Pricing your 3D design work can be confusing — especially when you’re just starting out. Charge too little, and you’re undervalued. Charge too much, and clients may walk away. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set smart prices for your freelance 3D modeling services, templates, or custom STL files.
💰 1. Understand What You’re Charging For
Your price should reflect:
- Your time and effort
- Your software skills
- The complexity of the project
- Whether the model will be mass-produced or one-time-use
✅ Think like a designer and a business owner.
📐 2. Estimate Time + Complexity
Here’s a sample breakdown:
| Task | Time | Suggested Price |
|---|---|---|
| Simple nameplate (Tinkercad) | 15–30 min | ₹300–₹500 |
| Basic tool holder (FDM ready) | 1–2 hrs | ₹800–₹1500 |
| Functional part with tolerances | 2–5 hrs | ₹1500–₹4000 |
| Complex assembly / Mechanism | 6+ hrs | ₹5000+ |
✅ Tip: Use a timer while working to track real time spent.
🧩 3. Charge Based on Project Type
| Project Type | Pricing Strategy |
|---|---|
| One-time STL job | Fixed price (₹500–₹5000) |
| Bulk product design | Per-piece or per-hour |
| Modifications only | Lower rate or ₹/edit |
| Printable file for resale | Higher premium + license |
✅ Don’t give away reusable designs cheap.
📈 4. Offer Tiered Pricing (Good–Better–Best)
Let clients choose based on budget.
Example:
- 🟢 Basic STL only – ₹600
- 🔵 STL + Preview image – ₹900
- 🟣 STL + Render + 2 revisions – ₹1300
✅ Tiers help you earn more from clients who want extra service.
📦 5. Include Revision Policy
Avoid unlimited edits. Clearly say:
- Includes 1 free revision
- Extra changes ₹100–₹300 depending on scope
✅ Protects your time and sets expectations.
💸 6. Use Payment Gateways or Invoicing Tools
Accept payments via:
- PayPal (for international)
- UPI / Google Pay (India)
- Razorpay, Instamojo (for STL stores)
- Fiverr/Upwork (if platform-based)
✅ Always confirm payment terms before sending final files.
🎯 7. Don’t Undersell Yourself
Yes, clients want “cheap,” but:
- You’re offering a skill, not just a file
- Your time, tools, and creativity matter
- Undervaluing hurts all designers
✅ Raise your rates gradually as your portfolio grows.
🔗 Bonus from Trinity Layers:
We support new designers by:
- Suggesting pricing for your STL files
- Promoting your freelance offers
- Helping you turn requests into passive income
📬 Apply at TrinityLayers.in