a very very low price. Hopefully all goes well with me and I find this video relatable! The over analytical part, I remember one time I was sitting at my desk and analysing too much, that at the back of my head I felt two veins jumping. I just went to get a can of beer and cooled down. Starting a business is not easy,. It's like what Jeff bezos said, a business is like an engine, the difficult part is building it, starting it, and warming it up. As it keeps running it gets smoother and easier. All the best to you!
Hey I really appreciate your advice. I had a random desire to put my idle 3d printer to use and decided that if I am coming up with ideas to solve my problems other people could benefit. I have already started and have sold a couple items on eBay. I really feel it's just the start of something but I don't know what yet. Also I saw your map on your Craigslist screenshot and realized I'm about 10 minutes away from you 😂. Anyhow thanks for the encouragement and real world experience it helps me put my experience into perspective.
@@MartinsonManufacturing Can confirm, that's good stuff. I started with an Anet A8 Chinese knockoff of a Prusa MK 2 & when I upgraded to a spring steel plate & G10 sheets it was an absolute game changer. I'm not even doing this as a business (yet) but the time saved in not dealing with bed adhesion issues, and just popping parts off was 100% worth the time saved.
If you ever wondered: Why is it difficult to get help, this man is giving you the answer. Skilled people learn very quickly not to waste their time with people who are focused on cheap. Tons of time, little reward. Think about it. You're getting the help with your ideas and concepts that your dollar commands. If you don't have much, demand less. Be aware of the time your taking. If your spending $30 and expect a 30 minute conversation, you're moving down the list. Move up the list.
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
Mate, I love one thing and hate another one…I love that your entire video it was you, no cuts on the video, no edits, I love when people don’t cut videos and show all the errors, etc etc…what I hate? The background music, turn it 50% more down. I love your naturalness and story! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for this informational video. I’m a 67 year old retired systems engineer who is dying of boredom. I’ve been looking at the Saturn 4K printer because I am interested in creating objects using the lost wax method. I also am proficient with Fusion 360 for drafting items and using Daz 3D modeling for creating human models. I never considered creating a business from my hobbies but, after watching your video, it sure sounds like fun. Since I live in rural eastern North Carolina I probably won’t drum up music business but, like I said, it will be fun. Again, thank you.
67 years old? You are still young. Don’t let your energy and skills go to waste 🧚🏼♂️
Never met a bad Joe in my life.
@@josephmcc234dy3 Joe Biden
Saturn 2 exists now, 8k resolution, larger build volume, costs a bit more.
Let me know if you get into selling anything I’d like to be one of your first buyers , I’m 28 struggling with my creativity and I hope to be 67 still wanting to try new things
definitely the most down to earth advice, he didn't go with clickbait like how to make 100k sales in 3D printing but just the humble beginning of his journey! Love it
The death cubicle bit really hit me, I just graduated and I'm working as a mechanical design engineer right now and I hate that stupid cubicle. Thank you for posting this video, it helps me see that the freelance design and modeling I've always wanted to do isn't just a fantasy
I also feel this pain.
as fellow mechanical engineer whos been out of school for 6 years now, 3d printing as a hobby and now as a side hustle has been a huge boost for my moral post-grad life. I feel like I'm innovating again. i wish i bought a 3d printer right out of school.
I feel you 100%
Lmfao, everyone hates the cubicle until they need a job. Every single graduate nowadays thinks they can start their own business or freelance full-time and never have to work for a company. It rarely ever works out
@@Snail641talk about killer of joy. Nobody is saying quit your job here…
You have a very relatable way of explaining things. I'm basically the exact target audience for this video. I'll be taking you up on that email offer this weekend!
So cool, thanks for the encouragement! I’m free to chat more whenever!
Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed to watch this video. I've always wanted to start a small prototyping/manufacturing business and this was like seeing what a successful version of myself could be if I just got out of my own way for once. Fingers crossed this will be the push I needed to finally do it.
That’s awesome man, I wish you the best on your journey!
9 months later, did it pan out?
Same here
@@LucaashX
How has it been working out?
You have no idea how much I needed this video right now. I've been a tool design engineer for about a year now and graduated at the end of last year. I want to make my own business, but had so much trouble figuring out where to start and what the best strategies are. Now I know that I just need to start simple and let it grow. I've got my job to fund my startup and I already have a printer that I am proficient at using + countless designs of my own. Thank you for this.
