How the Job Board works: Overview

 

The Job Board is where Makers can post requests for custom individualized goods and have Fabbers bid on the opportunity to make the item and win the sale. It's an opportunity for Makers to collaborate with Fabbers to get exactly what you want....here's how it all works in a nutshell.

For a more detailed description of the Maker and Fabber roles within the Job Board, please see:

How the Job Board works for Makers: Posting jobs
How the Job Board works for Fabbers: Bidding on jobs

Step 1: Maker posts a job

It's free and easy to start a Job Board request. To begin, enter in all the details of your job as outlined on the webpage, from your ideal purchase price to the delivery deadline. Be sure to describe your project in detail so Fabbers can make an informed bid. Include colors, materials, measurements and any other important info. You can also include links to relevant images, like sketches of your idea. Your request will be emailed to a selection of Fabbers.

For a more detailed look at creating a job post, see this guide: How the Job Board works for makers: Post jobs

Step 2: Fabbers bid on the job posting

Qualified Fabbers will be sent Maker requests to submit bids for a chance to make the custom item. To place a bid, simply send an email to the Maker about how you would make the item, what it will cost, deadline and shipping and payment details. A Fabber's bid does not have to match the request identically if the Fabber thinks the price, deadline or other terms should be different. This bid will only be seen by the Maker. Multiple Fabbers can bid on the same request.

For a more detailed look at the Fabber's role, see this guide: How the Job Board works for Fabbers: Bid on jobs

Step 3: Maker reviews bids … Fabber confirms

The Maker now has a few options: accept, decline or request changes to the Fabber’s bid. The Maker and Fabber can communicate about changes by private email to one another. The Fabber can edit their bid at any time before it is accepted or declined by the Maker. The Maker can accept multiple bids on the same request, if they would like items from different Fabbers.

Sometimes things change in the time between a Fabber submitting a bid and the Maker accepting it. For this reason, once a bid is accepted by the Maker, the Fabber must confirm that they are still available to make the item. Once a Fabber confirms it, the request/bid becomes a binding agreement.

Step 4: Payment is sent

Once the Fabber has confirmed the agreement on email, they need to collect payment from the Maker in a mutually agreed way. The Maker should then submit payment to the Fabber according to the terms of the bid outlined in the email.

Step 5: Item is made and delivered

The Fabber will now make the item as requested and ship it to the Maker at the address agreed when the Fabber confirmed the agreement.