Best Platforms to Sell 3D Models Online in 2025: Maximize Profits

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Introduction:

Are you a 3D artist looking to turn your passion into profit? Selling your 3D models online can be a lucrative way to showcase your talent and reach a global audience. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll explore the best platforms to sell your 3D models in 2024, offering tips on maximizing your sales and ensuring you get the most out of your hard work. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your business, this guide has got you covered!

Why Sell 3D Models Online?

When I first studied 3D modeling in college, my goal was always clear: I wanted to turn my skills into a freelance career. The idea of creating something from scratch and then having it used in games, films, or virtual environments was incredibly appealing. But freelancing isn’t always easy, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s when I realized the potential of selling 3D models online. The demand for high-quality 3D assets is constantly growing, with industries like gaming, virtual reality, architecture, and even product design relying heavily on them. Selling your 3D models online not only opens up new income streams but also allows you to reach a global market from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re just getting your freelance career off the ground or looking to expand your business, selling 3D models online can be a game-changer.

Top Platforms to Sell 3D Models Online in 2025

Fab: Epic’s New Marketplace

If you’re a 3D artist looking to sell your models online, you might want to keep an eye on Fab, Epic Games’ new unified marketplace. Fab is set to launch in mid-October 2024, combining the Unreal Engine Marketplace, Sketchfab, ArtStation Marketplace, and Quixel into one platform. This move simplifies things for creators by providing a single destination to buy, sell, and share digital assets. With an 88% revenue share for sellers and a promotional 100% revenue share until the end of 2024, Fab is positioning itself as a top choice for 3D artists. The platform will support various digital content creation tools like Blender and Maya, making it accessible to a wider audience. Plus, the next-gen real-time 3D viewer allows potential buyers to inspect models before purchasing, enhancing buyer confidence. However, transitioning from existing platforms can be daunting. Epic is facilitating this process by allowing current sellers to migrate their products ahead of the launch. While this unification offers many benefits, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of selling on Fab.

Fee Structure and Commissions:

• Revenue Share: Sellers will earn 88% of each sale, with 12% going to Epic Games.
• Launch Promotion: From the launch until the end of 2024, sellers will receive a 100% revenue share on Standard Licensed products.
• Migration Support: Current sellers from Unreal Engine Marketplace and Sketchfab can start migrating their products now, with new sellers able to sign up in early October.
• Licensing Options: Sellers can offer tiered pricing for different types of use, catering to both personal and commercial needs.
• AI Transparency: Sellers must disclose if their assets were created using generative AI and can use a ‘NoAI’ tag to prevent their assets from being used for AI training.

Pros:

• High Revenue Share: Sellers keep 88% of sales; 100% during the promotional period.
• Unified Platform: One-stop shop for various digital assets.
• Multi-engine Support: Compatibility with multiple game engines and tools.
• Advanced Search Tools: Easier asset discovery through powerful filters.
• Real-time 3D Viewer: Allows buyers to inspect models in detail.

Cons:

• Migration Challenges: Transitioning assets from other platforms may be complex.
• Limited Initial Audience: As a new marketplace, it may take time to build a customer base.
• Potential Feature Loss: Some existing features from previous platforms may not carry over.
• Competition: As more creators join, standing out could become challenging.

Overall, Fab presents exciting opportunities for 3D artists looking to sell their work in a streamlined environment.

TurboSquid

TurboSquid is a heavyweight in the 3D model marketplace. They’ve been around for years and have a well-established reputation. One of the main perks is their customer base—buyers here are often professionals who are willing to pay for high-quality models. TurboSquid has a strict quality control process, which can be daunting for beginners, but it ensures that only the best models get through. The commission structure is tiered, meaning the more you sell, the less commission you pay. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, TurboSquid can be a lucrative platform. Just be prepared for their rigorous submission process!

