I think I’m done, hit my mental energy limit. I have a very small 3d design company, where I started by taking small projects, making the design and then selling it on either Etsy or Artisans coop. I’d also attend local craft fairs, or makers markets.

I’ve had a lot of fun and satisfaction doing this, solved some cool problems for people and made a small amount of money. (Mostly just paid for the printers)

But, the last three craft fairs I’ve attended I sold literally nothing at one, and only a few dollars at the others, Etsy sales have dried up and Artisans coop never got off the ground for me. I know I need to market, but I’ve been doing it without Meta/deadbird etc which is so tough.

So I think I’m done and just want a way out.

If anyone either has advice on how to sell this company (its an LLC) or if you are even interested in buying it, maybe DM me. I’ve got tons if filament, a pair of nice printers, probably a few dozen 3d designs plus a bunch of replacement parts for the printers. PrusaXL2T and Vivedino Troodon300 heavily modded.

  • duckythescientist@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    I’m an engineer not a business person, but it sounds like the business itself isn’t worth anything. No sales means I have no reason to believe the IP is financially worth anything. Registering an LLC is pretty cheap. The hardware and filament could maybe be sold for a few grand, but it doesn’t sound like you have a massive print farm or much infrastructure. Sorry to be a downer.

    I’ve heard that some people are interested in buying existing companies just so that they can have a company with some tax history. Maybe for slightly sketchy reasons. Almost like some people will buy old social media accounts.

    If you are parting things up, I’d consider buying the Prusa XL and maybe a dozen or two kg of filament, but I probably wouldn’t go above half the price of a new printer, and the filament I buy is already cheap. You may be better off keeping the printer to just have fun with it.

  • AmbiguousProps@lemmy.todayEnglish
    0·
    9 months ago

    You can probably blame the people selling 3d printed dragons and other slop at conventions for your sales drying up, assuming you don’t sell those. That fully made people think that 3d printing was a novelty, unfortunately.

    • roofuskit@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      9 months ago

      3D printing is extremely more accessible than it was 5 years ago. Most people who go to these craft fairs probably know someone who has, or has access to, a 3D printer. They are available at local libraries in many places. And most importantly, even $200-300 models are very reliable and easier to use now. These businesses are a dime a dozen on Etsy. YouTube has been flooded with videos of people saying “I made X in just one year 3D printing.” Since OP knows how to design they probably should have focused on 3D design and printing services for businesses using engineering materials instead of craft fairs.

      • SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.caEnglish
        0·
        9 months ago

        But that type of 3D printing is already ruled by CNC companies who can invest hundreds of thousands in the equipment, and have CAD experts. But even that has changed, as many companies are bringing engineering printing in house.

        Rule of business: don’t get into something anyone can do easily. This is why almost all restaurants fail within the first two years.