Selling Your 3D Models Online: Platforms and Tips

In the digital age, selling 3D models online has become a popular way for artists to showcase their work and potentially earn passive income. However, navigating through the various platforms available can be a daunting task. In this post, we will explore six sites where you can sell your 3D models, along with valuable tips to help your models stand out and sell well.

Is It Worth It?

While making a substantial income solely from selling 3D models online can be challenging, it can serve as a valuable source of passive income. Platforms like TurboSquid, CGTrader, Sketchfab, ArtStation, Unity Asset Store, and Shapeways provide avenues for artists to display and sell their creations. The key lies in effectively marketing your models and choosing the right platform to maximize your earnings.

TurboSquid:

Known for its high traffic, TurboSquid accepts a wide range of 3D models.
Artists receive a 40% commission, which is relatively lower compared to other sites.
Competition from established artists on the platform can make it challenging to get visibility.

CGTrader:

Offers better commission rates ranging from 70% to 90%, based on the artist's reputation level.
Categorizes models based on useful buyer subjects, making it easier for potential buyers to find what they need.

Sketchfab:

Known for its interactive model viewings, Sketchfab allows artists to showcase their models from various angles.
Artists receive a 70% commission on sales and can provide detailed insights into the model's specifications.

ArtStation:

With a vast audience, ArtStation enables artists to promote and sell their 3D models alongside 2D artwork.
Commission rates are set at 70%, with many artists reporting success on this platform.

Unity Asset Store:

Ideal for game modelers, Unity Asset Store offers a wide range of assets for sale.
Artists receive a 70% commission on final sales, but models need to meet specific criteria for compatibility with Unity.

Shapeways:

Tailored for 3D printing, Shapeways allows artists to sell printed versions of their models without the need for physical inventory.
Artists are charged for printing costs, with Shapeways taking a percentage of the markup upon sale.

Tips for Selling Your Models

To increase the marketability of your 3D models, consider the following tips:

Descriptive Details: Provide a clear description of your model, including whether it is high poly, low poly, game-ready, or print-ready.
Strategic Tagging: Use relevant tags to improve search visibility and categorize your models correctly.
Clear Titles: Ensure your titles accurately reflect the model to attract the right audience.
Showcase Quality: Highlight texture sizes, resolution, creation process, and any animations to give buyers a comprehensive view of the product.
Asset Packs: Bundle related models into asset packs for added convenience and value for buyers.
Brand Development: Establish a niche or style for your models to create a recognizable brand and attract a loyal following.

By applying these strategies and choosing the right platform to showcase your work, you can enhance the visibility and marketability of your 3D models in the competitive online marketplace.

Meta description: Discover top platforms for selling 3D models online, including TurboSquid, CGTrader, Sketchfab, and more. Get expert tips to optimize your listings and maximize sales. Keywords: selling 3D models, online platforms, digital art, passive income, TurboSquid, CGTrader, Sketchfab, ArtStation, Unity Asset Store, Shapeways.

Meet Tripo

Discover the capabilities of Tripo and unlock a world of possibilities:

Draft Model Generation: Instantly spark inspiration with our fastest models. Perfect for rapid prototyping and conceptualization, this feature lets you explore various designs or perspectives before diving into detailed modeling. Accepts both text and image input.
Refine Draft Models: Elevate the quality of your initial draft models into finely detailed creations. Seamlessly transition from conceptual drafts to high-resolution models, streamlining your creative workflow.
Model Animation: Bring your creations to life with automated animation. Transform static models into dynamic animations, enhancing presentations or digital experiences effortlessly.
Stylization and Conversion: Customize and convert your models with unparalleled ease. From transforming models into lego-like or voxel-based versions to supporting format conversion (USDZ or FBX), Tripo offers unique stylization options, ensuring compatibility across platforms and applications while injecting a creative twist into your projects.