Fee structure and commissions

• Royalty Rates: New basic members start with a 40% royalty on sales. SquidGuild members earn 50%, increasing to 60% after $150 in sales. For lifetime sales over $10,000, the royalty remains at 60% for all sales.
• Exclusive Sales: Exclusive sellers can earn up to 80% by combining their royalties with the Affiliate Program, which offers an additional 20% commission on sales made through affiliate links.
• Affiliate Program: Basic members earn a 15% commission on affiliate sales, while SquidGuild members earn 20%.
• Commission on Non-Exclusive Sales: Non-exclusive sellers may face higher commission rates, with TurboSquid taking up to 60% of the sale price.
• Additional Insights for SquidGuild Members: They have access to enhanced data reports, including search and sales insights, to help optimize listings and boost sales.

Pros:

• Established Marketplace: TurboSquid is one of the oldest and most well-known 3D model marketplaces, attracting serious buyers, including professionals from various industries.
• High-Quality Control: The platform’s rigorous quality control process ensures that only top-notch models are listed, which helps maintain high standards and trust with buyers.
• Tiered Commission Structure: Frequent sellers can benefit from reduced commission rates as their sales volume increases.

Cons:

1. Strict Submission Guidelines: The quality control process can be a double-edged sword, as some users find the submission guidelines too stringent, especially for beginners.
2. High Commission Rates for New Sellers: New sellers might find the commission rates relatively high until they reach a volume where rates are reduced.
3. Saturated Market: Like Sketchfab, TurboSquid’s long-standing presence in the market means there’s a lot of competition, making it challenging to get noticed without a strong portfolio.

CGTrader

CGTrader is a platform that strikes a balance between accessibility and profitability. I’ve found it to be particularly friendly for artists who are new to selling 3D models. They offer a range of commission plans, including a free option with competitive rates. What sets CGTrader apart is their emphasis on community—there are forums, tutorials, and plenty of resources to help you succeed. Plus, they actively promote models on social media, which can boost your visibility. However, like all platforms, competition is fierce, so it’s important to continually improve your skills and keep your portfolio updated.

Fee Structure and Commissions

• Royalty Rate: Sellers can earn up to 80% of sales for each model sold, depending on the seller level.
• Payment Processing Fees:
  
  
  
  • Typically around 3% per transaction.
  Payout Threshold:
  
  
  
  • Minimum payout of $10 required before funds are released.
  Subscription Fees:
  • No subscription fees, but premium features may incur costs.

Pros:

• Community Focused: CGTrader has a strong emphasis on community, with forums and resources that help artists connect and improve their craft.
• Flexible Pricing and Commissions: The platform offers various commission plans, including competitive rates even for non-exclusive models, making it appealing to new sellers.
• Support for New Artists: CGTrader is often praised for being beginner-friendly, offering tutorials and resources to help artists get started.

Cons:

• Competition: The platform hosts many talented creators, making it challenging to stand out.
• Variable Quality Control: Some users have pointed out that the quality control on CGTrader is less strict, which can lead to a mix of high-quality and lower-quality models on the platform.
• Revenue Sharing: While the commission rates are competitive, some users feel that the revenue sharing model could be more favorable, especially for non-exclusive sellers.

MyMiniFactory

Selling on MyMiniFactory is a fantastic opportunity for 3D designers to showcase their creativity and earn money. This platform allows creators to upload their 3D models and connect with a global community of makers who are eager to bring those designs to life. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting, MyMiniFactory offers a user-friendly interface and a supportive environment to help you succeed.

Fee Structure and Commissions

• Platform Commission: 8% on all sales.
• Payment Processing Fees:
  
  
  
  • Standard Rate: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction over $3.
  
  
  • Micropayment Rate: 5% + $0.10 per transaction of $3 or less.
  
  
  • International Transactions: Additional 1% surcharge for payments from outside the USA.
  
  
  
  

   

  
  
• Creator Payout Fees: Currently set at 0%, but this may change based on bank negotiations.

Pros

• High Earnings Potential: Creators can earn up to 90% of their sales, which is quite competitive.
• Engaged Community: You’re part of a vibrant network of creators and enthusiasts who appreciate your work.
• User-Friendly Platform: The interface is intuitive, making it easy to upload designs and manage your store.
• Global Audience: Reach millions of potential buyers from around the world.

