Ponoko ID FAQs

Here are answers to questions you may have about ID. You can also find out more about the service by heading to these pages:

What can I get made using ID?

ID is for custom-made individualized goods. So anything goes. Of course, if you're looking for someone to help you make your favorite rocket ship or nanobot, it may be wise to look somewhere else.

Can anyone make an ID request?

Yes. ID is open to everyone.

Can I negotiate changes to a designer's bid?

Yes. The idea of ID is for you and the designer to work together to agree terms you are both happy with. You may need to email each other several times for this to happen. Make sure the designer edits the product description their Showroom to reflect the changes before you accept the bid. This forms the basis of your agreement.

If I get a bid, do I have to accept it?

No. You are not obligated to accept a bid or bids if you don't get one you are happy with.

Does my request close if I accept a bid?

No. Your request will remain open for 21 days from the day you post it, so it will remain open to additional bids even if you accept a bid before the 21 days are up.

Can I accept more than one bid?

Yes. You can accept as many bids as you like. Remember though, whenever you accept a bid, you are agreeing to go through with the purchase. So, you should never accept a bid if you don't intend to complete the transaction.

Can I cancel a bid after I've accepted it?

Yes, but you need to email the designer before they confirm your acceptance of their bid. From this point on you are committed to going through with the purchase.

What if I accept a bid, then don't hear back from the designer?

You can cancel the transaction by emailing the designer if you don't get confirmation from them within a reasonable amount of time after accepting their bid.

Who can bid on ID requests?

Any qualified Ponoko designer / seller can bid on an ID request. You'll need to be a set up with a selling account. Check out how to become a seller and get a free online shop of your own. You just need a Paypal Premier account and you're ready to rock.

What is a qualified Ponoko Designer / Seller?

Right now we have all the designers we need, but we will let you know how to qualify very soon.

Can I withdraw a bid after it's been accepted?

You are not obligated to make an item until a shopper has accepted your bid and you have confirmed this acceptance by email. From this point on you are committed to going through with the transaction.

Do all custom orders have to go through ID?

No. You can list items in your Showroom that are available to be customized. Use the description and images to show examples of similar items you've customized in the past. You need to remember though, that all listings must be items for sale and not just a general advertisement. You will need to include the full price you want the shopper to pay for the finished item.

What currency is used for ID transactions?

All Ponoko transactions are in United States Dollars (US$). This includes ID requests.

What's the process for payment?

Payment terms need to be negotiated. They can range from full payment upfront to payment on completion (but before the item is shipped). Another option is payment by installments (such as a 50% deposit upfront and 50% on completion). The designer should include their preferred payment option in their bid.

Once the bid is accepted and confirmed, the designer creates the item for sale in their Ponoko Showroom. The shopper then visits the designer's online store to pay for the item according to the terms of the bid.

What about invoices?

Invoices are sent automatically when you make payment to the designer's Showroom.

Does Ponoko charge fees on ID requests?

No. There are no fees for shoppers to make ID requests or for designers to bid on or accept ID requests.

Are there any specific terms I should know about?

Yes. Ponoko's legal terms apply to all ID transactions.

What if there's a problem with payment or delivery?

Contact us if you have a problem with an ID transaction. We'll do what we can to help get it sorted.

What can I do about a request that breaches Ponoko's policies?

Tell us. We'll review the request and take whatever action is necessary.