How merchant licenses work
Updated 2026-10-19. Based on patterns in the license terms we verified for this directory. Not legal advice.
If you run a print shop, an Etsy store or a market booth, the file you downloaded usually isn't enough. Most designers separate personal-use access from commercial (merchant) rights, and the commercial rights are typically sold as a monthly membership tier.
1. The basic model: rights last only while you subscribe
Across the listings here, merchant rights are tied to an active subscription. Examples: Layers In Green says unsubscribing voids the license immediately; Printaszek says rights end at the conclusion of your billing period. Build your product line knowing you'll need to stay subscribed to keep selling.
2. Physical prints only, never files
Every license we've verified forbids selling, sharing or redistributing STL/3MF files. Several also forbid casting or molds (e.g. Archvillain Games, Epic Miniatures, Papsikels, UNIT9) and production other than 3D printing (Ghamak).
3. Where you can sell: online, in person, wholesale
On each listing we track three channels and mark each as yes, no or unverified (the source doesn't say). Online selling is the most commonly stated. In-person and wholesale vary. For example, Mini Monster Mayhem limits its merchant tier to "home businesses and internet store fronts," while Printaszek and McGybeer sell separate higher tiers for wholesale or B2B.
4. Credit, renders and photos
Many designers require credit in your listings (HotRodHippie gives an exact credit line; Unit9 and Papsikels require a link to their Patreon). Rules on images differ. Some let you use their renders to advertise (Papsikels, UNIT9). Others forbid using their photos (Printaszek, Layers In Green).
5. Registration and seller lists
Some licenses require you to register your shops (Archvillain Games' Merchant Registry, Ghamak's Commercial Partner Registry, Epic Miniatures). Some publish authorized-seller lists (SEREV3D, HotRodHippie) or a lookup panel (Printaszek).
6. Fan art and IP
A designer's license can't grant rights it doesn't own. Several creators of character models say so directly. Bulkamancer calls its models fan art, Galactic Armory notes it doesn't override original IP owners' rights, and Geoffro excludes Star Wars. Treat licensed-character designs as higher risk.
Checklist before you list a print
- Are you on the right tier today? Screenshot the terms.
- Is your channel (Etsy, market, wholesale) allowed?
- Did you register your shop if required?
- Is your credit line and image use compliant?
- Does the model depict someone else's IP?
FAQ
Does buying or downloading an STL let me sell prints of it?
Not by itself. Many designers sell files for personal use only and sell print-selling rights separately, usually through a "merchant" or "commercial" Patreon tier. Read the specific license for each design.
What happens to my license if I cancel my subscription?
For every subscription-based license in this directory, the source says selling rights are tied to an active subscription and end when it ends (some say at the end of the billing period). Plan to remove listings when you cancel.
Can I sell the STL files themselves?
No. Every merchant license listed here covers physical prints only and forbids sharing or reselling digital files.
Can I sell wholesale to shops?
It varies. Some licenses explicitly allow it (for example Cinderwing3D mentions partnering with local shops), some require a higher B2B tier (Printaszek, McGybeer), and some forbid it (SEREV3D Merchant tier, Mini Monster Mayhem, Epic Miniatures).
Is this legal advice?
No. MerchantTier summarizes public terms on a verified date. Always confirm current terms with the designer.