Institute a "priority" option that allows users to pay for < 10 day fab time.
I recently uploaded some models that I am looking at printing for some prototyping. The costs seemed to be along the lines of what I expected, but the printing and delivery (10 business days for white, strong plastic) were much higher than I would have liked. I was surprised there was no priority option so that I could jump ahead in the queue to get samples quicker. While I realize Shapeways offers value by having multiple types of materials and a friendly interface, I think if rapid prototyping ever is a target market, there needs to be a way to get stuff quicker. If this is limited by capacity, perhaps there isn't anything that can be done. But as Shapeways adds more capacity, perhaps it will be a possibility.
Chris Gammell
shared this idea
Hi all, here’s a quick update: As our first priority, we’re currently working hard to decrease the lead times for all our materials. Priority shipping will probably take a little longer to realize.
Cheers,
Bart
2 comments
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thomashuang.net
commented
Yes, I would like this too. It takes me 3 tries to get my products right, and each tweak I make only takes a few days to design, but 10 to 12 days to fab and 4 days to ship, for about 60 days total. If I could have priority fabrication I could potentially save 3 weeks.
I think one machine could be set aside to take priority orders while there is enough space in the queue for a 3 day fab time, and I would be willing to pay up to double the normal cost.
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Pazu
commented
I second this idea as well. Shapeways is now a viable prototyping service for me and many. And having to wait almost 2 weeks is going to hurt business for those who need to print more than just for recreation.
It's not that we expect next day prints but just something that would tweak the queue a little to allow customers who would pay a premium to move ahead of the queue.
Please consider this.
