Great video. Thanks! After working with Fusion 360 for 2 months I can confidently say it's possible to learn and build your own 3d models if you get serious about it.
Agreed. I spent the time to learn 360 and now I can design something from an idea rattling around in my head to a 3d design, to a tangible, product in reality. It's surreal.
Very good reminder to keep priorities in check. I've found that I've been getting stuck lately trying to "figure out" what I need to make which results in halfbaked ideas. The start of my business was simply identifying a problem I was experiencing 1st hand and then developing a solution to it. Maybe I've strayed away from these founding principles a little too far. It goes back to the question "what did I even start this whole thing for?" Lots of food for thought! Thanks for taking the time to make a video. We should totally be friends 🤣🤣🤣
Very well put and I agree. While I don't have a lot of experience in this exact field, selling products is similar to making social media content. Find a niche, find a need within that niche, address that need. Make sure there are people who will consume what you create. Find a problem and address it. That's why a lot of my content is DIY or informational. I teach people information they may not even know they want to learn, much like you and this video! As for 3D printing, what I know best is cars and tools, so most of what I design is based on that and it solves problems I have which often many others will too. I also know 3D printing, so I like to design to solved 3D printing problems as well. Obviously a more crowded space.
Sam, such great sound advise, I am so glad I found your channel as I am new to the 3d print world and am really trying to d9 all my research before I get. TO DEEP. Keep the great advise nuggets coming. Much appreciated.
That's where I started. I was into kayak fishing and I found some kayaks were missing some mounts/accessories that would make certain tasks or setup more convenient. I make most of my products with a CNC right now, but my first 3D printer will be arriving today.
A very helpful and true video, that's my current goal with my 3d print business I'm starting, not to print flexible dragons etc like a million other people do, but to find unique problems and the solutions to those problems!
I agree! I am thinking the same thing. The real challenge is just figuring out where that niche is. From what I have heard, it might be in scanning / "reverse engineering" for my area.
Great video! Seeing the success that Travis had is what really got me interested in exploring 3D Printing for my own woodworking prints and the idea of maybe selling them one day. Things have pivoted a little since then but its very encouraging to see people like you and Travis having success with something you created and gives me more motivation to start on my own.
Absolute great video Sam! I’ve had my own business now for about 2 years. And you are absolutely dead on with all your statements. The best advice I can give someone is DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED!! it’s going to take awhile to get going and sometimes you might feel like giving up. But DONT. Like Sam said small businesses are very difficult. Now, I do not have a 3D printing business. But all business models are the same in that aspect. I’m looking to incorporate 3D printing into my business and that’s what brought me here. Good luck everyone and keep after your dream!
I wish I replied to every channel you and I share just to show how similar we think lol. I don't know if you remember me, but you built your building right before I got mine, and then I got my laser right before you got yours. I don't know how long you have had your printers; I am at 3 years, I think. At any rate, thank you for the nuggets placed here. I wish you and Angela nothing but the best.
Sam, your approach is spot on! The world is full of problems or, "opportunities", to create solutions to. It's no good to have a solution/idea to problems people don't have.
I think about this one a lot. Should I start a business? I design and print stuff to solve problems at work all the time. But that is such a tiny niche I'm not sure it would be worth the effort. Good video. Lots of food for thought.
i do not know if this will apply for others, but for me it worked, whatever you do do it because "YOU" like it or think it is better or that it will work, do not do it becuase others say to do it. Some times it will be an uphill battle, there are people that will support you, but most times people are either jealous, just do not want you to succeed or lack the confidence needed to take the pluge to have your own business, it is quite hard, process and a great learning experience, but the best thing is to believe in yourself and in the thing you are doing.
This is the problem that has always baffled me. I am a problem solver by nature (one of the reasons I do so well in tech support) so when someone comes to me with a specific problem I can give them a specific solution. But until they actually COME to me with it how in the world am I supposed to know they even have a problem that even needs solving in the first place? lol I've also always had a challenge in figuring out why someone would even NEED someone else to help them since I am the type of person to just figure it out and solve my own problem. I can't think along the lines of "Someone else needs me to help them". If I need something built I just build it myself. If I need wiring done I just wire it up myself since, to me, it is absolutely absurd to call an electrician when I can do it myself. I also tend to specialize in custom, one off solutions for YOUR specific needs but that doesn't mean that anyone else will EVER have the same need as you. My brain doesn't see problems in a general need sense. My Asperger's really gets in the way at times.
