3D Printing Business - My First $5,000

I've been 3D printing as a fulltime job for over two years now, but in this video I share how I made my first $5,000. I hope it's helpful and something you can relate to.
0:00 Intro
1:10 My First 3D Printer
2:41 Responses to my ad
4:15 My First Real Client
7:27 My Second Real Client
9:24 How I stumbled into my current business
10:44 Concluding Thoughts
12:06 My Best Advise

[@AJLaRocque54]

Thank you so much for this informational video. I’m a 67 year old retired systems engineer who is dying of boredom. I’ve been looking at the Saturn 4K printer because I am interested in creating objects using the lost wax method. I also am proficient with Fusion 360 for drafting items and using Daz 3D modeling for creating human models. I never considered creating a business from my hobbies but, after watching your video, it sure sounds like fun. Since I live in rural eastern North Carolina I probably won’t drum up music business but, like I said, it will be fun. Again, thank you.

[@ichbingenug3565]

67 years old? You are still young. Don’t let your energy and skills go to waste 🧚🏼‍♂️

[@josephmcc234dy3]

Never met a bad Joe in my life.

[@SouthernSpeedVideos]

@@josephmcc234dy3 Joe Biden

[@barryallen5507]

Saturn 2 exists now, 8k resolution, larger build volume, costs a bit more.

[@23JAY3L23]

Let me know if you get into selling anything I’d like to be one of your first buyers , I’m 28 struggling with my creativity and I hope to be 67 still wanting to try new things

[@siowyongren1242]

definitely the most down to earth advice, he didn't go with clickbait like how to make 100k sales in 3D printing but just the humble beginning of his journey! Love it

[@joshchen3532]

The death cubicle bit really hit me, I just graduated and I'm working as a mechanical design engineer right now and I hate that stupid cubicle. Thank you for posting this video, it helps me see that the freelance design and modeling I've always wanted to do isn't just a fantasy

[@jonwebb9261]

I also feel this pain.

[@leedo03]

as fellow mechanical engineer whos been out of school for 6 years now, 3d printing as a hobby and now as a side hustle has been a huge boost for my moral post-grad life. I feel like I'm innovating again. i wish i bought a 3d printer right out of school.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

I feel you 100%

[@Snail641]

Lmfao, everyone hates the cubicle until they need a job. Every single graduate nowadays thinks they can start their own business or freelance full-time and never have to work for a company. It rarely ever works out

[@MRM.98]

@@Snail641talk about killer of joy. Nobody is saying quit your job here…

[@benjaminbader6480]

Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed to watch this video. I've always wanted to start a small prototyping/manufacturing business and this was like seeing what a successful version of myself could be if I just got out of my own way for once. Fingers crossed this will be the push I needed to finally do it.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

That’s awesome man, I wish you the best on your journey!

[@Lucaash]

9 months later, did it pan out?

[@abdellatif7668]

Same here

[@Weirdomanification]

​@@LucaashX

[@ChooChoo_4u]

How has it been working out?

[@despiertateymotivate]

Mate, I love one thing and hate another one…I love that your entire video it was you, no cuts on the video, no edits, I love when people don’t cut videos and show all the errors, etc etc…what I hate? The background music, turn it 50% more down. I love your naturalness and story! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@demimoto9095]

You have a very relatable way of explaining things. I'm basically the exact target audience for this video. I'll be taking you up on that email offer this weekend!

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

So cool, thanks for the encouragement! I’m free to chat more whenever!

[@spike03000]

This is fantastic. I love your honesty, I can see why your clients have approved of your services. I know when I was providing photography part time, it was difficult for me to price my own work based on competition & confidence in my own work. All of which is quite difficult when teaching yourself new skills. 3d Printing is much more approachable for me. A wider range of services/products. I appreciate how supportive you are of the community. Thank you for this video & inspiration.

[@DevildudeEMZ]

Love the fact that you make the meaty content relatable while keeping the cool factor to attract people. Your story is fantastic and that’s the route I want to take. Make a product that’s repeatable and related to an industry. If I can get some nerdy stuff going sure that’s cool but otherwise I like the mom and pop factory like design.

[@jonathanballoch]

Advice at the end about "don't get too analytical, just do it!" is such great advice. never hurts to hear it more

[@NabilTouchie]

Great video as always, my sister says "perfection is the enemy of the possible" and I'm trying to apply that motto to my path

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Wow, that’s an amazing quote!

