Hiring the wrong product CAD designer is expensive: files your factory cannot use, parts that do not fit, and a second designer to redo the work. These nine questions separate a professional from someone who can only make pictures.
Typical rates to expect
US and UK freelance product designers commonly charge $65 to $140 per hour; marketplace rates start much lower. Fixed-price studios quote per part or product. Ours: $490 per part, $1,890 for a product up to 12 parts, from $4,900 for production packages. See engineering pricing.
1. Will I receive parametric CAD and STEP files?
A mesh (STL or OBJ) is not enough for manufacturing. You need editable parametric files plus STEP for suppliers.
2. Do you design for my manufacturing process?
Injection molding, CNC, sheet metal and 3D printing each have different rules. Ask for examples in your process. Our injection molding design guide explains what to expect.
3. Are drawings with tolerances included?
Factories quote from drawings. No drawings means extra cost later.
4. Do you provide DFM notes?
Draft, wall thickness, ribs, bosses and snap fits decide whether a part molds cleanly. A DFM report shows the designer thought about production.
5. How many revision rounds, and one after my prototype?
New products need at least one round after holding a printed prototype.
6. Who owns the files and design rights?
The answer should be you, in full, on final payment. Get it in writing.
7. Will you sign an NDA?
Any serious designer signs before you share unreleased designs.
8. What is the fixed price and delivery date?
Open-ended hourly billing puts all the risk on you. A fixed quote with defined deliverables is safer.
9. Can the same model be used for renders and animation?
If the designer can also produce product renders and exploded views, you avoid paying to model the product again for marketing.
Red flags
- No drawings or DFM in the quote
- Only renders in the portfolio, no engineering examples
- Refuses an NDA
- Vague ownership terms
- Price far below market with no clear deliverables
Hire VelarVisuals
Our CAD design service includes native and STEP files, drawings, DFM notes, prototype files, a revision after your test, an NDA before files move, and full ownership on payment. Get a fixed quote.