Well, I am the same way and it took me years to realize the solution. You said " I am the type of person to just figure it out and solve my own problem." If you ran into the problem, there are 100's of other people who ran into the same problem and did not have the ability to figure it out. You have to remember that 50% of the population is below average (by definition) intelligence. When you figured it out, you now have the solution that most could not come to. In some instances that solution is worth money. You just need to learn to recognize the solution is marketable and go with it.
Dude, many of us watching this kind of content are similar in that way, we fix our own issues. But, surely you have come to the realization that most people are completely useless. They either don’t know how, or don’t want to. Both is bad bc these days the answer to any issue is literally a few clicks away. It doesn’t even dawn on most people that they can shove their own issues. We all have the same 2 hands. But, at the same time that’s what keeps the service industry thriving. So long as you’re a “Do’er” you can do anything ya want.
You sound like me. I DIY for everything as troubleshooting and fixing things come natural to me. I'm in the tech feild for over 15 years and see the same thing, if nothing comes to me to solve then I can't solve the problem for anyone who don't speak.
Great video Sam. I’ve bought your products both for the lasers and the 3D pieces and your work is great. Really like the way you give such good advice.
Very motivational video to stop procrastinating. Good job Sam and continue your great work. One idea for a futur video is the choice of filament material for a business. I see mainly PLA. Of course it's the easiest to print but is there any other reason?
Good talk Sam. This was just what I needed to hear to get my noggin working again. My next goal is get better at CAD so I can bring my product ideas to life.
A concern I would have about reselling a design using a license (versus being able to create one) is that it may have a shelf life, or the product changes and you can’t adapt to avoid becoming an obsolete item.
Great advice! I would like to add ( Perception of value) from my own experiences. I purchased a $1 bowl from a 99 Cents store, had my friend draw some urban graffiti on it, as a dog bowl on a custom order and sold it for $66 to a happy customer. The bowl was just $1, but the graffiti increased its perception of value. If you 3D print a bowl, it's just a "bowl" but if you add something to your product, it can increase its "perception of value". I can print a cute girly keychain with a pink filament, or i can do so with a gradient pink and white filament and increase it's appeal. I can also buy a regular aluminum keychain clasp, or i can buy a 100% stainless steel keychain clasp. Now when i list that product i dont have to settle for $5 i can sell it for $15-$20 each because i have increased the "perception of value". So when i list that keychain it goes from "Cute teddy bear keychain" to "Gradient Kawaii Keychain with a 100% stainless steel claps made in the USA" and that new better title "adds value". So what ever product you settle on or experiment with, find ways to give yourself the opportunity to make your product sound more fancy therefore charge more money.
You are a very intelligent man. Your advice videos are spot on. I’m a 68 year old retired mechanical engineer from many sectors. I dealt with some many business models though those years and you agin are spot on. Unfortunately I am past my prime as far as starting any business, however I have three lasers and a CNC and thinking of getting a 3D printer as I had them at my final job. I still have Autodesk full products of Inventor for 3D and Autocad for 2D. I wish you good health and growth in your endeavors
Great video!! I own a successful home bakery and recently purchased a 3D printer to use for items in my bakery but now I also want to create something that solves a problem (or problems) for bakers and sell that item. I have been playing around with ideas but this video just helped me realize I am on the right path.
surly the biggest problem with selling 3d prints is the copycaters, I machine parts for customers on a cnc mill and lathe and they have been designed in away to be a machined item so for someone to try to 3d print my customer part would be a pain, but the machined item would out last strength wise any 3d print regardless of how its printed. But what I keep seeing more of is someone comes up with product and they make ok money then the copycaters see sales and think I have a printer in my room I can do that and then another one comes along a makes it cheaper so there is a spiral of downward business, I simply dont understand how people make money from prints it seems no one charges for design time and their labour time just the weight of plastic and electric. Im a machinist and are loosing so much work because of 3d but if someone then wants a mould tool then I get work.
Very solid advice, not only for 3D printing. What I think you said but maybe not as clear: You can hire somebody to make a design for you (lack of CAD skills but good idea) but you should not rely on somebody who is selling designs to everybody, right? In the end almost all platforms are full of copycats and going after them is probably not really worth the time - as well as trying to compete with them on price. So you kinda need to be on top of the market (imprrove your product and develope new ones), offer a bit more (customer service etc. ) also not to few people are actually willing to pay a bit more for authenticity.