[@Primarch_Vulkan]

"Perfection is the enemy of progress" - Winston Churchill

[@NabilTouchie]

@@Primarch_VulkanThanks! it's nice to know the original quote and it's origin

[@foxtree4255]

My therapist always said "Your perfectionism is an avoidance technique". yeah, your sister is right!

[@HarmoniesDolce]

Joe thanks for the walk through. You share your experiences in an honest way and surely I can see why you have gained customers over the course of the business. You are indeed a marketing genius with or without a logo!

[@Nicks3D-dimension]

All I can say is WOW! Finally a video that is really down to Earth and so many of us in the 3D printing community can relate to. This video was very well done and full of so many nuggets for anyone wanting to get into 3D printing as a business. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Subscribed and sent you out an email. Will watch your other videos now, thank you again. Best of luck with your business

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Thanks Nick :)

[@CleverAndWilson]

Bro, when you say, “I wanna leave my death cubicle that I hate” that really hits hard, that’s exactly how I feel. I would almost sell my legs and arms to get away from the vicious cycle.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Wow, thanks for being real. Hope you can get something else going soon to get out.

[@MiriadCalibrumAstar]

yeah, same. Althoug in my case i dont have any monetary leftover to invest.

[@frans2111]

when you do that, you won't walk away that easy

[@Tekillyah]

Ok how would you get away without an arm and a leg? Dude just the arms would do.

[@speway]

@@frans2111 lol

[@chadarmtrong8612]

i work in software consulting, this is great work. Your story and advice can apply to many business ideas and not just 3dprinting. Keep it up!

[@mrteemug5329]

You have no idea how much I needed this video right now. I've been a tool design engineer for about a year now and graduated at the end of last year. I want to make my own business, but had so much trouble figuring out where to start and what the best strategies are. Now I know that I just need to start simple and let it grow. I've got my job to fund my startup and I already have a printer that I am proficient at using + countless designs of my own. Thank you for this.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

So awesome, thank you for sharing. Wish you the best my friend!

[@TheJacklwilliams]

"The product or service that you offer is what makes the name". This, is the gold. I'll modify that statement in one way. "The service you offer on the product you make is what makes your name". Nothing is ever without flaws. Your ability to service the client and make it right, when it's wrong, is what defines your company. Great stuff. Pair this with "perfection is the enemy of the possible" and I've got what I need for today in moving my efforts forward. THANKS! Subscribed!

[@jiingwei5978]

Thank you for the Video Joe, you gave me an insight to how 3D printing business actually is and what a beginner should be looking out for. Keep up the good work!

[@beauregardslim1914]

This is a ton of excellent advice in this video. I disagree somewhat about the single client idea because such arrangements always end at some point, but it is totally fine to start that way.

[@horstschlawutzke6645]

I really liked the way you told your story. It's true, calm and helpful. All the best for your business!

[@buildmotion1426]

I've been stuck in the "I want to start a side gig" for decades now. You speak so chill and matter of fact. I love that! I'm subbed and appreciate your style. Thanks!

[@frikkiesmit327]

Thank you for sharing in a down to earth kinda way which everyone can understand. You just shared from your experience and kept everything simple. You didnt try to speak fancy etc etc like some people do. And it inspires me .

[@sobreaver]

What seemed to me a great laid back down to earth inspiring take on starting up and getting through, thank you and I'll keep you in mind and 'grow' with that in the back of my head ;) Wish you prosperous years !

[@keithbuddrige5064]

Fantastic video! Really well done, I've watched a few of these and this by far is the best, most honest and real one. Thank you!

[@daddydaughterjournal]

Firstly congratulations on your journey and also thank you for being so open snd honest!

[@paulfitzgerald4933]

This video has been so encouraging. I too have come up with a product i'll be doing through Amazon, following your example. So your videos, (seen two so far) have took so much of the fear out of this process. thanks.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

That's awesome man thanks for sharing.

[@just_bright]

great video. best I've seen on the topic. love how the product just finds you while solving problems. cheers mate!

[@johnbborg1015]

This was a great inspirational video, thank you for being so "sober" (or light is the correct word here idk tbh) it was really relatable and enlightening!

[@Pho8os]

Your transparency is refreshing and has earned you my sub.

[@patrickmangan9062]

This is super helpful. You have broken it down very simply, and lets me know that I am on the right track! Thanks Man!

