Selling 3D Printed Products: A Guide to Scaling Your Business

Are you looking to scale your business by selling 3D printed products of your own designs? In this post, we will delve into a specific website that offers a unique opportunity for creators - Shapeways. While many discuss the print-on-demand business model, Shapeways stands out for its focus on 3D printing and the myriad of e-commerce integrations it provides to sellers.

What is Shapeways?

Shapeways is a prominent 3D printing company that allows users to design 3D models and transform them into various products such as rings, necklaces, and ornaments. What sets Shapeways apart are the seamless e-commerce integrations it offers to sellers, providing four different ways to sell your designs.

E-commerce Integration Options on Shapeways

Etsy Store Connection: By linking your Shapeways account to an Etsy store, you can streamline the order fulfillment process whenever a sale is made.
Shopify Store Connection: Alternatively, you can integrate your Shapeways account with a Shopify store, offering another avenue for selling your unique creations.
API Access: For those inclined towards more customization, Shapeways provides API access to enable selling directly on your website.
Listing on Shapeways Marketplace: You also have the option to list your designs on the Shapeways marketplace and sell directly through their website. The advantage here is the absence of fees per sale, making it a cost-effective choice.

Designing Products for Sale on Shapeways

Even if you're not a professional 3D designer, Shapeways offers accessible tools to help you create products to sell. By navigating to your profile picture and clicking on "3D Designing Apps," you can explore various ways to design 3D models. While some apps featured may be external services, many cater to non-designers, offering user-friendly interfaces to bring your ideas to life.

Design Example: Creating a 3D Model from a 2D Image

As an illustration, consider a tool that allows you to generate a 3D design from a 2D image. With just a 2D image on hand, Shapeways can convert it into a 3D design swiftly. You can either purchase the design to visualize the final product or download it for further customization before uploading it to your Shapeways account.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shapeways presents a valuable platform for individuals looking to sell 3D printed products without the need for advanced design skills. By leveraging their e-commerce integrations and user-friendly design tools, you can transform your creative ideas into tangible products for sale.

Have more questions about 3D print-on-demand or need guidance on sourcing professional designers? Leave a comment below to let us know! If you found this information helpful, don't forget to like the video and subscribe for more insightful content. Thank you for watching!

Meta description: Discover how to scale your business by selling 3D printed products through Shapeways' e-commerce integrations. Explore design options and ways to market your creations effectively.

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