Whatever you choose to make, design and print items that solve problems for hundreds of thousands or millions of people. The alternative is to license designs and print knickknacks desired by millions of people during holidays or special events. Just avoid markets already suffering from saturation. A quick search of Etsy will reveal that licensed knickknacks are so common it will be very difficult to make a profit. Great advice, Sam!
Thank you. While it is clear out of the mic, I also run it through this website for the final polish -- it's quick and makes a huge difference! auphonic.com
Something it helps to think about NEED + BARRIER = PROBLEM. If you can identify these components then you’re on the right track. A NEED without a BARRIER is not a PROBLEM. The stronger the NEED or difficult the BARRIER then the greater the value for the solution.
Sam…. I sure love the way you think! Solve someone’s problem ! Ya the guy from shop nation is sooo impressive! I actually just got my Hercules chop saw upgrade from him ! And wow he really made a big difference in my dust collection!. But you. Are 100% on the money of I need to make something that solves someone’s problem ….I currently struggle with this one! And thank you for the advice on the Etsy ! Im trying to launch my store in the next month….
Thanks for the Video! But Advice from ME which will save anyone reading this - as I learned it the hard way. If you're looking at a piece of equipment and you KNOW this is the one you need, don't go looking for a cheaper or rip off of that machine. I wanted a Bambu Printer, cause I knew it was gonna be a workhorse, but my family always told me "Look for the cheapest" and they couldn't be any more wrong. As I did what they taught very young me and got a knock off... That thing cost me more to fix, maintain, etc. than making money with it. Now, I have got 2 printers, waiting on my 3rd (Not Bambu as still trying to recover my losses) which work better than my first first printer. Don't forget, this is YOUR business, and not someone else's business. You make mistakes, but don't let others make you do the mistake.
Thanks for the video. And I get what you mean. Solve a problem and turn it into a business. I made this "thing" that simplifies document handling. It's a paper clip replacement...... I can't even explain it, let alone find a way to sell it. lol
This is awesome video. Every video I saw of you, there was always this though in the background: "how did he get there?". I am satisfied that at least the premise, I have, but thar has never been the obstacle of making a business out of it. I got a 3D printer in the first place because I wanted to solve my own problems. My issue has alwaya been the: "what's next?". My solution collection keeps on mounting and I just don't know how to get them out the door and scale.
How long have you been on Etsy? We actually pulled all of our products from Etsy(8 years on Etsy top seller) and started putting the same money we spent with Etsy advertising into Google ads. We have seen a bigger return on ad spend since. Food for thought. That being said we are a metal art business so that might have part in it.
I've been on there several years, but have seen year-over-year decline in traffic across the site. I think Etsy's golden age has passed. I've been working towards getting my products set up with Google to do the same as you -- run Google ads on them. :)
Great advice, as someone who is like you a one person business is with ad spend if I can't rank on the first page of etsy or ebay with a new or good selling product I throw some ad money at it. With ad money if my roas is less than 150% or more I go on to another product. It may sound low but I have very profitable items.
I use CyberPower UPS units. Each one has three printers connected. If I start all three at once, the initial bed heat up will set of the UPS alarm, but it doesn't shut off. Once they're up to temp, there's no issues and the UPS shows it would run the load of three printers for about 45 mins. Here's the exact model I have bought several times over as I've grown my setup: amzn.to/40BeA6H
Hey Sam. Wondering if you saw the new Bambu printer update that is coming. I know you are using Orca and after updating you will no longer be able to print via online or LAN. It will be Bambu ecosystem only after updates.
Good on you. I always wondered what you made, found on eBay. What I don’t understand: these people own a laser, why don’t they make their own jigs?? Another example of selling picks and shovels instead of gold mining 😁
Such great video! Love your trueness! Talking about paid subscriptions I really dislike designers forcing their merchants doing and paying the marketing for them as these people are bringing more competition to themselves. I’m all about giving credit but forcing them to add their Patreon link and so is really unthinkable in my humble opinion
One thing that deters me from selling products is product liability. To use Shop Nation as an example, I purchased one of his miter-saw dust collectors. It worked great until a small offcut hit it, shattering it into several pieces that flew everywhere, including at me. I was not injured, but I can imagine that someday someone might be. How do you deal with product liability issues?
Definitely a thought that should be mentioned for such things. With attachments to shop tools, one might assume some true liability. Overall, that market segment probably evaluates function and durability right along with price more so than most.
