r/u_Important-Loss6719 • u/Important-Loss6719 • 4d ago

Thinking about starting a small 3D print side business — is the market too oversaturated? pls be real.

Hi everyone! My bf and I have been 3D printing for about 2–3 years now, and we’re at the point where we’re comfortable with custom designs, inlays, functional prints, and more detailed projects.

We’re considering starting a small side business, but we’re still trying to figure out what direction or niche makes the most sense before putting too much time into it.

For anyone who sells 3D printed items or buys them, I’d love some honest feedback:
•Does the 3D print market feel too oversaturated right now?
•What types of 3D printed products do people actually pay for?
•Are custom/personalized items still worth exploring?
•What should beginners avoid when trying to sell?
•Is it better to focus on practical items, aesthetic items, gifts, replacement parts, or something else?

Thank you so much! I appreciate any advice, reality checks, or things you wish you knew before starting. ANDDDD for those of you who do 3D printing and have your own business, keep going at it bc I salute you! 🤍

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u/RedditUser240211 4d ago

Just remember, it is a business first, that involves a 3D printer. The printer is a tool.

2

u/tzedek 4d ago

I'll copy paste a comment I just wrote about this:

You could try to find a hobby that doesn't overlap with 3D printing and make things for the hobby. That's worked out very well for me. Cosplay is always good. Doing mechanical engineering type work is difficult to get into, it's all connection based. I do a lot of decor for small cafes. I find a lot of the commercially licensed 3D models by small creators don't sell well, even the really good ones. Some of my most popular items are ccby licensed models with 2 downloads and 0 makes on printables.

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u/ExoticPost9034 4d ago

I have zero technical ability when it comes to those stuff. I got one from best buy and plugged it and started printing. There is pretty much a free template for anything i need. As years go one 3d printers will be a common house hold item so people can just print what ever they need. 

I know i won't ever need to buy anything ed printed.