How this works: Overview
This is a place where everyone can make requests to get (almost) anything made. Creators then bid on the opportunity to design and/or make the item and win the job. It's an opportunity for buyers and creators to collaborate to get stuff made.
We'll explain below how it all works in a nutshell.
For a more detailed description of the buyer and creator roles, please see:
How this works for buyers: Make a request
How this works for creators: Bid on requests
Step 1: Buyer makes a request
It's free and easy to make a request. To begin, enter the details of your request here. Be sure to describe your project in detail so creators can make an informed bid. Your request will be posted for creators to view here.
For a more detailed look at how a buyer can make a request, see this guide: How this works for buyers: Make a request
Step 2: Creators bid on the request
Qualified creators will be able to view buyer requests and submit bids to design and/or make the custom item. To bid on requests, simply fill out the 'Submit a Bid' form and click to send it to the buyer. A creator’s bid does not have to match the buyer’s request identically if the creator thinks the price, deadline or other terms should be different. This bid will only be seen by the buyer. Multiple creators can bid on the same request.
For a more detailed look at how a creator can bid on requests, see this guide: How this works for creators: Bid on requests
Step 3: Buyer reviews bids, accepts one … and the creator confirms
The buyer now has a few options: accept, decline or request changes to the creator’s bid. The buyer and creator can communicate about changes by private email to one another. The creator can edit their bid at any time before it is accepted or declined by the buyer. The buyer can accept multiple bids on the same request, if they would like items from different creators.
Sometimes things change in the time between a creator submitting a bid and the buyer accepting it. For this reason, once a bid is accepted by the buyer, the creator must confirm that they are still available to design and/or make the item. Once a creator confirms it, the request/bid becomes a binding agreement.
Step 4: Payment is sent
Once the creator has confirmed the agreement on email, they need to collect payment from the buyer in a mutually agreed way. The buyer should then submit payment to the creator according to the terms of the bid outlined in the email.
Step 5: Item is designed and/or made
The creator will now design and/or make the item as agreed. If the buyer wanted the creator to deliver a finished product, then the job is complete. But if the buyer wanted the creator to deliver a product design, the buyer may now upload this design into their own personal online factory and click to make for the product parts to be delivered direct from Ponoko.