So awesome, thank you for sharing. Wish you the best my friend!
Bro, when you say, “I wanna leave my death cubicle that I hate” that really hits hard, that’s exactly how I feel. I would almost sell my legs and arms to get away from the vicious cycle.
Wow, thanks for being real. Hope you can get something else going soon to get out.
yeah, same. Althoug in my case i dont have any monetary leftover to invest.
when you do that, you won't walk away that easy
Ok how would you get away without an arm and a leg? Dude just the arms would do.
@@frans2111 lol
Advice at the end about "don't get too analytical, just do it!" is such great advice. never hurts to hear it more
"Just start moving in that direction" That's the quote of a lifetime right there. I remember when my parents got me my first 3d printer. It was about 6 years ago. An original Ender 3. I have printed thousands of hours of prints on it. I fell in love. I am currently a software engineer so I get the "death cubicle" reference. I sold to family friends on my website for a while and recently moved to etsy where I got my first real client. It is still early but I hop to work with them for months or years to come. Keep inspiring and remember we are bringing imagination to life one layer at a time!
How is it going? I'm going to start on Etsy on a few months, is it really hard?
Great video as always, my sister says "perfection is the enemy of the possible" and I'm trying to apply that motto to my path
Wow, that’s an amazing quote!
"Perfection is the enemy of progress" - Winston Churchill
@@Primarch_VulkanThanks! it's nice to know the original quote and it's origin
My therapist always said "Your perfectionism is an avoidance technique". yeah, your sister is right!
Thank you for sharing your story. I started my own business as an electronics design consultant when I had a falling out with my employer one Friday in 1980. I am still not sure if I quit or was fired. Over the weekend my wife and I arranged our 4 kids into 2 bedrooms to free up a room for me. On the Monday I had a contract from the company to finish the project I was on. That enforced relationship only survived that one contract, but by the mid 80s I had a $250K manufacturing contract, making fire alarm boards for Chubb Fire. Three years later I was staring at the prospect of a park bench. It was a roller coaster ride!
I retired in 2015, bought myself a 3D printer and kitted myself out to do electronics at home, and settled down to doing what I wanted, not what my customers wanted. Over the years I had designed and produced timing systems and scoreboards for Omega Timing, controllers for Carrier, and "fired" a $30B Utah company who thought they could treat me like dirt. But the thing I get most pleasure from is having helped several one man startups to get sophisticated electronic controls in their products.
There are two pieces of advice I would give anyone aspiring to start a small business that is going to deal with large business:
1 Register a limited liability company (LLC in the US, Pty Ltd here in Australia) on Day One. Never operate as a sole trader and never sign a director's guarantee to get credit on supplies. Cultivate good relations with your suppliers.
2. Watch your cash flow and keep clients on a short leash with payments.
3. Learn enough about business law to understand contract law, offer and acceptance, and be very fastidious with how you word your quotes/offers/proposals. I once had to put a large $35B air conditioning company back in their box when they tried to override the formal terms of my offer with alternate wording on their $300K purchase order. That actually was a result of a 1 semester "business" unit in my engineering course back in 1969!
I have been 3d printing for 2 years myself. I have created in house parts for my previous boss. He paid well for my time spent Cad'ing up the part and printing materials. Sold a few things on facebook market place and like you put an ad on craiglist. The amount of spam i got from that ad really discouraged me. I still 3d print and create my own design. Thanks for the video, it encourage me to try again and hopefully land something worth while. Video liked.
"The product or service that you offer is what makes the name". This, is the gold. I'll modify that statement in one way. "The service you offer on the product you make is what makes your name". Nothing is ever without flaws. Your ability to service the client and make it right, when it's wrong, is what defines your company. Great stuff. Pair this with "perfection is the enemy of the possible" and I've got what I need for today in moving my efforts forward. THANKS! Subscribed!
This is fantastic. I love your honesty, I can see why your clients have approved of your services. I know when I was providing photography part time, it was difficult for me to price my own work based on competition & confidence in my own work. All of which is quite difficult when teaching yourself new skills.
3d Printing is much more approachable for me. A wider range of services/products. I appreciate how supportive you are of the community. Thank you for this video & inspiration.