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guscrossing]

Very nice video! The key takeaway is making what your client wants, be a service and going with the flow. I think this approach can be very hit-or-miss in the sea of 3D printing people competing to sell such service, especially in a metropolitan area. I develop products to sell and arguably can make models to sell whatever is trending, but damn I love making my own things too much so the market just isn't reacting my stuff. Marketing is tough too, no one buys from a no-body with an unfamiliar product that he/she doesn't know in the first place! Really it's hobby (things you make out of passion) vs business (popular things that sells) and the two rarely overlap.

[@vegascad]

Great video I have an Ender 3 Pro and just invented a product. I've been printing for about 4 years but now retired and having fun with my own machine. It is tough but all it takes is one or two clients and it's on... Thanks for the inspiration and I will follow you. Cheers Steve

[@Mr_Cheng]

You seem chill as anything mate. Good, simple video, straight to the point, no fluff 👌

[@badllama1210]

Thank you for this! I just started my business and you just saved me from some pitfalls!

[@jimmysgameclips]

I appreciate your honestly and that you go into the nitty gritty, that stuff matters so much and people always gloss over it

[@joehanika]

I have seen this video before. It came across again today. I liked it the first time around. I like it again this time around! Love the real person story. Great work!

[@haroldrushton6735]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your success. All the best to you as your company grows!

[@arikm8430]

I'm an engineering student with an ender 3 pro. I have a design idea I want to pursue, and I occasionally fulfil design and printing requests from other students because the campus printing lab costs too much. Right now it's just printer maintenance money, but this video shows me that I can do much more! Thank you.

[@minerwilly]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. They're very enlightening, quite inspiring, and laid back - which is just the way I like it. Keep up the good work.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Thanks man, I appreciate that.

[@justinmiller8993]

Thanks man you've helped inspire me to try and escape my brain dead job I've been doing for 17 years. I hope you're still making good progress 👍

[@Flameandfireclan]

One of the most wholesome videos I watched about “start your own [INSERT INDUSTRY] business” in a long while. Keep it up! 👍

[@donbrobst7963]

I'm just starting up myself Joe, and this was the video I needed to see/hear! Thank you!!

[@JM-on1er]

Good Day Sir. Thank you for this video. I had been struggling with this topic and your down to earth approach to it makes sense.

[@prestoncunningham1879]

"Just start moving in that direction" That's the quote of a lifetime right there. I remember when my parents got me my first 3d printer. It was about 6 years ago. An original Ender 3. I have printed thousands of hours of prints on it. I fell in love. I am currently a software engineer so I get the "death cubicle" reference. I sold to family friends on my website for a while and recently moved to etsy where I got my first real client. It is still early but I hop to work with them for months or years to come. Keep inspiring and remember we are bringing imagination to life one layer at a time!

[@fouadqorar6881]

How is it going? I'm going to start on Etsy on a few months, is it really hard?

[@xDIRTYDEEDS75x]

Seriously great video. Thanks for making it. I’m seriously considering getting both types of printers and seeing where it can go.

[@barts7673]

Thank you, thank you so much for these great pieces of advice! I'm myself thinking about starting this hobby to get away from my death cubicle too! Wonderful video, keep it up!

[@squintyharpygaming8575]

Wow the most straightforward video I’ve seen and not all about wasting money and trying to sell us on anything. You sir got yourself sub. I have a ender 3 pro and a reason printer just sitting here and was thinking about doing side jobs and you really encouraged me to start

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

So awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@marblemolly2454]

I really enjoyed this video! It was very encouraging and the parallels as I am starting out really emphasize to keep moving forward. Just do it. Trying to solve future problems is the anxiety a lot of consciencious people face. I have definitely learnt that the hard way and pleased to now solve the problem if/when it happens. Thank you, you have a sub.

[@getenlightened]

Congrats on your success, well done! Thanks for the inspiration and continued success for you going forward.👍

[@speway]

I've watched videos with with similar titles nonetheless, when I clicked on this vid, I had no idea I would be this inspired. You have a gift of conveyance.....incredibly personable.

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

Hey Joe, Im here in Australia, and your videos are great mate! I appreciate the chilled vive of your videos and your calm voice, There no bullshit and thats what i like!

[@CurlyScheck]

This has been the most inspiring and motivating video on starting my own business that I've seen in a while.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

So cool Michael, thank you for sharing!

