Toy-making has evolved tremendously over the years, from hand-carved wooden models to 3D printed replicas that people can design and produce with ease. Thanks to modern 3D printing solutions, the cost and complexity of custom toy-making has been radically reduced – opening up a world of creative possibilities.
Have you acquired a sizable repertoire of 3D printed toys through sustained and consistent practice? Unsurprisingly, it is absolutely possible to reap economic rewards from your efforts – however, there are certain apt conditions that must be met.
Though custom-created 3D printed toys and figurines are not flying off the shelves like mass-produced pieces from mainstream stores, this niche market can still be profitable! There are certain applications where 3D printing outshines traditional manufacturing methods and succeeds in capturing a loyal customer base.
Creating unique and intricately crafted collectibles can be an excellent way to make money – and the fandom toy market is a great place to start. Take 3D printed figurines, for instance; if you have the skills to make a Yoda model that looks remarkably similar to the real one, the Star Wars audience may be willing to shell out extra for it.
3D printing is an ideal avenue to create personalized, and one-of-a-kind toys. Families can submit a cherished photo of their child or their pup to be transformed into a toy that displays a beloved likeness. Additionally, couples are presented the opportunity to have a distinctly special wedding cake topper with custom designed figurines of their nearest and dearest.
Prior to dispatching your 3D printed toys, there are numerous legal matters to account for in order to guarantee the smooth operation of your business. One of the most critical components is being mindful of ensuring that all your designs are exclusive and don’t infringe on another person’s legally held copyright or trademark. Likewise, providing you are dealing with toys, you must certify that they do not present any hazardous choking danger or other safety issues.
After making the necessary preparations, how can you get on your way to selling 3D-printed toys? A handful of avenues are at your disposal.
If you’re looking to monetize your toy designs, Etsy and Shapeways are great places to start. These online platforms will take care of payments and logistics while you list and sell your creations. Alternatively, you could take the reins by setting up a website or profile page which allows you to communicate with potential customers and accept orders yourself.
When determining what to charge for your 3D printed toys, don’t forget to include the expenses associated with the production process. 3D printing may take longer and cost more than other manufacturing methods, so make sure to factor that in when setting your prices. Underpricing your products might result in running a deficit each time you make a sale – something that you want to avoid!
It is essential to provide quality customer service when selling 3D printed toys. Doing so will allow clients to feel secure that their purchases were worth the investment, which in turn makes them more likely to spread the word of your offerings by posting positive reviews and recommending your products or services to others. To ensure this, you must be quick to respond to any inquiries or problems and willing to do what it takes to make customers happy.
At the end of the day, with the right precautions and strategies in place, it is possible to use 3D printing to make a pretty penny. Before diving in, remember to carefully assess the viability of the 3D printing toy and figurines market, and take all necessary steps to ascertain that your business operations are conducted legally and responsibly. Exciting things can happen when you pursue your passion for 3D printing as an enterprising venture, whether in the form of a profitable side hustle or a booming start-up.