Frequently Asked Questions

PrintHive is an online marketplace that connects people who need 3D printing services with verified local print shops. Customers upload their 3D model files, specify their requirements, and our platform matches them with the best-fit shops based on materials, capabilities, location, and rating. Think of it as the marketplace for custom 3D printing.

When you submit a print request, our matching engine evaluates every verified shop in the network. It considers the materials and technologies you need (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.), your build volume requirements, the shop's current availability, their rating and review history, and their geographic proximity to your shipping address. You receive a ranked list of the best matches, with transparent quotes and estimated turnaround times for each.

PrintHive is currently available within the United States. We're actively working on expanding to Canada and the UK — sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we launch in new regions.

Create a free account at theprinthive.io, then click 'New Order' from your dashboard. Upload your 3D model file (STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF, or STEP), choose your material, color, infill percentage, and quantity, then add any special instructions. Our platform will generate matches for you. Select a shop, review the quote, and complete payment. The shop is notified immediately and production begins.

We support the most common 3D model formats: STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF, and STEP. If your design software exports in a different format, we recommend exporting to STL or 3MF for the best compatibility. Maximum file size is 250 MB.

Turnaround time varies by shop and print complexity. Each quote shows an estimated completion date as well as the shop's available shipping options. Many shops offer standard, expedited, and rush options. After your print is complete, shipping typically takes 2–5 business days depending on your location and the shop's carrier options.

Your payment is held in escrow until you confirm you're happy with your order. If there's an issue — such as a defect, wrong material, or a print that doesn't match the file — you can open a dispute through the platform within 7 days of delivery. Our team will review the evidence and mediate a resolution, which may include a reprint or refund. We stand behind every order on PrintHive.

You may cancel an order before the shop has accepted it for no charge. Once a shop has accepted and begun production, cancellation may incur a partial fee depending on the shop's policy, which is disclosed at checkout. Contact the shop directly through the platform messaging system to discuss your options.

Registration is free. Click 'Register Your Shop' on the For Shop Owners page, create your account, and complete your shop profile — including your location, printer inventory, supported materials and technologies, build volumes, and pricing structure. Once approved (usually within 1 business day), your shop will appear in customer matches.

PrintHive charges a flat 10% commission on each completed order. There are no monthly fees, no listing fees, and no hidden costs. The fee is automatically deducted from the payout at the time of release, so you never have to think about it.

When a customer confirms delivery of their order, PrintHive releases the escrowed funds to your linked bank account via Stripe. Payouts typically arrive within 1–2 business days. If the customer doesn't respond within 7 days of the recorded delivery date, funds are released automatically. You can view your payout history and upcoming payments from your shop dashboard.

Yes. You set your own pricing for materials, print time, post-processing, and shipping. You can also set a minimum order value. PrintHive does not control your pricing — we simply facilitate the connection between you and the customer.

No. When a customer selects your shop, you receive an order request that you can review before accepting. You can accept, decline, or message the customer to clarify requirements. We do ask that you maintain a reasonable acceptance rate and respond within 24 hours to keep your shop's ranking healthy.

Yes. All payments are processed by Stripe, one of the world's most trusted payment platforms. PrintHive never stores your full credit card details on our servers. Customer funds are held in escrow and are only released to the shop after you confirm receipt of your order, giving you full buyer protection.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay where supported by your browser. PayPal support is coming soon.

Sales tax is calculated automatically based on your shipping address and the applicable state tax rates. The tax amount is shown clearly before you confirm your order. Shop Owners are responsible for remitting their own business taxes as required by their jurisdiction.