Someone recently asked me about whether Thangs would adopt a “pay-what-you-want” option, similar to what other platforms have started offering. The idea behind it is simple: creators can list their models for free or at a minimum of $0, letting users decide what they want to pay. It’s been a great way for free models to generate some revenue where before, they would only lead to exposure and downloads.

I get why this sounds appealing, but Thangs has taken a very intentional approach to pricing that we think benefits designers and the industry in the long run. Here’s my take on it.

Fighting for Designers and Artists

At Thangs, we made a deliberate decision to set a $3 minimum price point for models. Platforms that encourage super low prices or free downloads may still profit by collecting platform fees, but the end result is an environment where creators struggle to earn fair wages. This “race to the bottom” might help platforms grow, but it devalues the industry overall. When models are consistently undervalued, it sends a message that the time, skill, and effort of creators aren’t worth much. We don’t agree with that.

Thangs was built to support designers in earning what they deserve. By keeping pricing above $3, we aim to create a system where artists are paid fairly for their work, which helps the industry thrive as a whole.

YouTube vs Netflix: Two Models Can Coexist

I like to compare this to YouTube and Netflix. YouTube gives people access to tons of free, ad-supported content, while Netflix charges a premium for exclusive, high-quality programming. Both models can succeed, and there’s a place for each of them. Thangs leans more toward the Netflix model. Our goal is to attract premium buyers who are willing to pay for high-quality designs.

This doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with other approaches. It just means we’re focused on creating a space where designers can charge what their work is worth and build sustainable income streams, not just one-time sales.

What Happens When Prices Are Too Low

Lower prices might seem like an easy way to sell more models, but there’s a downside. If too many people buy a model at $3 or less, it becomes less exclusive. That can hurt future sales because the model doesn’t feel unique anymore. Over time, it devalues not only the model itself but also your entire portfolio.

Another issue is that underpricing makes it harder to build recurring revenue. A one-time sale is fine if you’re just doing this for fun, but if you’re trying to turn 3D design into a full-time job or a serious side hustle, memberships and recurring revenue are the way to go. One designer I know had a model go viral, and now they’re in the top 1% of income earners in their country. They didn’t get there by giving their work away for free.

Also, to maintain the memberships, they had to continue to create models. This is important because if the expectation from your customers is that you give everything away for free, you limit your own growth so you can never grow. You will be in a constant battle against membership churn.

Even if you don’t go viral, small successes add up. Earning $500 a month can turn into $5000 over time if you focus on the right audience and price your work appropriately. This is why I encourage designers to think beyond quick wins and focus on long-term growth.

Practical Ways to Experiment with Pricing

If you’re interested in testing different strategies, there are ways to make lower prices work without devaluing your models entirely. For example:

• You could run a limited-time discount, like 50% off, to drive sales without permanently lowering the value of your work.
• You could offer a starter membership for $5 per month, giving buyers access to exclusive content and building a steady stream of income.

At the end of the day, how low you go depends on your goals. If 3D design is a hobby for you, experimenting with free or low-cost models might make sense. But if you’re trying to make a living from it, recurring revenue and higher price points will always work better in the long run.

Thinking Globally

Pricing can also depend on where you live. If you’re in a region with a lower cost of living, lower prices might work because your expenses are different and you can create more models with less money. But for designers in regions with higher costs, or for those competing in global markets, premium pricing is almost always the better option.

Final Thoughts

Thangs isn’t just a platform. We want to be a partner for designers who want to build sustainable, thriving businesses. Our decision to focus on premium pricing isn’t just about making sales; it’s about protecting the value of your work and ensuring designers can grow their careers. Whether you’re listing models as a side hustle or trying to make it your full-time job, always think about the long-term impact of your pricing decisions. The right strategy can make all the difference.

Learn more about the ways to monetize your models on Thangs.

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