Quick heads-up on something I’m considering
First off—nothing is changing for anyone selling physical prints.
The $5/month setup stays exactly the same.
I’ve had a lot of people reach out asking about selling the digital files (Etsy, etc.). Up to now I haven’t allowed that, mainly because it cuts me out of everything happening downstream.
That said, I also understand the reality here—once files are out, people are going to share/sell them whether I like it or not.
So instead of trying to chase that, I’m considering adding a legit option for people running digital shops.
What I’m thinking (high level)
A one-time license (something like $150)
Applies to a specific product family (like the cooler koozies)
Allows:
selling the digital files
modified/remixed versions
Does not allow:
claiming authorship
giving files away for free
Again—this would be separate from the current $5/month physical selling, not a replacement or change to it.
I’m not rolling anything out yet—just putting this out there to get a feel for it before I go build it. The last thing I want to do is not think of something that would negatively impact everyone who is subscribing to sell physical prints and in fact the goal again is to help you all by attempting to avoid people selling them without supporting. It seem smore fair to me to give low friction options that serve everyone best.
Comments (26)
Offering a one-time purchase sounds great, but I don’t recommend selling the files.
So does the $5 monthly not give you license to sell and to unlock the lock files?? Why can I not get the unlock stuff??
$5 monthly is for selling the physical prints, this post is just saying please dont sell the actual digital files
If there is no way to monitor what’s paid versus what’s just reproduction, then you won’t truly benefit in the long run. Integrity and accountability matter—without them, it becomes guesswork.
I can see all members, both free and paid
Can u do UK versions ? I'll sign up if all koozie can be resized slightly 🙏
with the $5 tier im in is it ok to mesh wrap name brand logos onto your coozie to publish to makerworld for personal use only?
This would be an awesome idea. It would give people the option and it would definately keep people coming back I feel like. Could also make it something custom for people as well.
I would just keep it the way it is. Adding different maker tiers might be a good option but please do not allow people too sell the files. That'll make the patreon become chaos.
Absolutely charge a tier for the re-sale of your files! If people are selling them on Etsy or wherever else, they're making big bucks off YOUR hard work without compensating YOU any. Then, who's to say what the people buying the files are even doing?! You deserve compensation for your skills!!!
I personally bought subscription so I cab try sell these as a college student needing extra cash right now but I fully support whatever you choose!
You're fine if you're selling the physical product (you are printing them and then selling) - they are talking about reselling the files themselves (the STLs).
I'm interested in paying the subscription, but I was wondering if you make a steelers can koozie one?
Love this idea! I own a digital print shop (not Etsy) and would love to buy the digital version of this so i can make different variations of it (add ons etc) and sell digital versions of the modified versions I make.
I would not give the option for the file to be sold. that's giving up your intellectual property.
I honestly think that you should give badges for people to display on their etsy shops to make sure they are legit, and if they don't display them, you can go after them, specifically if they are selling your digital files. That should never be allowed.
That is hard to enforce. And customers readly do not check / care
I wouldn't allow selling your files
I’d be cautious with allowing STL resale. Part of the value of Patreon/commercial licensing is that the files feel protected and exclusive to paying supporters. If the files themselves become widely resold, I worry it could unintentionally devalue the membership and make it harder for current licensed sellers to stand out.
I dont like the idea of selling the file , but if you were to go that route i would say it would be only the files that have your logo on it . People are going to do what they want regardless , but if that were they case , they would have to go and put in the work to actually cut your logo out of the file and fill it back in .. that would require a bit of work that some may not even want or know how to do ! I however agree with the one time fee , regarless of what it may be . . your designs are top notch that clearly bring alot of attention , you have alot of heat !! i also believe that the 5$ is to cheap for what you bring to the tabel !
I have to agree or you need to only sell it to a select amount of people. Like 20 max ect. So I doesn’t cut you all the way out.
I personally wouldn't allow selling your digital file. I purchased commercial rights to print and sell the product. Once people start selling it the digital file, you wouldn't get the same membership users. Just my thought :)
I would not permit the sale of the original digital file by itself; it should only be sold with a logo that you did not create. This could undermine subscriptions, as individuals might opt to purchase the file instead of subscribing monthly. Additionally, consider limiting the number of subscribers at each tier. For instance, at the $5 tier, allow a certain number of subscribers until it reaches capacity, then move up to a $10 tier, and perhaps cap it at $20. I have observed the tier structure, and it is a clever approach. Requiring a slightly higher payment will discourage scammers who download and abandon the service. These are just suggestions for your consideration. You produce excellent designs, and those who appreciate them will be inclined to follow and subscribe.
Exactly
Love that idea. One time license sounds great!
Are you sure people are not just asking if you are willing to sell the digital without watermark on Etsy instead of having to join a Patreon?