I’d like to make the observation that as a site MW has been anything but consistant. You run the risk of a rule changing, program changing, etc. Sure you get a payout now through the exclusive program, but you’re at MW mercy as to what is and isn’t allowed in. That could change at any time.
The payout method could end as well. You’d have 100’s of models up and then only be able to get a $40 gift card that you would have to turn around and sell. Points have already changed once.
You’d be better of choosing a Patreon or Thangs tier. Or opening an Etsy or similar shop and do print as a service.
There are some that have legit models they’ve made and posted, and I have no desire to take away from them.
However if you want a short cut, simply create something and upload it with a render, let others create profiles. Seems very profitable and you don’t have to print a thing. The more you upload the more exempt you’ll be from the rules too, it’s a win win for you.
I agree with what a lot of others here are saying, I don’t think it’s enough on it’s own but as an addition to have some here that are used best as free downloads in addition to a membership/club/subscription and paid models i think you could. e.g. clock spring and other designers who do it full time can afford to because of the steady membership revenue to keep them afloat. I personally do not subscribe to any paid membership mostly because I do not sell prints and don’t see the value, that said, selling to commercial printers is a very lucrative business if you don’t want to be involved with direct to customer demans like ETSY, etc. and there’s ways on thangs and patreon as well as others where you can build your own subscription tiers. I think you need to build up to it of course, unless you already have a stable of very popular designs.
Pretty much all of my designs work best as free downloads, so I’m very happy with my situation of earning about 1 giftcard per day on MW, I have yet to cash out exclusive points - but for me it wouldn’t be worth it - mostly because I’m buying a lot of filament to test several new lines of models (lamps and hue accessories mostly).
I’ve been approached by several people though about selling my models so they can print and sell lamps with them, I’m so scared of this. I might set up a farmer’s market table at some point to sell prints, but I just don’t want to have to care about all of the IP and legal situations if and when someone might steal my designs, so the exclusive program is perfect for me, my comfort level and involvement - which is mostly on weekends.
My opinion is unless you reckon MW will become as important as for example Youtube is, and therefore will always be around in some form or another for years to come, it will be risky to base your primary income on a single platform.
Perhaps a 3D model subscription income will be less risky.
