How Ponoko ID works: Overview
ID is a way for shoppers and designers to collaborate to create something unique and special. Shoppers use ID to post requests for custom-made individualized goods. Designers then have the chance to put forward a bid to make the item. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Shopper posts a request
Shopper
You make an ID request by filling in the form on the ID homepage. Include as much detail as possible so designers get a clear idea of what you want. Your request is sent to a selection of designers.
Want to know more? See How ID works for shoppers
Step 2: Designers place bids
Designer
You place a bid to design and make the item by emailing a brief proposal to the shopper. This should cover your ideas for approaching the project as well as cost, timing, shipping and payment details. Your bid doesn’t have to match the request exactly. You may have different ideas, say, on what’s reasonable in terms of price or timing. The idea is for you and the shopper to reach an agreement you are both happy with.
Want to know more? See How ID works for designers
Step 3: Shopper reviews bids
Shopper
You may get one or many bids in response to your request. You can accept or decline any or all of the bids you receive by emailing the designer. You can also ask for changes to a bid or bids.
Designer
You can edit your bid at any time before it is accepted or declined by the shopper.
You may need to communicate back and forth a number of times before you reach an agreement you are both happy with.
Step 4: Shopper accepts ... Designer confirms
Shopper
You can accept a bid at any stage – again, via email.
Designer
Once a bid is accepted, you need to confirm the transaction by return email.
At this point, the request/bid becomes a binding agreement.
Step 5: Shopper makes payment
Designer
You create the item for sale in your Ponoko Showroom. (This helps Ponoko track transactions to make sure shoppers are happy and designers play nice.)
Shopper
You submit payment to the designer’s Showroom according to the terms of the bid outlined in there.
Step 6: Designer creates item
Designer
Now you get to the fun bit: creating the item. It’s then shipped by you or direct to the shopper from Ponoko according to the terms of the bid. You can display images of the finished item in your Showroom and, depending on the agreement with the shopper, sell it to others .
Step 7: Shoppers and designers post reviews
Shoppers and designers can make comments about one another by leaving comments in the respective profiles. We want to create confidence through transparency.