I have started selling my 3d prints now, its boring item nothing special, but was already available with a licence to sell or do what I want, it fits a small market, basically its a specific car part. I want to start doing my own designs but I have no idea where to start, I have downloaded blender and am going through a course on that, but the actual design of the part is whats challenging to me, in my head its simple. still, with my sales, I have paid off about 25% of the cost of my K1C including deducting any material or postage costs
They hold the filament, but are also part of the automatic material system (AMS) that allows for multi-color printing and auto-refill if one spool runs out mid-print and there is another on of the same type & color. I currently have 26 printers as of Jan 2025.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on your comment, “if you’re cut out for it” when you were talking about having a small business can be rewarding. What do you think makes a person cut out for a small business?
Should getting your finished product be Copy Written or Patented before being put out on the market anywhere? I've seen people in the 3D groups that I'm on put stuff out on Makers World and next thing you know a week later it's on TEMU being sold with a slight change to what the original was. Nothing the person could do now cause they were not Patented or Copy written. I know that takes time on it's own as well to do.
copyright and patents wont help because the people selling them on temu are already breaking several laws be putting the items there for sale in the first place. unless you earn millions with your products it isn't financially viable to try and enforce copyright and patents against Chinese sellers
Mostly with screams, agony, and hatred towards Bambu Lab. LOL Honestly only about 1 out of 10 spools will take the tape off and feed it into the AMS. But it's a major annoyance!
Can you adress the "legal" aspects of selling online. I' in the EU and selling on Etsy is a no go, there is now way to be compliant with the nessesary tax laws by yourself when selling internationally.
And most importantly (can't believe this even needs to be stated), DO NOT list products you don't own or don't have a license for. You're not cool trying to gauge market interest before paying the designer. Excellent video!
How wide are your shelf’s for the a1 sit on? I am thinking about the top mount ams stand mod but those stiffeners that attach to the back make it seem like it’ll have to sit far from a wall
As of right now, Jan 2025, I only use Bambu Lab printers. They sent the first two for me to use and show in videos, then I bought the rest myself paying full retail. The A1 with AMS Lite is my favorite machine for the best bang for my buck with what I print (PLA) at this time. I've been keeping an eye out for any better machines. Some rumors are floating around of some, but none right now are as good or feature packed for the price point.
Hey mate, meat and taters over production values every time! Printing solutions to problems is a great way to go. I'm creating a lot of items in a very specific niche that I'm interested in and hoping they sell. Alongside that I'll probably try and sell some trinket products just for volume. Cheers!
Sam, the guy on SV Seeker has made a bunch of aids to act as hold downs and hooks and hangers that are super strong and seemingly unbreakable. How is he doing that? His machine is smaller than yours I think.
My pleasure, just doing my small part to share good information with others. I'm also a member of your filament club and eagerly hoping for extra colors soon!
Great video. Thanks! After working with Fusion 360 for 2 months I can confidently say it's possible to learn and build your own 3d models if you get serious about it.
Agreed. I spent the time to learn 360 and now I can design something from an idea rattling around in my head to a 3d design, to a tangible, product in reality. It's surreal.
Yes, make and sell your own products. That way you avoid any issues!!!!
Landtohouse
You are a busy man
@@TRINITY-ks6nw I do try to keep busy most of the time.
@@3dshopsolutions I agree! Design and make your own prints.
This is a great topic for life in general. Be the solutions person. Anyone can point out a problem! Thanks for the video, it was great.
Blessings to you and your family Sam. Health, peace and safe travels!💚
Very good reminder to keep priorities in check. I've found that I've been getting stuck lately trying to "figure out" what I need to make which results in halfbaked ideas. The start of my business was simply identifying a problem I was experiencing 1st hand and then developing a solution to it. Maybe I've strayed away from these founding principles a little too far. It goes back to the question "what did I even start this whole thing for?" Lots of food for thought! Thanks for taking the time to make a video. We should totally be friends 🤣🤣🤣
Very well put and I agree. While I don't have a lot of experience in this exact field, selling products is similar to making social media content. Find a niche, find a need within that niche, address that need. Make sure there are people who will consume what you create. Find a problem and address it. That's why a lot of my content is DIY or informational. I teach people information they may not even know they want to learn, much like you and this video! As for 3D printing, what I know best is cars and tools, so most of what I design is based on that and it solves problems I have which often many others will too. I also know 3D printing, so I like to design to solved 3D printing problems as well. Obviously a more crowded space.
Sam, such great sound advise, I am so glad I found your channel as I am new to the 3d print world and am really trying to d9 all my research before I get. TO DEEP. Keep the great advise nuggets coming. Much appreciated.
