I’ve had several customers send me hand drawings which they want me to model and then print. This is fine, I’m happy to model stuff based on information they give me.

To make sure I get paid for my modeling work, I don’t to send the customer the .stl file until after they at least pay for the order. How can a customer place an order without a .stl file?

Have them create an enquiry, then convert it to an order? I’ve only done it the once, and I don’t recall if that gets around the stl requirement. I can start an enquiry with your Hub to test, if you’d like.

This is a case when being able to create an order and send it to a customer would be helpful.

Sure. Give it a try.

Nope. Can’t do it. Need a .stl file.

Maybe, I could just model a part with the same volume and upload it instead.

Ok. Maybe I can get it to work after all.

I had to add the 3d modeling service, then I could accept the order.

I could just upload a rectangular box so that the material volume is correct.

Excellent. I’m glad it worked

If I were you I would slice the model with my 3d printing software to find the amount of material used and how long it will take to print, then I would make an equivalent cube with holes in it that has the almost the same volume, weight and time and send it to the customer to upload. Then later would give the actual stl file.

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Hard to get it right. Looks like the customer can make an enquiry, owner can tirn it into an order, and then the owner can add a modelling charge with no stl.

Love this solution.