One of the most common questions we hear from people running 3D print farms is: How do I get enough orders to keep my printers busy?

Scaling up to a multi-printer operation is an exciting milestone, but once the machines are up and running, the real challenge begins: finding consistent work to justify your investment. While automation, maintenance, and inventory management are crucial for operational success, sales is where the magic happens.

Here are three tried-and-true strategies that our customers use to grow their businesses and secure steady demand for their print farms.

1. Partner With Local Stores

One of the simplest ways to generate orders is to tap into the needs of local businesses.

Walk through local stores and look for items they sell in high quantities—think small organizers, stands, or accessories that align with your printers’ capabilities. Print samples of items they already stock, and bring them in to start a conversation. Be ready to show how your products are unique, customizable, or offer a faster restock option. Focus on quality and consistency—retailers will want to know they can count on your supply.

Pro Tip: Start small with items that have clear demand. For example, keychains, coasters, or phone holders often sell well in gift shops or specialty stores.

2. Find Your Niche

Sometimes the best sales strategy is finding a niche that aligns with your interests or the needs of a specific community.

• Identify niche products: Look for storage solutions, accessories, or tools that cater to a hobby or industry you’re passionate about. Examples include organizers for board games, parts for model building, or specialty tools for crafting.
• Engage with the community: Join online forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities related to your niche. Actively participate, share your creations, and promote your products through newsletters or social media posts.
• Focus on solving problems: Niche customers value products that are practical and well-designed. Tailoring solutions to their needs can build loyalty and drive word-of-mouth referrals.

Once you've identified some potential niches, use platforms like Etsy to test the waters - it’s a great way to measure demand and validate your idea before scaling production.

3. Build Relationships With Promotional Product Companies

Promotional products are in high demand, and forming relationships with companies in this space can unlock steady, large-scale orders.

Research promotional product companies in your area or online - these companies often supply branded merchandise to corporations, event organizers, and sports teams. Reach out and give them your pitch, focusing on customization. 3D printing excels at creating personalized items like trophies, awards, and giveaways, when reaching out, make sure to highlight your ability to produce small, custom runs quickly and cost-effectively. Offer to produce a few custom samples for free to demonstrate your capabilities. A small investment upfront can lead to larger, recurring orders down the line.

Think long-term: Once you establish a relationship, these companies can provide consistent work, especially if they value your speed and flexibility.

Sales Are the Key to Scaling Success

Running a 3D print farm isn’t just about keeping your printers in top shape—it’s about keeping them busy. By exploring local opportunities, finding a niche, and forming strategic partnerships, you can secure the orders you need to scale your operation.

Sales may feel like a daunting challenge at first, but with a clear plan and a little creativity, you’ll find the customers who keep your printers running 24/7.

What strategies have worked for you? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!