---
title: "Shop Partner Signup: Join Free | OpenSpindle"
description: "Sign up your machine shop or fabrication shop in a few minutes. Pick your capabilities and materials, and OpenSpindle sends you quote-ready RFQs that match. Free for shops: no fees, no subscription."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/apply
---

# Manufacturing jobs, matched to your shop

We find customers who need parts made and send you the projects that fit your machines, materials, and finishing. You quote the ones you want.

**Free to join** · **No subscription or lead fees** · **Keep your own customers**

## How OpenSpindle works

1. **Build your profile.** Your processes, materials, secondary operations, finishing, and whether you offer DFM. It's what we match on.
2. **Get RFQs that fit.** We work with customers directly and email you when a project fits your shop.
3. **Quote on your terms.** Your price and your timing. Skip anything that isn't a fit.
4. **Make it, ship it, get paid.** The customer pays us, and we pay you.

## When an RFQ comes in

We'll email you when a project fits your shop. You'll see the CAD files, drawings when the customer has them, the quantity and specs for each part, and the date they need it by.

You quote: your price, material sourcing time, production and inspection time, packing and shipping time. The customer knows what to expect, and you aren't held to a schedule you didn't set.

**Offer DFM? Tell us.** Many of our customers ask for design-for-manufacturability feedback before they order. If your shop reviews designs and suggests changes to cost, lead time, or manufacturability, tick DFM review when you sign up (or add it to your profile later) so we can bring you in on those projects.

## When you win the job

We'll email you once the job is yours, with your ship-by date and schedule. Your lead time starts when the job is released to you.

- Post updates and photos as you go. We keep the customer in the loop.
- Download your packing slip and shipping label.
- Mark it shipped and send it out.

## The kind of work we send

Custom parts for hardware companies and product teams, from one-off prototypes to production runs.

- **CNC milling:** 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling
- **CNC turning:** Lathe and Swiss turning, live tooling
- **3D printing:** FDM, SLS, MJF, resin, metal
- **CNC routing:** Plastics, composites, wood, sheet aluminum
- **Sheet metal and cutting:** Laser, waterjet, plasma, forming
- **Finishing:** Anodizing, powder coat, plating

## Getting paid

Customers pay OpenSpindle by card or bank transfer. We add a small markup on the customer's side, and pay you by credit card, ACH, wire, or PayPal. No invoices to chase.

## Less selling, more making

- **We handle:** Finding customers, Their questions, NDAs and files, Collecting payment
- **You handle:** Quoting, Making the parts, Shipping on time

## Questions shops ask

### What does it cost to join?

Nothing. Joining, getting RFQs, and quoting are free, with no subscription and no lead fees. We add a small markup on the customer's side.

### How do I get paid?

Customers pay OpenSpindle, and we pay you by credit card, ACH, wire, or PayPal. You never send an invoice or chase a payment.

### Where do the customers come from?

Companies come to OpenSpindle to get parts made. We work with them directly, review each project, and send it to shops that fit.

### How do you decide which RFQs I get?

We match each project to your profile: processes, materials, secondary operations, finishing, and the work you want. The more complete your profile, the better your matches.

### What's in an RFQ, and what do I quote?

CAD files, drawings when the customer has them, the quantity and specs for each part, and the need-by date. You quote your price and your timing for material sourcing, production and inspection, and packing and shipping.

### Should I mention that I offer DFM?

Yes. Many customers ask for design-for-manufacturability feedback before ordering. Tick DFM review when you sign up, or add it to your profile later, and we'll know to bring you in when a customer wants a design reviewed.

### Do I have to quote every RFQ?

No. Decline anything that isn't a fit and tell us why. There's no penalty, and it helps us send better matches.

### What if a project is under an NDA?

Some customers ask shops to sign an NDA before seeing the files. You can sign it right in OpenSpindle, and the files open once you do.

### Who talks to the customer?

We do. Ask questions and share updates through OpenSpindle, and we take care of the customer.

### Can I keep working with my own customers?

Yes. There's no exclusivity, and OpenSpindle adds work on top of your existing business. Customers we introduce you to stay on OpenSpindle, as described in the Supplier Terms.

### What do I need to sign up?

About 5 minutes: your capabilities, your materials, your shop details, and an account. You can add machine specs and more detail afterward.

Still have questions? Email support@openspindle.com or book a call from https://openspindle.com/apply.

## Ready to get matched with work?

Tell us what you make. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Sign up: https://openspindle.com/apply

## Related Pages

- [Shop Partner Program](https://openspindle.com/features/marketplace.md)
- [Supplier Terms](https://openspindle.com/supplier-terms)
- [About OpenSpindle](https://openspindle.com/about.md)