Cons

• Fees Can Accumulate: While the commission is reasonable, it’s essential to keep track of all fees to maximize profits.
• High Competition: Standing out among many talented designers can be challenging.
• Quality Control Required: Ensuring your designs are high-quality is crucial; poor designs can lead to negative reviews.

In summary, MyMiniFactory offers a unique platform for 3D designers to monetize their creativity while engaging with a global community.

Shapeways

Shapeways is primarily known for 3D printing services, but it also has a marketplace where you can sell your 3D models. What I like about Shapeways is the ability to offer your models as printed products. You set your own markup, so you have control over your earnings. The platform takes care of printing, shipping, and customer service, which is a huge plus. However, the focus on physical products means that digital-only models might not perform as well here. If you’re looking to offer both digital and physical versions of your models, Shapeways is definitely worth exploring.

Pros:

• Integrated Manufacturing: Shapeways not only allows you to sell 3D models but also offers manufacturing and shipping services, making it easier to sell physical products.
• Control Over Pricing: Sellers can set their own markup prices on products, allowing more control over potential earnings.
• Global Reach: Shapeways’ established reputation and global customer base help artists reach a wide audience, especially those interested in 3D-printed products.

Cons:

• Focus on Physical Products: While great for selling printed models, Shapeways might not be ideal for artists looking to sell digital-only 3D models.
• Higher Production Costs: The cost of printing and shipping can be high, which might deter some buyers or reduce profit margins.
• Less Focus on Digital Artists: Since Shapeways is primarily geared towards physical product sales, it offers fewer features and tools for digital-only artists.
• Fee structure and commissions

How to Get Started on Each Platform

Getting started on these platforms can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the game. But trust me, once you’ve set up your first account, the others will follow smoothly. For each platform, the process is fairly similar: sign up, set up your profile, and start uploading your models.

 Make sure your profile is complete and professional—it’s the first thing potential buyers will see.

Take the time to write detailed descriptions for each model, highlighting their unique features and possible uses. And don’t forget about thumbnails! A clear, attractive thumbnail can make all the difference. I recommend showing the model in isolation and in a scene.

Remember, selling 3D models is as much about marketing as it is about the quality of your work.

Tips for Maximizing Your Sales

SEO is your best friend when it comes to selling 3D models online.Make sure your model titles, descriptions, and tags are optimized with relevant keywords.

Pricing can be tricky, but I’ve found that offering models at a range of price points works well—have some affordable options to attract a wider audience, and premium models for those willing to pay for quality. For the lower price points, you can sell simple models in bundle packs with a similar theme (i.e. wild west pack, city park pack, etc). For the premium models, you can still use bundle packs, but make sure they are feature film or AAA game ready. 

Don’t underestimate the power of social media, either. Share your work on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Artstation, and LinkedIn to drive traffic to your listings.

Lastly, always provide excellent customer service. Respond to inquiries quickly and be willing to make minor adjustments to models if requested. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your work to others.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling 3D Models

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in business, and I can tell you that not paying attention to platform fees can really eat into your profits. Always check the commission rates and factor them into your pricing. Remember you want to make a profit.

Another mistake is uploading models that aren’t quite up to scratch—if a model has issues or isn’t fully optimized, it’s better to fix them before listing.

Skipping SEO is another big no-no. You need to ensure that your models are easily searchable, or they’ll just sit unnoticed.

Lastly, don’t ignore customer feedback. It’s easy to get defensive, but constructive criticism can help you improve and ultimately lead to more sales.

Conclusion:

Selling 3D models online is a fantastic way to monetize your skills and reach a global audience. By choosing the right platforms and following the best practices outlined here, you can maximize your sales and grow your business. And yes, think of this as a business. Remember to keep learning, stay updated on trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms and strategies. Now that you know the ropes, it’s time to start selling and making the most of your 3D models!