Printables Store is the repository’s second method of monetization since “Clubs”, but makes efforts to preserve its free model space.
Prusa Research has launched a marketplace within its 3D printing model repository, Printables, called the Printables “Store”.
Prusa has hinted at marketplace plans since it shed its former “Prusa Printers” name in favor of Printables. The last move towards realizing its monetization goals came earlier this year when the company launched its Patreon-like “Clubs” subscription service.
As when Clubs launched, Prusa has emphasized how important it considers preserving the experience of browsing free models in its “main repository” without being inundated with paid models.
“You’ll find the Store in a completely separate tab in the top menu,” the company said in a recent blog post, “If you are in the Store tab, it’s vice versa and you will only see Store models, plus optionally the models included in a club membership.”
Prusa has also implemented some rules, seemingly to prevent a flood of low-effort models that some users have already expressed concern over. Foremost, slots for paid models are granted on a sliding scale. Creators will have just one Store slot at first and will unlock additional slots as the model sells: 5 slots at 5 sales, 10 slots at 25 sales, and unlimited slots after 50 sales.
A minimum price for paid models has also been set at $5, which Prusa says is a way to ensure paid models are “more advanced” creations while ensuring that simpler models remain free.
The new system will suit creators who work at a different pace, Prusa says, by providing a non-subscription form of monetization for those who only publish models irregularly. But it’s worth noting that Club models may also be sold as a one-time purchase on the Printables Store, giving users more choice, too.
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