Selling tips

Tips for selling textures...

• Textures usually sell best when they are in packs with like textures. For example, a set of grass textures would sell better than a single grass texture. Of course there is nothing wrong with selling the textures individually and also selling them in packs.
• Depending on the type of texture, a seamless texture will generally sell better than one that won't tile seamlessly. Obviously this rule wouldn't apply to all types of textures like a door, street sign, etc. 
• Include as much information on the texture as possible like width and height, color depth, possible uses, etc.
• Beyond just including a preview image of the actual texture, consider including rendered images of the texture being used in a real world example scene.
• Where appropriate, consider including a matching bump (elevation) map and/or an alpha channel map if needed.
• Make sure your texture is priced correctly. A single texture selling for 50 cents probably won't sell at all, and the same goes for a texture priced in the $15.00 or more range. There are some exceptions to this, but a single texture should normally be priced in the $5.00 to $10.00 range. When selling in packs, lookup the cost of similar packs on our site and price them accordingly.

Tips for selling models...

• Include as many preview images as needed to make sure all views of the model are covered. It is also best to include a wireframe preview and some preview of the model in a rendered scene. Make sure your preview images look good, and make sure the model you are trying to sell is the major focus of the image.
• Don't under sell your model. A model listed for $1.00 will probably never sell. Instead, models should usually start in the $5.00 range for the most basic of models, and even these may not sell well. If you look at your model and think it is worth less than $5.00 then chances are it is something anybody could easily model so consider just giving it away for free. Nice models are usually in the $30.00 and up range. A nice car model might sell for $100.00 while a more basic set of furniture could go for $25.00. Compare your model to others on our site and set your pricing accordingly.
• If you are new to selling models, consider giving some models away for free. This will get your name out there and when people see what other models you have they will then see those you have for sale. It's a great way to advertise your own products within our site.
• A textured model will almost always sell better than a non-textured model.
• Include detailed stats on your model like the polygon count, information on the textures included, etc.
• When using a program specific file format such as .max for 3ds max (.lwo for Lightwave, .c4d for Cinema 4D, etc) it is best to NOT use the latest version of the software. For example, if the latest version of the software you use is 3ds max v9 then we suggest instead using 3ds max v7 or v8 if possible. Since many customers do not have the latest version of software you will dramatically increase your potential list of customers. If you cannot offer a lower version then be sure to export to as many common formats as possible.
• Offer your model in several types. If you modeled something in 3ds max then try exporting it to .3ds format as well and offer both versions. When possible, convert to other major formats like Maya, Softimage, Lightwave, trueSpace, Cinema 4D, etc.
• When offering .3ds versions of your software (which we strongly suggest you do when possible) be sure that all texture maps are in JPG format and the texture map names are saved in the 8.3 format which is up to 8 characters maximum followed by .JPG (12345678.JPG for example). The .3ds file spec is limited to 8 characters long and does not support many texture formats such as PSD, DDS, TGA, TIF, etc, and many programs will only accept JPG for the texture format when importing .3ds. It is also suggested to remove all lighting and cameras from the .3ds version to maximize compatibility with all 3D programs (many will fail to import a .3ds file with cameras or lights in it).
• Consider selling models by themselves and in packs. For example, if you have 10 cars to sell consider offering each one as a product by itself and then all 10 as another product. The product containing all 10 cars should then have a price that would be cheaper than by all 10 individually. If you sold each car for $100.00 individually, then maybe the 10 pack would go for $750.00 or so.
• Consider uploading a demo animation of your product (in a ZIP file) and add it to the preview files section. This will allow the customer to download and view the animation before purchasing your product.
• We suggest avoiding the use of 3rd party plugins unless they are absolutely necessary in the scene. The same is true of 3rd party renderers such as Vray. If you must use Vray in your scene considering offering a non-Vray version as well. Keep in mind that 3rd part specific items (such as Vray materials) do NOT export to other formats.

Other selling tips...

• Make sure you include a short and long description for each product. Describe exactly what you are selling, what format it comes in, and what type of detail it has.
• Spell check everything! This is important; consider typing your descriptions in a program like Word and then spell check them before pasting into the product description boxes.
• Do you have a web site? You can create HTML code that will link visitors directly to your products on The3dStudio.com by copying the HTML code on the Sell page.
• Do you sell you products on other sites besides The3dStudio.com? Then consider lowering your price for the product you have on The3dStudio.com by 10% or more than you have it on other sites. After all, because you are making more profit on our site than any other, you can afford to sell your product at a lower price and still make more money on it. This will help increase sales on The3dStudio.com and give you more for your products.
• Create a blog on The3dStudio.com Blog Network and have your blogged linked to your products and your products linked to your blog. Blog posts can bring in a lot of website traffic and those visitors who come to read your blog posts will automatically see all of your latest products. Blogging on The3dstudio.com helps put a “face” on the products you are selling and can help give you a great sales edge. Also, by being a part of The3dStudio.com Blog Network you can be featured in our newsletters for free! View our blog or get start now.

If you have other questions on selling a product, or a tip you think should be added to this list then please contact us.