How PrintFlows works

You never pay before you've seen the full price.

1. 01

   Add a file or describe the partYou do this

   A 3D file (STL, OBJ, 3MF or STEP, up to 100 MB), or a sentence and a photo if you have no file. A file is read in your browser, so you see the part and an estimated price without signing in.

   Nothing is sent to anyone yet.

2. 02

   Say what it has to doYou do this

   Tell us what the part is for, how many you need and your postal code, then whether you want it shipped or you will pick it up. You don't have to choose a material or a printer: makers recommend one.

   Asking for prices is free and commits you to nothing.

3. 03

   Send the request to makersPrintFlows does this

   We match your request against makers who have the right printer, a suitable material and a build volume big enough. You can also pick one maker by name. Creating an account happens here, and your answers come with you.

   Makers get a notification. You'll get an email each time one replies.

4. 04

   Compare the quotesYou do this

   Each quote is a real price from a real maker: part price, shipping, lead time, and the all-in total with taxes. Side by side, with the maker's reviews and median reply time.

   Quotes expire. The date is on each card.

5. 05

   Accept a quote and payYou do this

   Pick a quote and accept it; that's when your card is charged. Enter the delivery address, apply a promo code if you have one, and pay through Stripe. GST/HST/QST/PST is calculated from the delivery province and shown before you pay.

   PrintFlows holds the money. The maker is told to start.

6. 06

   Follow the orderThe maker does this

   The order page shows one of five stages (paid, being made, shipped, delivered, done) with what it means and what happens next. Shipping adds a carrier and a tracking number.

   You can message the maker from that page at any time.

7. 07

   Confirm it arrivedYou do this

   We release the maker's payout when you confirm delivery, or five days after a tracked delivery if you say nothing. A maker-recorded delivery waits for your word.

   You can open a dispute for 14 days from delivery. If you win after payout, we recover the refund from the maker.