[@faststang3670]

Thanks for the information, so glad things have worked out for you, wish you the best.

[@jeffdughman9741]

Thank you for caring enough to share this info, and thank you again for your time that it took to make this video brotha:)

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

My pleasure!

[@ParaclytorZ]

I like your speech dude ! Really like it ! Especially the 'my best advice' one. Many thanks !

[@JohnUllrey]

Yes, this video was really encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Glad to hear it John, thanks for sharing.

[@andypuempel2570]

Great video! Excellent communication style and solid advice. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

[@billdoser8589]

I'm a first time viewer. Fantastic video with great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@wruley]

Great video. You and I think very similarly, and I am usually in my own way when trying something new. I also love designing new products to solve a problem and printing them out. I only do it for fun right now but would certainly enjoy it as my full-time job. Once I get better at the CAD software, maybe I'll think about doing something similar, even if only as a side hustle. Take care.

[@UghThemBiscuits]

Just watched this and it hit me hard. I am in the same boat. Wanted to start something new and have a passion to create. Looking how to get my first start and the honesty and truth behind your video gave me some hope. Thank you.

[@christianmingle3394]

Have you taken the first step yet? I want an update lol

[@AnastacioHernandez]

Great advice, Joe! Works for me real well. Best of luck to you and your business.

[@darrenkanagy2763]

Appreciate the lack of clickbait or milking the video for the longest possible watch time. Subbed

[@shadowind9856]

i started my 3d printing and modeling service in 2020 and it definitely had its ups and downs but i was always excited to do a project and the amount of stuff I've learned was definitely the best

[@shadowind9856]

i charged $5/hour based on the print time i use a 3d printing calculator that's on omni calculator it definitely is a good one

[@theetonster]

Nice short, sweet and honest video. You got me thinking. Thank you.

[@jonwebb9261]

What an awesome and inspiring video. Thanks for sharing your journey so far!

[@borjamax3]

Sincerely the most down to earth video about business I have watched

[@charlesgraves2147]

I have been 3d printing for 2 years myself. I have created in house parts for my previous boss. He paid well for my time spent Cad'ing up the part and printing materials. Sold a few things on facebook market place and like you put an ad on craiglist. The amount of spam i got from that ad really discouraged me. I still 3d print and create my own design. Thanks for the video, it encourage me to try again and hopefully land something worth while. Video liked.

[@TheJayjaycee]

great video, very honest and i think the organic way you grew your passion is inspiring

[@TooTallToby]

Wow this is amazing! Great job sharing this story - some excellent lessons in here!!

[@michaelcolvin7227]

Thank you for this video. I really want to start a business like you and I started with the same printer at the same time at an apartment. This gives me perspective.

[@gastondieguez8391]

Loved this video, really down to earth and approachable. Makes me think I can give it a go! Really good tips and information on getting clients, etc. Thanks for the video, really encourgaing!

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Glad to hear man!

[@onemei9086]

Great video! Thanks for being so candid, honest and encouraging to all your viewers, this down-to-earth genuine approach is actually helpful to likeminded budding entrepreneurs. Keep up the great work!

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Thanks man!

[@conorg2876]

love the advice, also stuck in a job im not happy about and want to be where you're at one day!

[@micr0n0va]

Joe, great video. Thank you for sharing this practical information and rational viewpoint.

[@chosendragon]

Thanks for this video! I am about to get out of the military, and getting my first 3d printer to start a side business in my small garage in southern California. Appreciate the advice!

[@ShopBotix]

Love this! Great story and I wish you all the best in your business!

[@AroundTampaBay]

love this man.. keeping it raw and not so polished or expensive commercial or something to explain whet you just did. I really want to get into this. So many thing i want to make for myself but why not make a little money as well. Just lost as to where to begin. got ideas and all that. i just need to take the step

[@Mare0912]

Thank you, for sharing your experience in a based and honest way. Good luck down the road!

[@michaelrobinson8306]

Super helpful and informative video. This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for.

[@albarshafqat7443]

Really great video! its very interesting to see the organic side of first starting out a business

[@natecastronovo]

This is a great video. Especially love the bit about getting quotes, in order to establish your own prices.

