Compare
Craftcloud vs a local maker: comparing prices or posting the job
Buyers pay no fee. Payment is held by our payment partner until you confirm delivery.
Side by side
| Craftcloud | The Spool List | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A price-comparison and ordering service run by All3DP; partner manufacturers make the parts | A marketplace where buyers post jobs and independent makers quote |
| How you get a price | Upload a model; prices from partners "in your area and around the world" appear instantly | Post the job free; makers send quotes; you choose one |
| What you need to start | A 3D model (Craftcloud links to a partner design service if you don't have one) | Files if you have them; photos, measurements or a description also work |
| Who you contract with | All3DP GmbH; it has a separate contract with the supplier | The maker you choose, through the platform |
| Minimum order | None | None |
| Extra fees | Handling fee up to 7% if the model isn't printable, you change the order after acceptance, or you refuse delivery; customs and duties are yours | No buyer fee; makers pay the commission |
| When you pay | In full before production starts | Upfront; held by our payment partner (Stripe) until you confirm delivery |
| Problems | Report anomalies within 7 days of delivery; defects visible on unpacking within 3 months | Raise a dispute in the app before you confirm delivery |
| Range | 3D printing (31 technologies, 200+ materials), CNC, sheet metal, casting and moulding | 17 disciplines, including 3D printing, cosplay, miniatures and spare parts |
When Craftcloud is the better choice
Use Craftcloud when you have a clean model and price is the main question.
Craftcloud compares prices "in real-time from among manufacturers in your area and around the world" and lists 31 3D printing technologies and 200+ materials (Craftcloud). It says it has no minimum order value and shows how the price is made up (benefits). For an industrial material like MJF nylon or a metal print, comparing many bureaus at once is hard to beat.
Craftcloud's parent company is All3DP, the 3D printing publication (about).
Terms worth reading before you order
On Craftcloud you contract with All3DP, pay in full before production, and carry customs costs.
Its Terms of Contract (February 2021 version) set up one contract between you and All3DP GmbH and a separate one between All3DP and the supplier. Production starts only once payment is made in full. A handling fee of up to 7% of the order value can apply if your model can't be printed by the chosen supplier, if you change the order after it's accepted, or if you refuse delivery. Customs, duties and taxes are not included in the price. Anomalies must be reported within seven days, and defects visible on unpacking within three months (terms).
None of that is unusual for an online manufacturing service. It's just different from hiring a person.
When a local maker fits better
A maker is the better route when the job needs judgement, not just a machine.
Typical cases: you have a photo of a broken part but no model, you want a print sanded, primed and painted, you're making a cosplay prop from reference images, or you want to collect the part rather than wait for shipping. On The Spool List you post the job free, verified makers quote, and you agree details with them directly before paying.
Payment is taken upfront and held by our payment partner, Stripe, until you confirm delivery; disputes are raised in the app before you confirm (returns and disputes). Buyers pay no fee; makers pay 10% on the free plan, or 7%, 5% or 4% on paid plans (pricing).
Frequently asked questions
Does Craftcloud print the parts itself?
No. Craftcloud describes itself as connecting customers to an international network of manufacturers. Its terms make All3DP your contract partner and the supplier its subcontractor.
Does Craftcloud charge extra fees?
Its terms allow a handling fee of up to 7% of the order value if the model isn't printable, the order is changed after acceptance, or delivery is refused. Customs, duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
Can I order a 3D print without an STL file?
Instant-quote services price from a model, so you need one (Craftcloud links to a partner design service). On The Spool List you can post photos and measurements and let makers quote, including for modelling.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the part, material and where it ships from. Craftcloud is designed for price comparison on a finished file; for a job that needs modelling or finishing, compare full quotes from makers.
Can I pick up from a local maker?
Often, yes. Makers on The Spool List agree delivery or pickup with you in chat before you pay.
More comparisons
Find makers by discipline
Further reading
Sources
- Craftcloud: 3D printing services
- Craftcloud: your benefits
- Craftcloud: about (parent company All3DP)
- Craftcloud: help (design services)
- Craftcloud: Terms of Contract, February 2021
- The Spool List: returns and disputes
- The Spool List: maker pricing
Sources checked 2026-10-14. Competitor terms change; check their current pages before you order. Names of other companies are used only to identify their services.