1

I just had a customer cancel an order, but I think there is a solution to keep this from happening again.

Basically, a customer uploaded a file to my hub (a small ring ~0.6cm3), and received an automatic quote as usual (in my case, $10 startup + $.25/cm3). However, this customer increased the quantity to 100 pieces, turning this project into a $25 order. Now here is the issue: Knowing my machine, the odds of printing 100 parts with 100% success is extremely unlikely.

So, I manually upped the volume of each object to 0.8cm3, 30% increase to compensate for the extra time and effort that I will be spending to ensure that I create 100 high quality parts. He has since started to cancel the order because he doesnt feel the extra $5 charge is fair. Maybe he is right, maybe not, but my point is the following:

What if we could manually edit the pricing algorithm to better match our machine and practices? If the customer orders large quantities of something, they are automatically getting a price break from the start up fee, but I just need to make sure I am covering my losses.

Thoughts?

4 Likes
2

You could’ve just added an extra services worth whatever amount appropriate and you describe the additional cost as “extra cost for high quantities” or “compensation for fail prints (most likely happening at 100pcs)” etc. you can also adjust the pricing by increasing the volume of the piece, but it’s better to just do that, if you really increase the parts volume (ie infill %) otherwise the customer may think, that you just try to secretly charge more then correct. Including custom algorithms may make things much more complex then easy, not only for the hubs that have to think about a fair calculation method, but also for the customers as the pricing isn’t straight forward anymore. I tell every customer to first let me take a look at the models, so that I could then adjust the pricing in communication with the customer. Most customers require less or more infill, different materials then initially intended or they ask for extra services. All of that (or most) happens before I accept the order. After the customer has chosen, what services and settings are needed I’ll adjust the pricing and he/she will be able to pay 3dHubs. The discussion is also a nice method of protecting myself against bad reviews as it might happen that a customer chooses the wrong settings or materials (due to lack of knowledge) and then blames the hub for selling 3d prints that don’t fit his/her needs. Cheers, Marius Breuer

3 Likes
3

I wouldn’t sweat it too much. I’ve changed the volume of a part plenty of times without cancellations. 3d hubs is usually a bit under the volume calculation in Simplify 3D. Some people undervalue what we do. If the customer cancels over $5, I say you just dodged a bullet! Tell him “good riddance”! (OK, don’t really tell him that) :wink: Don’t be afraid to charge what you need to charge. We’re not a charity organization! If you want to give your 3d print services away, do it for a good cause like e-Nable.

2 Likes
4

You are completely correct, as a consultant, I have definitely learned which customers to work with and which ones to let go. This person was likely the later, but my idea was just to have some level of increased control over the pricing structure. I have never really liked how 3d printed is priced on volume, which in reality, it is much more complex than that.

1 Like
5

Hey @Bratus, I recognise the situation and I’m happy to say we’re working on exactly this feature. In addition to first print and volume we’ll soon allow Hubs to use other properties like subsequent prints, bounding box area etc. This should allow you to set up a more accurate pricing algorithm. You’re also right in saying that 3D Printing (and pricing it) is a complex thing. We’re also working hard to make it easier for you to communicate extra charges to your customers through the order page.,

Will report back here once the advanced pricing is released to everyone!

3 Likes