Exploring a Next-Gen Online Side Hustle: 3D Print on Demand
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Side Hustles
For those interested in online side hustles, the print-on-demand (POD) model is likely familiar. While many associate it with selling custom shirts, a variety of products can be offered through POD services. This model operates by allowing sellers to design a product, save their creation as a PNG or vector file, and then upload it to a marketplace or their own store.
Customers view a mockup featuring the seller’s design, and if they find it appealing, they can place an order. The POD company then prints the design on the chosen product and ships it directly to the customer. Notable marketplaces for POD include Amazon (via Merch by Amazon), Redbubble, Teepublic, Zazzle, and Spreadshirt. With proper integrations, sellers can also offer their products on Etsy or eBay.
Although this business model has proven successful for many, it faces challenges in the current landscape.
Section 1.1: Challenges in the Print-On-Demand Market
The market has become saturated, with numerous sellers churning out designs using tools like Canva. Automated upload services enable the mass production of designs, leading to a flood of low-quality options. Consequently, even unique, high-quality designs often struggle to gain visibility amidst the overwhelming competition.
Moreover, some individuals copy others' ideas, and the worst offenders lift graphics directly from product images. This unethical practice often results in unsuspecting newcomers using these stolen graphics, which can lead to account suspensions on various marketplaces.
Even for those who manage to secure sales, profit margins can be slim, and advertising costs are high. Despite these hurdles, some individuals thrive in this space through creativity, niche identification, and product differentiation. Personally, I am generating about $100 monthly from my POD endeavors, focusing on products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more.
However, what if I told you there’s an alternative that’s still relatively untapped?
Chapter 2: The Potential of 3D Print on Demand
The first video, "The Easiest (No Skill) Side Hustle for 2024: Use ChatGPT & Kittl AI to Sell Print on Demand Shirts," explores how to leverage AI tools for POD success.
In this evolving landscape, sellers are beginning to offer 3D-printed products, particularly on platforms like Etsy. Categories for 3D-printed items range from toys and educational tools to unique vases and jewelry. The possibilities are vast.
Section 2.1: Starting a 3D Print on Demand Business
While owning a 3D printer can facilitate prototyping, it’s not a strict requirement. Just like traditional POD, there are 3D print on demand services available. For instance, Shapeways has been around since 2013, enabling users to send their 3D files for printing. They also offer a marketplace for selling those products, functioning similarly to conventional POD services.
Here's an exciting aspect: Shapeways provides wax casting! This means you could potentially offer custom print-on-demand gold jewelry. Furthermore, e-commerce integrations allow for seamless product listings on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
The second video, "Earn $21,495 Per Month Selling T-shirts (Easy Side Hustle)," delves into the potential earnings within the POD industry.
Section 2.2: Advantages of 3D Print on Demand
One advantage of 3D print on demand is the difficulty in copying designs. While individuals can replicate your idea, they must recreate it from scratch using 3D modeling software, making it a more challenging task than stealing a 2D image.
Additionally, customers can interact with products in 3D, with the opportunity for detailed renders from various angles. This visual appeal can enhance marketing efforts, especially on social media, where the process of 3D modeling and printing is captivating.
Section 2.3: The Learning Curve
However, entering the 3D modeling realm comes with its challenges. Software for 3D design can be complex, lacking user-friendly options like Canva for 2D designs. Despite this, I am eager to invest the time to learn, as I already possess some 3D modeling experience.
There may also be initial costs associated with ordering prototypes to ensure quality before selling. This investment can vary based on materials chosen.
Chapter 3: Is 3D Print on Demand Profitable?
While anecdotal evidence suggests that some sellers on Etsy are doing well, concrete data regarding profitability in the 3D print on demand sector remains scarce. Concerns arise that the costs associated with outsourced 3D printing could exceed what customers are willing to pay.
A comment from a Shapeways blog in 2013 noted that certain sellers managed to earn a living, and another article from Medium reported an individual making $800 to $1500 monthly from their Shapeways shop.
As I embark on this journey in 2022, I plan to experiment with a 3D resin printer I've acquired, focusing on jewelry design. I aim to create prototypes and establish a presence on social media as I prepare to launch my shop on a 3D print on demand platform.
Stay tuned for updates on my venture to see if this business model proves to be profitable!
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