Start Your 3D Printed Maps Business

For 5 years we've specialized in creating 3D printed map artwork. We've designed hundreds of models and sold thousands of pieces through online platforms like Etsy, retail stores, and local craft fairs. Now, we're pivoting to focus on creating the most detailed and expansive online library of printable maps. Now you can enjoy printing your own for personal use or gifting, and access our commercial license to kickstart your own printing business with these premium margin pieces!

The Unique Value of 3D Maps

High quality cityscapes and topographic prints are some of the most valuable uses of PLA filament and 3D printer time.

The models are conversation starters and memory keepers that create sentimental value. This makes for a highly profitable niche in 3D printing. There are also endless design possibilities and creative projects to explore in the category. In my experience, a single print using $3-$8 of filament converts to a $50-$150 sale, depending on the size and level of detail. These pieces are highly sought after, seen as the perfect personal gift or home decor piece.

In addition to selling online, these pieces sell great locally and in-person. They're eye-catching and immediately connect with people who are familiar with the locations. Selling locally, I've earned a couple thousand dollars per month with a small section in a maker store. There I sell pieces of the local town, cities, national parks, and state topographic maps. These also sell well at local boutique stores and craft fairs, and even on Facebook Marketplace in your own city or town.

The most challenging and tedious aspect of the business is the design process. It involves extensive data sourcing, processing, adding features by hand, then multiple printing iterations to get the final piece just right. A single model can take days of dedicated work to perfect.

Introducing the Micropolitan Thangs Subscription

My goal is to remove the most challenging portion of the business to enable and accelerate your success. By providing access to my portfolio of pre-designed models, you can focus on printing, building your brand, expanding your store, and creating pieces with your own unique styles.

What we offer:

• A growing collection of ready-to-print 3D maps — the most detailed available anywhere!
• Upcoming project tutorials and tips for selling success
• A Merchant subscription that gives you a commercial license to sell your prints
• An Ultimate subscription gives you a custom model design each month, personally designed for you (e.g., pieces of your town to sell in local stores and craft fairs)
• Priced for success: A month's subscription is paid for by a single sale

Note: We're brand new on Thangs but ramping up quickly! Our limited time Founder Rate subscription allows you to lock in exceptional value as we build our catalog. We strive to keep our prices low enough to recoup your membership cost with a single sale. Early supporters like you fuel our growth - thank you!

Our Commitment

Whether you're looking to create a statement piece for your home, searching for the perfect gift, or launching a 3D maps business, our goal is to support your 3D map-making journey. I'm eager to help you learn and replicate the success I've found in this niche, and excited to see what you create.

Happy printing!

- Jason

UPDATE:
Here are some tips from my experience selling on various platforms.

Etsy:

Great for building your brand over time.

Competitive, but our models are the most detailed you'll find on Etsy, which sets you up well to compete.

Differentiate by creating unique products with your own styles: colors, mounting, framing, sizing, etc.

We are adding hundreds of new models every month so there are plenty of new products/markets to carve out.

You can also set up a Shopify store to drive traffic to your brand without competition.

Social Media (Facbook Marketplace, Local Facebook Groups, Reddit):

Great for driving traffic and getting quick sales, location-targeting.

The formula is basically to post a photo of your print in the community it represents (e.g., Boston in Boston subreddit, FB group, or FB Marketplace location).

On Reddit, make sure your post doesn't come off as an ad. Share your creative work authentically. People will appreciate it, and some will message about where to buy one.

On Facebook Marketplace, set your location to that of the place your map represents, and offer to ship it for free.

Local Venues (Maker fairs and craft shows, Boutique stores):

Focus on maps of the immediate area where you're selling (local cities, stadiums, terrains).

Use our custom model tiers to create a collection of maps around your area.

Great for building word-of-mouth referrals, building a brand within your community (no competition)