Hey all,

Not sure if anyone will be reading this, but I'll give it a go anyway.

Those of you who've read multiples of my deviations know by now that I usually offer two ways to order pendants, rings, etc: through Etsy, a site everyone should be familiar with, and Shapeways, a lesser known website. Very few people would be aware of the difference between ordering from these two sites, so I've created this journal to link to to help you decide which is best for you. I've also included a poll at the bottom to help me decide which direction to take Peregrine Studios Artistry. Let's get to it.




Shapeways is a 3D printing website. As most of you will know, I use 3D printing to make my jewelry, meaning I make it in 3D on a computer, then send that file to a 3D printer which then builds it in a variety of materials. Most of the home printers are cheap in price and even cheaper in quality, but certain websites - such as Shapeways - will print models for you, for a fee. That's how I make my jewelry. When you order from Shapeways, the majority of the cost goes to 3D printing, and I receive a small markup - normally around $7, but I reduce it to $4 or $5 if necessary to get the model printed fairly cheaply. There are a couple downsides to 3D printing though: Firstly, in Stainless Steel, interlocking parts cannot be printed, so chains for pendants cannot be included in the design. You'd need to get one yourself. Secondly, the 3D printing process can take awhile, perhaps a week or three, to finish, so hopefully you're patient. There is also a small chance of a model being rejected for 3D printing; the industry is still fairly new, and guidelines for design are often vague and undefined. One worker might approve a model for 3D printing, only to have his colleague reject it the next day.


Pros:

Cheaper


Cons:

Longer wait
Any postwork must be completed by buyer
Small chance of models being rejected




My online store will always be more expensive to order from, because I have to increase my markup to include shipping. When you order a pendant from my online store, you'll also be getting a pendant chain and any postwork that needs to be done, so that increases the markup as well. Order from my store if you don't want to / can't finish the pendant yourself. My store is obviously also dependent on me actually having the item, so stock is much more limited there than on Shapeways.


Pros:

Shipping within 1-2 days
Postwork already done


Cons:

More expensive
More limited stock


In the end, it's really up to you to decide what's best for you.

Lastly, I've included a poll on my deviant page to find out how you prefer to order. I need to decide if the direction I want to take Peregrine Studios Artistry should focus more on Shapeways or my store, so I'm leaving it up to you.