I'm an engineering student with an ender 3 pro. I have a design idea I want to pursue, and I occasionally fulfil design and printing requests from other students because the campus printing lab costs too much. Right now it's just printer maintenance money, but this video shows me that I can do much more! Thank you.
i work in software consulting, this is great work. Your story and advice can apply to many business ideas and not just 3dprinting. Keep it up!
Great great down-to-earth video. I see some on here boast I make 100k and you learn nothing…500k gross, net? Having been in business all my life I would only caution about the “one customer” is all you need. A very bad way to go. What happens when that one customer goes out of business or finds a another supplier. You could be wiped out overnight. Same with your suppliers. Always have more then one. Great example I had just today. Ordered an item and the supplier said his shipper was closed for two weeks and he only used one shipper. So I bought elsewhere and the item will be delivered tomorrow. Great video, wish you much success. I am 73, and love to see young people with such a great spirit .
i started my 3d printing and modeling service in 2020 and it definitely had its ups and downs but i was always excited to do a project and the amount of stuff I've learned was definitely the best
i charged $5/hour based on the print time i use a 3d printing calculator that's on omni calculator it definitely is a good one
This is a ton of excellent advice in this video. I disagree somewhat about the single client idea because such arrangements always end at some point, but it is totally fine to start that way.
I've been stuck in the "I want to start a side gig" for decades now. You speak so chill and matter of fact. I love that! I'm subbed and appreciate your style. Thanks!
Wow, and amen. As I sit here at 5 am drinking my morning coffee, 3D printer whirring away making yet another 37 part Chatzky for someone as a gift, with all the parts to build a lithium battery on my workbench ready to go, I watched this video as I am waking up and BAM! What the hell am I doing? why am I not doing this? Then the first comment reads like the thoughts racing through my brain... then the realization hits. I am doing this; I'm just not getting paid to do it. So, thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, the (seriously, much appreciated) minimalistic outline of your start and ultimately your (realistic) success. Thank you thank you thank you! These next 50 years are mine.
How you generated your quotes is God damned hilarious. "Can you give me a quote.... So i can undercut you by 50%" Absolute power move
All I can say is WOW! Finally a video that is really down to Earth and so many of us in the 3D printing community can relate to. This video was very well done and full of so many nuggets for anyone wanting to get into 3D printing as a business. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Subscribed and sent you out an email. Will watch your other videos now, thank you again. Best of luck with your business
Thanks Nick :)
Had exactly the same questions starting, printer in the living room... wish you all the best
"Cross that bridge when you come to it" is sound advice. I can relate to over analysis and it seems like you're learning to go with the flow. What I've taken from the video is that when you have a chance seize the opportunity and see where it takes you.
I'm glad I happened upon this. I've been wanting to start a 3D printing business, though I don't have a printer yet. I will do what it takes. We live in a time of opportunity, at the beginning of a manufacturing revolution. These new processes will change the world.
Thank you so much for posting this, and helping others who would compete with you. This is a competition from which all will benefit. You are a great man for sharing what you have learned.
Your transparency is refreshing and has earned you my sub.
Thank you for your video. I'm an architect, model railroader, diy'er and I always build a sketchup model first of anything I'm planning to build. I bought a Creality 6 about 3 years ago and did some useful stuff with it, but I couldn't keep any commitments to mass produce anything because it was just too finicky to keep the settings dialed in and tweaked. ETC. I just bought a pair of Bambu Labs P1S's and they run so good... My OA is about 98%. Week's pass between issues. Anyway, I'm gearing up for a novelty to sell at Christmas time... but after that, I think I'll advertise custom architectural models. And maybe some widgets. The first success story I heard about a 3d printing business was from a fellow who was selling mailbox flags. Again, thank you for your candid review of your business beginnings.
i recently bought a 3D printer for the purpose making some money on the side, and if possible branch towards and make an actual business from it, and i'm struggling on how to get started, this video was just thing i was looking for.
Also your friend gave you the advice of a lifetime, "just start moving in that direction" those are words to live by
One of the most wholesome videos I watched about “start your own [INSERT INDUSTRY] business” in a long while.
