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Who can make a request?

Anyone can submit a request [link to: http://www.ponoko.com/ponoko-id ] to get something designed and/or made.

Can I request anything?

ID is for (almost) anything. So (almost) anything goes. Of course if you wish someone to help you make your favorite rocket ship or nanobot, then it may be wise to look somewhere else. Check out other things that have been made using Ponoko.

Should I request a finished product or a product design?

It's up to you. The benefit of receiving a finished product is the whole job is done for you by the creator. The benefit of receiving a product design is likely to be lower cost because you have to complete the product assembly yourself (this may also be more fun for you too).

If I receive a bid, do I have to accept it?

No. You are not obligated to accept a bid or bids if you don't get one you are happy with.

Can I negotiate a bid with a creator?

Yes, when you receive a bid from a creator via email you can communicate with them if you would like to request changes to their bid. The buyer and creator should work together to find terms that they both agree upon.

Can I accept more than one bid?

Yes. You can accept as many bids as you like. Remember though, whenever you accept a bid, you are agreeing to go through with the purchase. So, you should never accept a bid if you don't intend to complete the transaction.

Can I cancel a bid after I've accepted it?

Yes, but only if you email the creator before they confirm your acceptance of their bid. From this point on you are committed to going through with the purchase.

What if I accept a bid, but the creator doesn't confirm it?

You can cancel your accepted bid via email up until the point the creator confirms it. So if you do not hear from the creator within a reasonable amount of time, you may retract acceptance of the bid.

What happens if I decline a bid, or a creator is no longer available to make the item?

Both you and the creator are in email contact to accept, decline or ignore bids and confirm bid acceptances as you all see fit. You are not obligated to accept bids and creators are not obligated to design and/or make items until they confirm your acceptance of their bid.

Does my request close if I accept a bid?

No. Your request will remain open for 60 days from the day you post it, so it will remain open to additional bids even if you accept a bid before the 60 days are up.

How do I post a job privately to a specific creator?

You can select a creator of your choice from here.

How do I post a review about a creator?

Once you have received your item you will want to help create confidence through transparency by posting a review about the creator, in their Ponoko Showroom.

Who can bid on requests?

Qualified creators can view buyer requests and submit bids to design and/or make the custom item.

If you're not currently a qualified creator and you'd like to design and/or make custom items for people, you gain access to requests by opening your own personal online factory here.

What is a qualified creator?

Someone who has opened their own personal online factory here.

Should I offer a finished product or a product design?

It's up to you. The benefit of offering a finished product is you have the most quality control over the final outcome. The benefit of offering a product design is you can focus on the design, not the assembly – and this can mean a lower price to your buyer without lowering your profit margin.

Can I withdraw a bid after it's been accepted?

You are not obligated to make an item until a buyer has accepted your bid AND you have confirmed this acceptance by email. From this point on you are committed to going through with the transaction.

Do all custom orders have to go through ID?

No. You can list items in your Showroom that are available to be customized. Use the description and images to show examples of similar items you've customized in the past. You need to remember though, that all listings must be items for sale and not just a general advertisement. You will need to include the full price you want the buyer to pay for your item.

How do I send buyers an invoice?

If payment is made via your Ponoko Showroom, 'paid' invoices are sent automatically from your Showroom. If payment is made in other ways, you will need to send them your own invoice by email.

What are the Ponoko fees associated with ID?

Zero. There are no fees for buyers to make requests or for creators to bid on requests or accept jobs from ID.

What currency is used for ID transactions?

All transactions on Ponoko, including ID requests, are in United States Dollars (US$).

What's the process for payment?

Payment terms need to be negotiated by both the buyer and creator. The creator will include in their bid how they wish to be paid. Some options include full payment upfront to payment on completion. Another option is payment by installments (such as a 50% deposit upfront and 50% on completion). Once the bid is accepted by the buyer and confirmed by the creator, payment can then be made in a way that is mutually agreeable.

What about invoices?

The creator is responsible for sending the buyer an invoice if necessary. (If payment is made via the creator's Ponoko Showroom, invoices are sent automatically from that Showroom).

Questions about policies