Three decades ago, would you have believed that young children will be actively involved in the business, digital, technological, and engineering space? Digital literacy and trends are fast evolving, and it is important for kids to get accustomed to these trends while growing up.
One of the recent digital trends is 3d printing. 3D printing is a modern and sophisticated field that involves science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 3D printing, also known as additive printing, creates an opportunity for business minds to print amazing 3d stuff. Beyond printing papers, books, pictures, etc, 3d printing can also print solid items, such as plastic, nylon, iron, metal, and much more.
The 3D printing industry is new, and the competition, low. This is the perfect opportunity for kids and other interested business minds to venture into it and make some cool cash. It is worthy to note that making money is just one of the benefits of the 3D printing business for kids. More importantly, they will learn all about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). 3D purely spheres from the digital world, and the 3d printing business offers enough opportunity to learn while making some cool cash!
This article elaborates on everything you need to know about the 3d printing business, starting a 3D printing business, and the best tips and tricks to start a 3D business as a kid.
Overview of 3D Printer Small Business Projects
3D printing is currently the latest innovation in the printing business. Objects printed with a 3D printer have a perception of depth that creates a deeper connection to the virtual reality of viewers. There are numerous things that you can print with a 3D printer, including children's toys, ornaments, jewelry, a remote spring mount, video game characters, arts, refrigerator note toggle, and so much more!
3D printing is a highly imaginative concept, and kids and other interested persons can flex their imaginations by creating awesome 3D designs. The only limitation to what anyone can do in the 3D printing business is their minds. The digital world offers numerous opportunities which would naturally be impossible, and since 3D printing is a part of digital innovations, then one can only imagine the extent to which you can go with your creative imaginations.
There are many small business projects that young children can start with a 3D printer. The good news is that you do not have to break the bank to begin a 3D printer. For instance, if your kids love cartoons and animations, you can set up a small 3D toy business project for them. They can create their favorite toy characters and miniatures to sell to their friends and on e-commerce websites.
In addition, kids can learn about STEM through the 3D printer business projects. A remarkable project is the printable, programmable eggbot. This project allows them to learn the rudiments of designing and drawing shapes on spherical objects.
Our article on the best cheap 3D printer for kids (link after publishing) will guide you through starting a 3D printing business and the best 3D printing business ideas for kids.
All About Selling 3D Products
Did you know that you can sell your 3D products anywhere? Just as mentioned above, the 3D printer business is an offshoot of the digital world, which largely concerns itself with online digital platforms. In other words, the best place for you to sell your 3D designs is online. You can make a profit by selling to your family and friends, but putting your products online offers a great business opportunity for you to reach a wider audience and make bigger sales.
Here are the best online platforms for selling 3D products.
Amazon
Amazon is one of the most recognized e-commerce websites worldwide. You can market your 3D designs on the platform and get them delivered to customers, or you can become a third-party seller as an independent seller and send your prints to the nearest warehouse. Then, Amazon would handle the processing and shipping for you.
Fiverr
You can market your skills to one of the largest global freelance platforms, Fiverr. The online marketplace allows freelancers to display their best skills and place a bid on their services. As a 3D printing business owner, you can show off your skills for whatever price you want!
Etsy
Etsy is a global platform that supports handcrafted products. 3D designs like planters, toys, D&D Miniatures, cookie cutters, headphones, etc. Beyond these popular items, there are a ton of other incredible items you can sell on Etsy.
3D Printing Industry
As a 3D business owner, it is pertinent that you properly understand how the 3D printing industry works. To be successful in any business venture, one needs to constantly follow up on trends and learn more about the latest trends in that business.
You can get awesome 3D printing business ideas by simply following up on market trends.
The 3D printing industry is highly prospective. 3D printing, which emerged from big companies producing prototypes, has and is fast evolving to become one of the largest manufacturing industries. Today, 3D printing runs at a lower cost and can be used to create plastics, metals, and nylons. Read more about the growth and stats of 3D printing here.
3D Printer Technology Tips and Tricks
If you are just starting a 3D printing business, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you make sales and effectively cut costs.
Maximize You Reach
One of the fastest ways to gain experience and money as a 3D printing business owner is to put yourself out there. You should not limit your production to your local community, but extend your reach to the global community as well. Platforms like Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and Fiverr are great platforms where you can make massive sales.
Rent Your 3D Printer
Chances are not a lot of people own a 3D printer in your immediate community. You can begin a 3D rental service for various events and charge per hour/day. However, we advise that you attach terms and conditions to protect your printer.
Offer a specialized 3D printing
This is another effective trick to make money as a 3D printer. You can send cold emails to engineering and architecture companies and industries that specialize in toys, jewelry, miniatures, etc. You can also offer customized 3D designs to your friends and family at an affordable cost.
Best Tips for Starting a Small 3D Printer Business as a Kid
Venturing into a technical field like the 3D printing business as a kid can sound scary. However, you are not alone and you can totally pull it off like a badass! The first tip to starting a small 3D printer as a kid is to take it “Hana Hana”, which means step-by-step. Take it one step at a time and do not compare yourself to other 3d printing business owners who have made their marks!
Another factor to consider is the profit margin. As a kid who is starting a small business, you should expect people to underprice your services. While it is good to start small, you should also ensure that you are making some profit, besides your capital. Also, conduct comprehensive market research on popular 3D printing businesses; their flaws, strengths, and most popular products. You can use the results from your research to tailor and build your business.
In addition, allow your parents to help. Your parents have more experience and can offer the best moral and financial advice ever. You can let them be actively involved in your small 3D printing business, so you can focus on the most important part- creating spectacular 3D designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Over the last decade, the 3D printing business has received more recognition. It is a budding industry that will soon become a major industry. Starting a 3D business is totally worth it, and asides from the profits, you will learn a lot about 3D technology, business, and STEM.
Setting up a 3D printing business is quite pricey. This is because of the high costs of 3D printing materials. You can get an entry-level 3D printer for as low as $300-$500, depending on the printer’s capacity. However, a standard 3D printer costs from $1000 upwards. Since you are just starting your 3D printer business, you will need to acquire other materials, including plastic filaments, a slicer, a computer, base materials, a 3D model, and other basic tools.
Yes. Anyone, including kids, can sell their 3D printing products online. However, young kids are advised to allow their parents to handle their online accounts to avoid being victims of scams.
Final Thoughts on 3D Printer Projects for Small Business Ideas for Kids
3D printing is a fast-budding industry that has started to gain global recognition. 3D is the next big thing to happen across all societal spheres, including at home and in school. 3D printing, also called additive printing, started as a means of producing prototypes and was only utilized by big countries and developmental labs, has become a household name for businesses and individuals across various niches.
More 3D Printing Inspiration for Kids
- Why 3D Printers Make Great Gifts for Kids
- Parents Guide to 3D Printers for Kids
- Affordable 3D Printer for Kids Roundup Guide
- ToyBox 3D Printer for Kids - Honest Review
- Small Business Ideas for Kids with 3D Printers
- Useful Things Kids Can Make with 3D Printer
- 3D Printer Toys for Kids
- Why to Not Get 3D Printer for Kids
- Top 3D Accessories for Kids
- Show and Tell Ideas for Kids with 3D Printers
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