become a vendor
Join a Growing Network
of Premier Machine Shops
our vendor requirements
As we grow, we’re continually adding new shops to our collective. In order to keep our standards high, we’ve implemented some requirements that potential vendors need to meet in order to be considered. These allow our network to remain on the cutting edge of quality, workmanship, and speed.
If your shop meets all six of these requirements, we would love to see you on our waitlist, and we’ll be in contact when an opening is availible.
Zero-Defect
Quality Standards
You must be able to ship high-quality parts, on time, with a zero defect rate.
US-Based
Machine Shop
You must be based in the United States of America.
Proven Performance
Track Record
You must have at least 20 completed jobs with an online job board with a 100% quality score.
Minimum Weekly
Job Capacity
You must have the capacity to take at least one job a week, assuming a fitting job is available.
Company Values Alignment
You must be willing to accept and uphold our company values.
Signed Agreement
& NDA
You must be willing to sign our Shop Agreement and a vendor NDA.
GET ON THE WAITLIST
Ready to bring high-quality machining capacity to our network?
Submit your shop’s details to join our exclusive vendor waitlist today.
What to expect next
1) You’ll receive an automated email requesting that you complete our Vendor Capability Survey. This helps us better understand your shop’s capabilities when we’re evaluating new vendors to invite into our network.
2) You’ll be added to our Vendor Newsletter list. We send updates quarterly to keep shops informed about internal developments, opportunities, and important announcements at Subtract. You can view previous newsletters here.
3) After completing the Vendor Survey, you’ll receive an invitation to join our Discord server. This is where we connect with potential vendors and foster a nationwide community of shops. Members regularly share resources, knowledge, and industry experience.
VENDOR FAQ'S
What are my chances of being selected as a Subtract Vendor? And how do I improve my odds?
Honestly, realistically, not that great. For you to become a part of the Subtract team you not only need to be an outstanding shop, you also need to be able communicate clearly, and fit well into our community and culture.
Please do not apply if you settle for parts that are “good enough”, or if you are unable to play well with others.
The best way to improve your odds is to come hang out in the Subtract Vendors Discord. You will be invited after joining the waitlist. This is a place where you can prove to us that you are a great culture fit, and we can move forwards from there.
How is Subtract Manufacturing different from any other job board?
If you have used any of the other job boards, you will understand they are not perfect. The best jobs get snatched up in seconds while you sort through jobs that *might* cover material cost if you are lucky.
We do not put our shops in competition against each other to drive down our prices, rather our shops work together to improve, grow, and support each other. Subtract does not own a network of machine shops, we work to create a community of the best shops in the country.
I’m a one-man shop. Can I still apply?
Can you make outstanding parts and delivery them on time? Can you be part of a community, willing to learn from others and share what you know? If yes, then you are a good fit for us.
I’m on the waitlist. How long will it take for me to hear back?
We would love to get as many shops on the network, but we won’t do it in a manner that compromises 1) quality, 2) our community, 3) the ability for our existing shops to make a living.
As of August 2026, we have over 300 shops on the waitlist, and we’re admitting new shops to the network at a rate of about 1 per month. We are adding shows slowly so that we can maintain a steady load, providing our shops with great work, at a even pace.
It’s been a while since I submitted my application, and my tooling/capacity/specialization has changed since then. Can I resubmit my application with the new information?
Absolutely! Having up-to-date information about your shop can only help you. Our needs are constantly changing and knowing what you’re capable of helps us when deciding who to admit.
My shop specializes in 3D Printing/Injection Molding/Laser Cutting, etc. Can I still apply?
We specialize in chip-removal subtractive manufacturing. As we grow, we may add more capabilities, but right now, we would rather focus on what we are best at.
Monitor our social media, get on our email list, and we will let you know if something changes.
Do I really need to work for one of your competitors before applying?
Yes, you really do.
You have to pay your dues before you can join the big-leagues. Subtract has very strict quality requirements from day one. We do not give our vendors a quality score, because no defects are permissible. To thrive on our network, we have found it’s necessary for shops to have learned the ropes elsewhere first.
“We run a large and mature shop, can we skip this step?”: No, if you are unwilling to put a little work in, you will not be a good culture fit for us.
Am I still aloud to work for other companies while I do work with Subtract?
Yes! and we encourage it! Having one customer is a dangerous place to be as a business. We do actually want our shops to be successful with or without us.
We are confident in the work and margins that we provide, we don’t need to hold our shops hostage for fear of them going elsewhere.