Keep it up! 👍
Thank you for sharing in a down to earth kinda way which everyone can understand. You just shared from your experience and kept everything simple. You didnt try to speak fancy etc etc like some people do. And it inspires me .
I just started my own thing similar to what you did in Craigslist, but on facebook marketplace a month ago. Still doing stuff like what you mentioned you did(mini toys and brackets and stuff). I planning to start selling on etsy soon, but so far going pretty good. Printer has broken down a few times, but already made my money back.
Dude, that’s awesome to hear that your starting and putting yourself out there man! Best of luck to you my friend!
Any updates??
Grat story, thank you for sharing. As an automotive design engineer one advice, please take care of you safety precautions. Most sites do you mention it but carbon fiber prints can be pretty dangerous. You should under no circumstances breath that stuff in, unless you are okay with cancer. Same goes towards resin prints. Never touch or breath that stuff in.
You know what? I live in England, I'm in Europe, but I also want to do something in my old age.
You gave me good advice and more transparency, thank you for sharing this knowledge. And it's free ...
It is a very good alternative for people who can still do a lot in life using their many years of experience (e.g. engineering) but are no longer perceived attractively by the market.
And that's probably the worst. You gather experience and knowledge over the years, and then there is nothing left. Nobody wants that.
Managers of companies prefer to pay young people to keep making the same mistakes.
Best regards and good luck to us :)
This was a great inspirational video, thank you for being so "sober" (or light is the correct word here idk tbh) it was really relatable and enlightening!
Love the fact that you make the meaty content relatable while keeping the cool factor to attract people. Your story is fantastic and that’s the route I want to take. Make a product that’s repeatable and related to an industry. If I can get some nerdy stuff going sure that’s cool but otherwise I like the mom and pop factory like design.
Appreciate the lack of clickbait or milking the video for the longest possible watch time. Subbed
Hello Joe. Thanks a lot for your down to earth video about your business. I'm personally a designer/ product engineer and also want to start a business in the 3d-printing world. I can totally agree with you that a business stands or falls with the customer. If you have one who is paying for your product, time, design, etc. is all you need for the beginning. Returning customer are always the best was to push your business. Unfortunately the market in Germany is totally different from the US or other foreign countries. Here the customers are more reserved and it's a mess to get in touch with them or to get a a project from them which is profitable.
Also, people here wouldn't pay over 100 dollars for a design piece that you can create within 10 minutes.
Thank you for the insperation ser. Today im posting an ad on craigslist . After 15 yrs of machining and working for giant companies its time to do my own thing. Honestly im freakin scared . Im getting layd off in 28 days from a company i thought was going to retire from . Ive never been layd off or fired through my entire career. Im really scared because im raising 6 children at age 35 . Overthinking everything is stopping me . Anyways thanks again for your video . Its truly an eye opener . subbed and will shoot you an email ser❤
The advice at 12:30 was something I really needed to hear... I always talk myself out of fully committing to something because I'm worried the client will ask me for something advanced I haven't done yet. I'm also such a perfectionist, like when I'm designing something to print with ink I'm working down to the pixel for hours then zoom out and realize it won't even be visible underneath a microscope lol
I hear you! The advise at 12:30 was for both of us! Glad you were encouraged by it.
I've watched videos with with similar titles nonetheless, when I clicked on this vid, I had no idea I would be this inspired. You have a gift of conveyance.....incredibly personable.
This video has been so encouraging. I too have come up with a product i'll be doing through Amazon, following your example. So your videos, (seen two so far) have took so much of the fear out of this process. thanks.
That's awesome man thanks for sharing.
Hey Joe, Im here in Australia, and your videos are great mate! I appreciate the chilled vive of your videos and your calm voice, There no bullshit and thats what i like!
This is super helpful. You have broken it down very simply, and lets me know that I am on the right track! Thanks Man!
Glad it was helpful!
holy crap - when you pointed to your head I really understood why I couldn't stop watching. I feel it's my worst enemy. Can't think of anything useful print lately. Thanks for the video - very much.
love this man.. keeping it raw and not so polished or expensive commercial or something to explain whet you just did. I really want to get into this. So many thing i want to make for myself but why not make a little money as well. Just lost as to where to begin. got ideas and all that. i just need to take the step
I'm a hobbyist that's thinking about starting a business just to see how it goes I'm still learning how to use CAD software and I have access to an old construction office trailer as a shop it needs work so it's far from usable at this time (wiring is a joke) I've rigged a Ender 3 pro to run PETG, ABS and TPU (I hope) plus I've successfully printed both wood and marble infused PLA. Your video was the first real advice on starting a business thank you!
