Introduction
If you’re a 3D printer owner, you may have noticed that the models of printers have gotten cheaper, but the quality hasn’t always been there. Now that 3D printers are in more homes than ever before, users have started to find their own niches and solve problems within their communities and creating some extra income side hustles at the same time! It’s exciting to see so many people getting involved with 3D Printing!
Getting Started
In the beginning, you should start with what
you know. Look at what you already have, see if there are any different materials that can be used for 3D printing that will help in your niche.
For example, if you’re artistic and enjoy great looking pieces, look at the materials that are available to print with. I used a really nice silk PLA for one of my models and it turned out great in my living room! If you don’t have any fancy materials lying around but still want to get started on this side hustle, then consider taking a trip down to your 3D Printing Store or order some online!
Additionally, think about what kinds of things already interest/excite/please other people in your life. This will help narrow down what might be able to be made using 3D printing technology as well as where there is potential demand (eBay, Facebook Marketplace) once they’re ready for sale online.
Identifying a Niche Market
You need to find a niche market that has a need for your product.For example, if you’re making custom toys for clients with disabilities, start by marketing them at children’s hospitals or other institutions where kids with special needs can benefit from having a customized toy.
If your product is for the construction industry, then look for companies that are designing homes or complexes, they may be interested in 3D Printing the floor plan before their next meeting with their client..
What hobbies do you have? Maybe it’s fishing, or hunting, or perhaps even playing an instrument.
What is the one little clip or part that you and your community wish the supplier would make as apart of the equipment you use, why not model that up and print it yourself, you can then sell this part back to your community. – You’ve just found a niche.
Once you have identified potential customers and their needs, then it’s time to move on and identify whether there is money available to pay for your product (i.e., enough demand). Remember: Your goal here is not just about making something cool; rather, it’s about making something that people want based on real needs!
Once again—and this can’t be said enough times—you should also ensure there’s enough interest/demand headroom within this niche market segment itself before proceeding further, it can easy be a time burning exercise rather than a side-hustle.
Pricing Models and Options
There are several models that you can use to price your products. These are:
- Price based on materials – This is the most basic pricing model, where you charge a fee for each material used in creating a 3D printed object.
- Price based on time – Here, you charge based on how long it takes to make a product. For example, if your printer takes two hours to print an object and you have several other clients waiting in line for their turn, then charging them per hour is reasonable.
- Price based on a combination of factors – Some printers offer automated services where customers can send files through email or upload them onto websites like Shapeways and have their products printed automatically without having to wait for someone else’s turn at being served by human operators (this type of service will usually cost more).
- Part value based pricing – If the original manufacturer of the part is charging $100 for the spare part, and you could print it for $5, it doesn’t mean you have to sell it for $10. You could very easily get away with charging up to $50 for that part. Your niche market is still getting a good deal and it is still worth it for you.
Start with what you like to make then look for other people who want them
The best way to start a side hustle with 3D printing is by looking for the things that you already like making. The more you enjoy making something, the more likely other people will too!
The next step is to look for other people who want those items. You can do this by searching for keywords related to your product in Google and Facebook ads as well as Instagram searches and hashtags. If there are no results, create hashtags of your own and share your designs on social media so other people with similar interests can find them! – This is a good way to start forming a niche
Once you’ve found people who want what you have to offer, contact them through email or social media messages. Tell them a bit about yourself (who are they working with?) and ask if they would be willing to pay someone else like yourself to help you with their needs.
Conclusion
3D printing is an exciting technology and it’s great to see how much it has grown over the years. There are still many opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to get into this market, but there are also risks involved with any new business venture. Make sure you do your research before jumping headfirst into 3D printing as a career path—and if all else fails, remember that there are plenty of other ways to make money in this world!
