Prototype-Cafe.com

1. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. Via PayPal

2. What shipping methods are available?

We include USPS Priority Mail shipping. We can also ship FEDEX. We are not currently setup to ship UPS. Priority mail offers low cost and often, the same delivery as methods costing 10 to 12 times as much.

3. Can I pay by check?

Yes. payment is required prior to parts being shipped to you.

4. Can I issue a P.O.?

Yes, but payment is still required up front. You can also do a blanket P.O. with an up front payment of a fixed dollar amount.

5. How can I be assured the Prototype-cafe will have reasonable access for my jobs to be run?

We quote delivery upon RFQ. While we do not guarantee delivery time, as parts can be broken in cleaning or machines can malfunction, we make every effort to meet the delivery time.

6. Why are 3D printed part prices so different from supplier to supplier?

There are many factors which can influence the cost of 3D printed parts. The first is printing method/ quality. Polyjet are some of the highest quality RP parts. Quality costs money. If quality is not a factor, we suggest purchasing a RepRap machine, or foregoing 3D printing alltogether. Second is the source and their long term goals. We want to process parts and make a reasonable profit on each and every part. Some large scale service companies may decide to work on a different business model where they get you hooked, then gradually raise their prices, or utilizing lost leader pricing - just like the "big box" stores. Often, these companies are not setup to offer low shipping costs, so your total cost ends up to be much higher. Why concentrate on saving nickels and dimes, only to toss away dollars on shipping?

Our objective is to offer excellent services at a fair and reasonable profit. Occassionally, we are contacted by people who want something for free, or want to make sure we lose for their gain. We are not seeking customers of this type. Thank you.