Awesome, best of luck to you!
Very nice video! The key takeaway is making what your client wants, be a service and going with the flow. I think this approach can be very hit-or-miss in the sea of 3D printing people competing to sell such service, especially in a metropolitan area. I develop products to sell and arguably can make models to sell whatever is trending, but damn I love making my own things too much so the market just isn't reacting my stuff. Marketing is tough too, no one buys from a no-body with an unfamiliar product that he/she doesn't know in the first place! Really it's hobby (things you make out of passion) vs business (popular things that sells) and the two rarely overlap.
I'm just starting up myself Joe, and this was the video I needed to see/hear! Thank you!!
Just bought a 3 in one printer cnc and laser. This is exactly the direction I want to go. thank you for this.
I made around 6k selling the Kylo Ren Sabers in 2015. The biggest bucks is in making vintage action figures using resin printing. i.e. TMNT Scratch vintage figure sells for $1000...if you can make a replica people still pay 100$ for it
Thanks for this video! I am about to get out of the military, and getting my first 3d printer to start a side business in my small garage in southern California. Appreciate the advice!
Great video. I have been working professionally in fab labs and 3D printing for over 8 years now but I'm planning to move on and open up my own little business in 3D printing and making different products. Thanks for the encouragement :)
You sound like my kind of person!
That’s awesome to hear, I wish you the best on your entrepreneurial journey!
With over 8 printers as a "hobby" I think I'm going to take that step forward upon this decision and see how it goes. Thanks :)
This has been the most inspiring and motivating video on starting my own business that I've seen in a while.
So cool Michael, thank you for sharing!
Joe thanks for the walk through. You share your experiences in an honest way and surely I can see why you have gained customers over the course of the business. You are indeed a marketing genius with or without a logo!
Just watched this and it hit me hard. I am in the same boat. Wanted to start something new and have a passion to create. Looking how to get my first start and the honesty and truth behind your video gave me some hope. Thank you.
Have you taken the first step yet? I want an update lol
This seems like great advice. I just acquired a 3d printer and I went ahead and posted on Craigslist. I am excited to hear what people have to say! It seems like a lot of work to find a product, post it on Etsy, market it, ship it out, etc. I just want to get down to printing and I don't want to worry about what will and won't sell. Hopefully, I will run into problems that will give me direction pretty soon.
Great video I have an Ender 3 Pro and just invented a product. I've been printing for about 4 years but now retired and having fun with my own machine. It is tough but all it takes is one or two clients and it's on... Thanks for the inspiration and I will follow you. Cheers Steve
Great video and very informative. The only thing to add is that whilst starting out a single client is great if profitable. As time progresses (if this becomes your profession and you leave you're death cubicle) you don't want to have a single client if you are doing custom jobs and do not have a product portfolio as you're full time profession. If you only have the one client to rely on if that work stops the cash flow stops.
Yes, this video was really encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
Glad to hear it John, thanks for sharing.
thank you, for the info, i learned some good stuff. i got some descent skills just didnt know the real meat of actually starting up
You seem chill as anything mate. Good, simple video, straight to the point, no fluff 👌
Excellent video, thanks for sharing your honest journey.
This is very similar to our journey 3D printing. We started our small manufacturing business by making small clips and connectors for a mini football helmet collector (he was our first repeat client). After that, we prototyped a table saw dust collection adapter to fit the saw and the vacuum hose and sold it on eBay ($200 or so per month). We now do between $800 and $2000 a month in products, and we do $1,000 to $3,000 in design and service work (CAD modeling).
Always great to see people like you making it work.
Cheers,
Dude, that's awesome man. Keep up the great work. Looks like you got some solid videos on your channel too. Love the consistent thumbnails.
@@MartinsonManufacturing Thanks for the props man. Awesome for you, too!
I appreciate your honestly and that you go into the nitty gritty, that stuff matters so much and people always gloss over it
Great video! So, did you have any experience in 3d design prior to getting into this? Also, what software do you use to render your designs?
