Vent: My 3D printing side hustle tanked because I didn't check demand first

I bought a printer to make custom phone cases, thinking it would be quick cash. After a month, I only sold two and spent way more on filament than I made. It's sitting in my closet now gathering dust. Please test your idea with friends or online before buying gear!

3 comments

3 Comments

ryanc7122h ago

Saw a friend pour money into a laser engraver for personalized coasters. He thought everyone would want them, but barely got any orders. Honestly, he ended up with a garage full of sample coasters and no buyers. Tbh, it's so common to jump in without checking if people actually want the stuff. Now he tells everyone to run a poll online or something first.

burns.joseph15h ago

My neighbor bought a 3D printer for custom phone cases. He made a bunch of samples, but no one in our town was interested. Now he uses it mostly for printing little toys for his kids.

the_mark22h ago

But online polls don't really tell you if people will actually spend money. I mean, everyone says they'd buy something cool but then never does. Maybe it's better to try selling a few first before buying the whole machine.