How to Make Money with 3D Printer

Imagine taking a machine on your desk—no bigger than a coffee maker—and turning it into a stream of real income. That’s exactly what thousands of makers are doing in 2025, and yes, you can do it too. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves to tinker, learning how to make money with a 3D printer is one of the most rewarding side hustles available right now.

In this article, I’ll walk you through not just how to sell physical 3D prints, but how to market them, price them, and turn your ideas into a sustainable income stream—either on the side or as a full-time gig.

What You Need to Get Started

Let’s not complicate it. You only need a few essentials:

• A reliable 3D printer (FDM or resin-based)

• Filament or resin (PLA is a common starting point)

• A computer with slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer

• An internet connection

• Some free time and creativity

You don’t need a storefront, warehouse, or marketing team. Many people make thousands by selling from their spare rooms using nothing but Etsy, TikTok, and Facebook Marketplace.

Who Should Try 3D Printing for Profit?

• Makers and hobbyists who already love printing

• Designers and creatives who can create custom models

• Side hustlers looking for low-overhead income streams

• Parents, students, or remote workers seeking flexible work-from-home opportunities

If you love making things and aren’t afraid to learn a bit of business, this is for you.

Where to Sell 3D Prints in 2025

Here’s where the real money is made—knowing where to sell your creations.

Etsy: Still King for 3D Printed Goods

Etsy remains a powerhouse platform for handmade and niche items—including 3D prints. Home décor, gadgets, cosplay props, tabletop accessories, and planters do exceptionally well here.

Tips:

• Nail your photos and product descriptions

• Offer bundles and customization options

• Use Etsy’s SEO tools and tags wisely

• Expect to pay ~6.5% transaction fees

One creator earned $90,000+ on Etsy from just a couple of listings. That’s not an outlier—it’s a roadmap.

TikTok Shop: Viral Sales Machine

Short-form video is the future—and TikTok Shop has made it ridiculously easy to turn views into sales.

Post videos of your prints:

• Being made

• Painted or finished

• In funny or satisfying scenarios

A viral video doesn’t need thousands of followers to generate sales. You can sell directly from TikTok now, with integrated checkout. This alone is a game-changer.

Facebook Marketplace: Go Local

Sometimes you don’t need global reach—just local visibility. Facebook Marketplace lets you:

• Sell custom prints

• Offer bulk deals

• Meet business clients nearby

One creator met wholesale buyers just by listing a single print locally. It’s not flashy, but it works.

eBay: Optional but Viable

eBay can work, but it’s more logistics-heavy. You’ll deal with shipping disputes and buyer protection drama. Still, niche items like figurines and discontinued parts often sell well here.

How to Price Your 3D Prints

Don’t guess your pricing—calculate it.

Use 3D Print Force, a free online tool that calculates profit margins based on:

• Print time

• Filament weight

• Packaging and shipping costs

• Platform fees

• Target profit

Just input your data, set your goals, and get a real number you can build a business around.

Packaging and Shipping: Keep it Smart and Cheap

Shipping can kill your profits if you don’t plan ahead.

Essentials:

• Order boxes in bulk online

• Use painter’s paper as cheap filler

• Print shipping labels with a thermal printer

• Buy tape and labels in bulk from warehouse stores

• Add stickers, thank-you cards, and QR codes to build brand loyalty

Photos and Videos: Make It Look Like a Brand

People buy what they see, not what they read.

Use your smartphone and natural lighting or softbox lights for clean product shots. Or build a DIY photo booth using foam board and poster paper for pro-level shots.

Make short videos that show your product in action. Highlight:

• Print timelapse

• Assembly

• Features or function

• Satisfying audio or finish quality

In 2025, every listing should have a video. It boosts conversion, trust, and shares.

Selling STL Files for Passive Income

Want to skip the shipping entirely? Sell digital 3D models (STL files).

Where to list:

• Printables by Prusa

• MakerWorld

• Thangs

• Cults3D

• Patreon (subscription-based models)

Even one good model can earn you thousands if you license it properly. Offer personal use and resale licenses, or build a monthly subscription base.

Creators like ForgeCore and Hendrick Designs do exactly this—offering beautiful, high-demand models and letting others sell them too.

Licensing Your Designs

Here’s the next level. Design original models, then license them to other sellers.

You earn:

• Passive royalties

• Patreon revenue

• Exposure from other creators selling your design

It’s a win-win. You design, they print and sell. You both make money.

Tools & Software That Help You Sell Better

Tips for Your First 90 Days

• Start with 3–5 products max

• Focus on photo and video quality

• List on multiple platforms

• Track every cost (printer usage, filament, packaging)

• Ask for customer reviews

• Optimize listings with keywords

• Don’t underprice—your time and materials are valuable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pricing too low

• Not calculating shipping costs

• Using poor lighting or blurry photos

• Relying on one platform only

• Ignoring customer questions or feedback

• Not protecting your IP if you design original models

Conclusion

There’s never been a better time to learn how to make money with a 3D printer than in 2025. The tech is accessible, the demand is real, and the opportunity is wide open. Whether you’re creating stunning home décor, functional gadgets, cosplay props, or selling the files themselves—you’re building a business with every print.

Start small, keep learning, and take your 3D printing hustle from hobby to income stream. Your next sale could be one listing or one video away.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not provide financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. How2Cash.com may include affiliate links. If you use them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.