Stocks are marketplaces for selling content. Themes vary widely but primarily focus on creative activities: music, photographs, fonts, effect templates, and in our case, 3D models.
For 3D modeling specialists, these platforms open up additional earning opportunities. As professionals improve, they often face a problem: many projects performed on freelance or outsourcing are protected by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). In such situations, selling personal projects or works not limited by NDAs can become a source of income.
It’s important to note that the 3D model market is less saturated compared to the market for photos or images. The digital format allows selling the product without logistics costs and other operational expenses. With exclusive rights, you can sell an unlimited number of times. This means the product is unique but not exclusive.
As in any business, over time, there is a consolidation of players. Mergers and acquisitions of companies occur. There are many websites for selling models on the internet, but we will only consider the largest ones.
As of 2024, the most popular platforms include stores integrated with game engines: Unity Asset Store for Unity3D and Unreal Engine Marketplace for Unreal Engine. However, these platforms require separate consideration due to their specifics. Besides them, there are other popular sites for selling 3D models, which we will now examine.
1. CGTrader
A popular online platform for selling 3D models. Comparable to Turbosquid in terms of the number of models. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to relatively low commissions of 20-30%. There’s a rating and reputation system that takes into account the quality of their work and history of interaction with buyers. The platform provides authors with tools for sales management, analytics, and promotion of their works. CGTrader is the only 3D marketplace that allows direct communication with clients through personal messages. In addition to selling 3D models, the platform offers a freelance platform for 3D modeling jobs. Models are available in various formats compatible with most popular 3D modeling and rendering programs. The site has over 2 million items in total.
2. Turbosquid
Acquired by Shutterstock.com in January 2021. The oldest resource. Very high commissions, up to 60%, which depend on the author’s profile level on the site. This is why it lost a large share of artists to CGTrader. Known for its “CheckMate” quality certification system (https://www.turbosquid.com/CheckMate). They refund money for models that didn’t suit the buyer.
3. Sketchfab
Acquired by Epic Games in July 2021. Initially, it was a site for publishing and demonstrating 3D models for VR and real-time engines. After the acquisition, the commission for authors was reduced from 30% to 12%. The main feature of the site is the “Model Inspector.” It’s a powerful built-in browser-based 3D player that allows you to rotate the model in real-time and examine it from all angles, evaluate the model’s topology, UV unwraps, and textures. This significantly simplifies the process for both buyers and sellers.
However, the platform has a drawback – there is a risk of unauthorized copying of models using special “ripper” programs.
Pricing on the platform is flexible – authors can set the cost of their works independently. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that excessively high prices can deter potential buyers. Success on this platform largely depends on the ability to find the optimal balance between supply and demand.
4. Blender Market
Blender Market is an online platform where you can sell and buy 3D models, textures, add-ons, and other resources for the 3D modeling and visualization program Blender. Sellers have the ability to set their own prices for their products. Blender Market also offers tools for promoting products, including various marketing and advertising options. Additionally, the site provides tutorials and guides for working with Blender, as well as a blog and forum where users can share experiences, ask questions, and find answers.
5. 3D Ocean
A separate section of the popular video stock videohive.net, dedicated specifically to 3D models. About 50,000 3D models and textures with democratic prices starting from $2. Models can be filtered by theme, file type, price, polygons, etc. The 3D Ocean site is part of the Australian company Envato, a community of content makers from seven sites.
6. 3D Models
A paradise for grown-up boys. This site offers a colossal database of 3D models in the themes of “cars”, “weapons”, “electronics and gadgets”. There’s even a Batman mask. The authors claim that they have more than 7000 car 3D models in their catalog. The catalog is full of real brands. Files are available in OBJ, MAX, C4D, and 3DS formats.
ITHappy Store
Lastly, allow me to say a few words about our store ithappystudios.com.
In it, you will find high-quality packages of 3D low-poly resources. Our team of experts has extensive experience in creating models in this direction for a wide variety of purposes.
Our range goes beyond individual models – we offer full-fledged locations ready for use. These resources are easily adaptable to your needs and can be applied in game development, virtual reality projects, or product presentations.
We value our customers and strive to provide them with the best shopping experience. To this end, we regularly run promotions, offer a flexible pricing system, maintain an active user community on Discord, and provide quick technical support. Our goal is not just to sell a product, but to build long-term relationships with customers so that they return to us again and again, fully satisfied with our services.