So glad I found this video. I am very new to 3D printing but beyond determined to make something big happen. I've focused on gaming content on my page mostly but am quickly shifting focus to 3D printing. Thank you for all of the advice.
"I'm just chasing my passion. I just wanna leave my death cubical that I hate" - That is exactly where I am at in my life, dude. The death cubicle that I hate. I have been doing finance for a leasing company for the past 3 years. I was THIS close to quitting with no plan recently. I thought about it for a bit and decided to ask about part time. My supervisor agreed to letting me go part time and hired an administrative assistant to handle the more monotonous tasks associated with my position. I now work 930-130 in my death cubicle and do 1:30-5:30 in my own office where I am trying to create my own 3D printing business. I am so determined to make it happen even more after watching this.
I agree about the one good client notion, as I had a PC Repair business which ended with COVID after 6 years. I enjoyed helping customers, but they always controlled my time. I would be waiting for a drop off or pickup, and have no shows. I would do B2B consults and then have the company not pay their invoices, I had to learn a lot as a one man show which was a challenge. I still have a solid handful of people I repair PCs for yet on the side of my current online sales business.
Wow the most straightforward video I’ve seen and not all about wasting money and trying to sell us on anything. You sir got yourself sub. I have a ender 3 pro and a reason printer just sitting here and was thinking about doing side jobs and you really encouraged me to start
So awesome, thanks for sharing.
I'm a first time viewer. Fantastic video with great advice. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve made a successful business from 3D printing as well. I didn’t mind my cubicle all that much, but I do like to have the freedom of being a full-time business owner. There is so much to be learned from this video. No doubt. There is something you probably should have emphasized though. You LOVE this and probably did a great job for your employer. You weren’t just trying to “get out of your death cubicle”. How many people have the same mentality and will never achieve self-employment? What set you apart from them? You were doing what you PREFERRED… after your day job, when you could be doing other things. That’s why you would accept a couple dollars per part and be happy about it. Usually, when someone is striving for the end they give up from lack of “end”. What if the satisfaction was in the “end” AND the “means” by which you reach the end. If you love what you do and do what you love, you’ll do well in time and people will be happy to do business with you. You have to be passionate about your work. You have to be all in. Damn the consequences…
Well said my friend. Wishing you the best in your business.
The phrase "You'll figure it out when you get there." Is what made me subscribe.
This was an awesome video. I’m hoping to head in the same direction and this video was exactly what I needed. “Just move in that direction” is so simple yet rock solid advice. Thank you!
OK, first congrat's on your business success- you come across as a good guy with a solid work ethic. I have worked for myself for a few years on and off mostly consulting - but I hate it because of the amount of travel required. So now I am in a regular 9 to 5 job which as it turns out in my recent job is really 7 to 7 plus Saturdays... yea, full on bull.
i am tempted to go back to consulting but watching this video was super inspiring, maybe it hit me at just the right time I duno but I really do appreciate your information here, I am after all an engineer and you know what they say - you can take the boy out of the workshop but you can't take the workshop out of the boy!
So now you got me interested in what else you have to say so I am going to go take a look and hopefully will see you around! Cheers.
Amazing stuff you’re sharing. I want to warn others of just ONE thing you said @ 11:00. I’m sure you know this, but I want to make sure it isn’t misinterpreted by the listeners:
You said you only need just 1 good client to make a business. I would emphasize that you only need one good client to START a business, but you need a good spread of clients to have a successful and strong business. You may not have been in business long enough to feel the burn of your best client disappearing, whether it be that your contact there left the company, or they stop producing things that require you or they do it themselves. It happens. To diversify your portfolio of clients is crucial to stay in business, otherwise you may make the mistake of building a business based one the big fish in the pond and then when they go, you can’t support the expense of your large company.
I really liked the way you told your story. It's true, calm and helpful. All the best for your business!
love the advice, also stuck in a job im not happy about and want to be where you're at one day!
I have seen this video before. It came across again today. I liked it the first time around. I like it again this time around! Love the real person story. Great work!
This is a great video. Especially love the bit about getting quotes, in order to establish your own prices.
I’m about to purchase my first 3d printer and my goal is exactly the same. I really appreciate this video!