[@davidstonier-gibson8408]

Thank you for sharing your story. I started my own business as an electronics design consultant when I had a falling out with my employer one Friday in 1980. I am still not sure if I quit or was fired. Over the weekend my wife and I arranged our 4 kids into 2 bedrooms to free up a room for me. On the Monday I had a contract from the company to finish the project I was on. That enforced relationship only survived that one contract, but by the mid 80s I had a $250K manufacturing contract, making fire alarm boards for Chubb Fire. Three years later I was staring at the prospect of a park bench. It was a roller coaster ride! I retired in 2015, bought myself a 3D printer and kitted myself out to do electronics at home, and settled down to doing what I wanted, not what my customers wanted. Over the years I had designed and produced timing systems and scoreboards for Omega Timing, controllers for Carrier, and "fired" a $30B Utah company who thought they could treat me like dirt. But the thing I get most pleasure from is having helped several one man startups to get sophisticated electronic controls in their products. There are two pieces of advice I would give anyone aspiring to start a small business that is going to deal with large business: 1 Register a limited liability company (LLC in the US, Pty Ltd here in Australia) on Day One. Never operate as a sole trader and never sign a director's guarantee to get credit on supplies. Cultivate good relations with your suppliers. 2. Watch your cash flow and keep clients on a short leash with payments. 3. Learn enough about business law to understand contract law, offer and acceptance, and be very fastidious with how you word your quotes/offers/proposals. I once had to put a large $35B air conditioning company back in their box when they tried to override the formal terms of my offer with alternate wording on their $300K purchase order. That actually was a result of a 1 semester "business" unit in my engineering course back in 1969!

[@misfitted4874]

Thank You for sharing your journey with 3d printing as a business. I’ve been interested for some time myself.

[@No-handleneeded1]

Awesome video man. Definitely made me feel more at ease after watching it. Hope to get started soon!

[@hackervirus56]

Liked and subscribed! Thanks for your hard work on the amazing content! 👏

[@charleslong3290]

I love your temperament, it made me stay and watch the whole video. Great information!

[@msav57]

A+ video sir, thanks for sharing your story. Thoroughly enjoyed it

[@SpaceGringos3D]

Great info! Love seeing all of us grow!

[@rockpodd]

Dude, u are an inspiration. Im starting up right now. Keeping it simple to begin with. Cheers and have a good summer.

[@MartinsonManufacturing]

Thanks man!

[@pattygq]

Probably the best advice I've heard when starting a business.

[@AntsRCGarage-vw9fq]

Thanks so much for this video. Incredibly insightful!

[@DChamp56]

Outstanding video! I haven't bought my first 3-D printer yet, but will soon as I'm retiring and want to get one and maybe make some side money, and if not.. just play around with it! Great job.

[@bro_FREE]

Great Video, thanks for sharing your insights. I came across while researching 3d printers for my kids. Really can relate to the “death cubicle.” And wisdom on figuring it out when you get there. I have a couple outside business ventures and I have to figure it out. But that’s all part of the experience.

[@genjitsu7448]

OK, first congrat's on your business success- you come across as a good guy with a solid work ethic. I have worked for myself for a few years on and off mostly consulting - but I hate it because of the amount of travel required. So now I am in a regular 9 to 5 job which as it turns out in my recent job is really 7 to 7 plus Saturdays... yea, full on bull. i am tempted to go back to consulting but watching this video was super inspiring, maybe it hit me at just the right time I duno but I really do appreciate your information here, I am after all an engineer and you know what they say - you can take the boy out of the workshop but you can't take the workshop out of the boy! So now you got me interested in what else you have to say so I am going to go take a look and hopefully will see you around! Cheers.

[@chevalsauer]

Love your laid-back and down-to-earth approach... I to have a few idea's and putting them into practice with my one 3d Printer, and bigger ideas for another (bigger) printer I want, that I'm sure I could also make profitable too...

[@thesloppyapprentice2528]

Had exactly the same questions starting, printer in the living room... wish you all the best

[@cameroncopeland6170]

Super great advice man. Move in the direction is what I needed to hear.

[@The_Anderal]

Thank you. Down to earth and really made me think I can do this. Much needed so thanks

[@mysubaruwrx]

This is very helpful & I am happy for you that you are successful. Glad I came across this video 👍🏼I am also just starting out.

[@freakybiggles6458]

holy crap - when you pointed to your head I really understood why I couldn't stop watching. I feel it's my worst enemy. Can't think of anything useful print lately. Thanks for the video - very much.

[@julianlsproduction6319]

Honestly, a really awesome video and it is super inspirational. Thank you