One of the shops I got to see in New York last week was 3D printing outfit Makerbot. On the back wall you can see 9 3D printers. Elsewhere in the shop they have items for sale that they have ‘printed’.
While I’ve written about this previously, I am revisiting it today as I think about products and services we might offer in the future and whether they are viable for us.
3D printing is still in its infancy with the printers of any strength and value costing thousands and the products they produce of questionable commercial value given printing times. However, there is an extraordinary curiosity value and this gets people interested – even if they don’t buy.
Today, my interest in a 3D printer in store is as a magnet attracting people who may purchase other items. At Makerbot, the shop is primarily used to sell the printers as this is what their parent company makes. There are plenty who visit the shop to watch the printing – it is mesmerising.
3D printing is a space to watch. yes, I know harvey Norman and others are in the space. The units I am looking are superior and not yet retail friendly.