Frequently asked questions

Hire a Maker is a UK site that connects people who need something made with independent makers. You can post a request and let makers come to you, or browse makers by craft and location and message them directly.

One-off and small-batch custom work: replacement parts, personalised gifts, cake toppers, wedding signs, stickers and decals, printed or embroidered clothing, patches, resin pieces, laser-cut and engraved items, and woodwork. Makers on the site cover 3D printing, Cricut and vinyl cutting, laser cutting and engraving, sublimation printing, machine embroidery, CNC and woodwork, and resin casting.

No. Posting a request and messaging makers is free for customers. You only pay the maker you choose, for the job you agree with them.

No. Just describe what you need and add photos or a sketch if you have them. Many makers can design or model the item for you, usually for a fee they'll explain in their quote.

Sign in with a link sent to your email, then say what you need, pick the craft that fits best, add up to 4 photos, and give your town and postcode. You can add a budget and a date you need it by. Makers who do that kind of work and cover your area are alerted by email.

Makers are independent and reply when they can. Replies arrive as messages on the site and we email you when one comes in. Clear details, photos and sizes help makers reply faster and quote more accurately.

You agree the price, payment method and delivery directly with the maker. Hire a Maker doesn't take payments or a commission. For larger jobs it's normal to agree a deposit, and paying by a method with buyer protection gives you extra peace of mind.

Usually not. Most custom items travel well by post, so you can choose from makers across the UK. If you'd like to collect, or need a maker to measure or fit something, choose 'Local makers only' when you post your request.

Makers see your request, your town and the first half of your postcode. Your email address is never shown to other users, and messages are private between you and the maker.

Your agreement is with the maker, so talk to them first. Agreeing the details in writing in your messages (sizes, colours, text, price, delivery date and what happens if a change is needed) avoids most problems. If a maker breaks our rules, email us at hello@hireamaker.com and we'll look into it.

Only with permission. Makers can't reproduce brands, team badges, characters or other people's designs without the owner's permission, so use your own artwork or ask the maker for an original design.

Anyone in the UK who makes things to order: full-time studios, print farms, small businesses, hobby makers and side hustles. Every profile is checked before it goes live.

The Listed plan is free and puts your profile in the directory so customers can contact you. The Maker plan (£7 a month) lets you reply to customer requests, and Pro (£15 a month) adds more crafts and extra visibility, with full details before paid plans start. Founding makers get Pro free for 6 months and a permanent Founding maker badge.

No. You agree the price with the customer and they pay you directly. Hire a Maker only charges a flat monthly plan.

When a customer posts a request in one of your crafts that fits your area and delivery settings, you get an email alert and the request appears in your dashboard.

Yes. In your profile you choose local jobs, UK-wide delivery or both, and set how far you'll travel for local work.