Thank you for caring enough to share this info, and thank you again for your time that it took to make this video brotha:)
My pleasure!
The business part you said was really on the spot, one client has the potential to either make of break and in my business ive been able to see that really well, awesomee video, keep up the good work
Thank you!
Very good advice I am at the early stage of my 3d print farm
Great video and just what I needed to hear. I have had to stop working because of cancer. I am extremely lucky and should end up cured but life is going to be a bit different after treatment. I've spent my life working in construction. Always to an exacting standard of the highest quality . I now want to take my skills and working ethics in to creating prop and costume, decorative pieces and ornaments, selling my own pieces and commissions. It's the beginning of a new adventure.
Probably the best advice I've heard when starting a business.
Very well done video and great story. I am getting older and thinking about pulling the trigger to get one and see where it goes. Maybe get some supplemental income after a while of learning? Thanks.
Thank you for this! I just started my business and you just saved me from some pitfalls!
"Just start moving in that direction".
That's what I thought, good to have you back me up on that. As soon as I sit down for a couple of days and really get my hands dirty with 3D modelling I'll reward myself I'll lock things in by buying a 3D printer.
I can use some simple programs to make basic things, but I really want to invest my time in Fusion360 so that I can snowball into some bigger ideas I have.
I really enjoyed this video! It was very encouraging and the parallels as I am starting out really emphasize to keep moving forward. Just do it. Trying to solve future problems is the anxiety a lot of consciencious people face. I have definitely learnt that the hard way and pleased to now solve the problem if/when it happens. Thank you, you have a sub.
Thank you for the Video Joe, you gave me an insight to how 3D printing business actually is and what a beginner should be looking out for. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for being so peaceful. All the videos I watch are People yelling and being too dramatic. It is very relaxing to listen to you and I feel I retain more informations because I am just less tensed.
Very helpful and encouraging, I'm getting into the CNC router side, I just got my Shapeoko 5 Pro 4x4' yesterday.
Seriously great video. Thanks for making it. I’m seriously considering getting both types of printers and seeing where it can go.
I'm just about to start my new business; I'm going to be building 3D printers that can print sizes up to 2m*2m*2m, for a very very low price. Hopefully all goes well with me and I find this video relatable! The over analytical part, I remember one time I was sitting at my desk and analysing too much, that at the back of my head I felt two veins jumping. I just went to get a can of beer and cooled down. Starting a business is not easy,. It's like what Jeff bezos said, a business is like an engine, the difficult part is building it, starting it, and warming it up. As it keeps running it gets smoother and easier. All the best to you!
Thanks for the comment. Best of luck to you. Let me know when finish building that 2m printer!
Wow this is amazing! Great job sharing this story - some excellent lessons in here!!
Hey I really appreciate your advice. I had a random desire to put my idle 3d printer to use and decided that if I am coming up with ideas to solve my problems other people could benefit. I have already started and have sold a couple items on eBay. I really feel it's just the start of something but I don't know what yet. Also I saw your map on your Craigslist screenshot and realized I'm about 10 minutes away from you 😂. Anyhow thanks for the encouragement and real world experience it helps me put my experience into perspective.
Hey! Try using a sheet made of G10 material for your bed! Has great adhesion for prints and is durable!
Thanks for mentioning, I’ll check that out!
@@MartinsonManufacturing Can confirm, that's good stuff. I started with an Anet A8 Chinese knockoff of a Prusa MK 2 & when I upgraded to a spring steel plate & G10 sheets it was an absolute game changer. I'm not even doing this as a business (yet) but the time saved in not dealing with bed adhesion issues, and just popping parts off was 100% worth the time saved.
That’s awesome, thanks for sharing. Where did you get your G10 sheet from?
@@MartinsonManufacturing McMaster Carr has them, a lot of people get them there.
Thanks!
If you ever wondered: Why is it difficult to get help, this man is giving you the answer. Skilled people learn very quickly not to waste their time with people who are focused on cheap. Tons of time, little reward. Think about it. You're getting the help with your ideas and concepts that your dollar commands. If you don't have much, demand less. Be aware of the time your taking. If your spending $30 and expect a 30 minute conversation, you're moving down the list. Move up the list.
Well said Dave
Hi Joe. Great video and great insights about the business.
How did you find your first clients that you mentioned here?