That's where I started. I was into kayak fishing and I found some kayaks were missing some mounts/accessories that would make certain tasks or setup more convenient. I make most of my products with a CNC right now, but my first 3D printer will be arriving today.
A very helpful and true video, that's my current goal with my 3d print business I'm starting, not to print flexible dragons etc like a million other people do, but to find unique problems and the solutions to those problems!
I agree! I am thinking the same thing. The real challenge is just figuring out where that niche is. From what I have heard, it might be in scanning / "reverse engineering" for my area.
Great video! Seeing the success that Travis had is what really got me interested in exploring 3D Printing for my own woodworking prints and the idea of maybe selling them one day. Things have pivoted a little since then but its very encouraging to see people like you and Travis having success with something you created and gives me more motivation to start on my own.
Adding "stinkin' thinkin'" to my parenting repertoire.
Sam needs to add - avoid stinking thinkin friends and relatives as well.
Absolute great video Sam! I’ve had my own business now for about 2 years. And you are absolutely dead on with all your statements. The best advice I can give someone is DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED!! it’s going to take awhile to get going and sometimes you might feel like giving up. But DONT. Like Sam said small businesses are very difficult. Now, I do not have a 3D printing business. But all business models are the same in that aspect. I’m looking to incorporate 3D printing into my business and that’s what brought me here. Good luck everyone and keep after your dream!
I wish I replied to every channel you and I share just to show how similar we think lol. I don't know if you remember me, but you built your building right before I got mine, and then I got my laser right before you got yours. I don't know how long you have had your printers; I am at 3 years, I think. At any rate, thank you for the nuggets placed here. I wish you and Angela nothing but the best.
Sam, your approach is spot on! The world is full of problems or, "opportunities", to create solutions to. It's no good to have a solution/idea to problems people don't have.
Fantastic video wish some really great info for people to digest! Just subbed!
hey again Unc
I think about this one a lot. Should I start a business? I design and print stuff to solve problems at work all the time. But that is such a tiny niche I'm not sure it would be worth the effort.
Good video. Lots of food for thought.
i do not know if this will apply for others, but for me it worked, whatever you do do it because "YOU" like it or think it is better or that it will work, do not do it becuase others say to do it.
Some times it will be an uphill battle, there are people that will support you, but most times people are either jealous, just do not want you to succeed or lack the confidence needed to take the pluge to have your own business, it is quite hard, process and a great learning experience, but the best thing is to believe in yourself and in the thing you are doing.
This is the problem that has always baffled me. I am a problem solver by nature (one of the reasons I do so well in tech support) so when someone comes to me with a specific problem I can give them a specific solution. But until they actually COME to me with it how in the world am I supposed to know they even have a problem that even needs solving in the first place? lol
I've also always had a challenge in figuring out why someone would even NEED someone else to help them since I am the type of person to just figure it out and solve my own problem. I can't think along the lines of "Someone else needs me to help them". If I need something built I just build it myself. If I need wiring done I just wire it up myself since, to me, it is absolutely absurd to call an electrician when I can do it myself. I also tend to specialize in custom, one off solutions for YOUR specific needs but that doesn't mean that anyone else will EVER have the same need as you. My brain doesn't see problems in a general need sense. My Asperger's really gets in the way at times.
Well, I am the same way and it took me years to realize the solution.
You said " I am the type of person to just figure it out and solve my own problem."
If you ran into the problem, there are 100's of other people who ran into the same problem and did not have the ability to figure it out. You have to remember that 50% of the population is below average (by definition) intelligence. When you figured it out, you now have the solution that most could not come to. In some instances that solution is worth money. You just need to learn to recognize the solution is marketable and go with it.
Dude, many of us watching this kind of content are similar in that way, we fix our own issues. But, surely you have come to the realization that most people are completely useless. They either don’t know how, or don’t want to. Both is bad bc these days the answer to any issue is literally a few clicks away. It doesn’t even dawn on most people that they can shove their own issues. We all have the same 2 hands. But, at the same time that’s what keeps the service industry thriving. So long as you’re a “Do’er” you can do anything ya want.
You sound like me. I DIY for everything as troubleshooting and fixing things come natural to me. I'm in the tech feild for over 15 years and see the same thing, if nothing comes to me to solve then I can't solve the problem for anyone who don't speak.
Sam- Why green filament?
Great video Sam. I’ve bought your products both for the lasers and the 3D pieces and your work is great. Really like the way you give such good advice.
I really appreciate it, thank you!
Very motivational video to stop procrastinating. Good job Sam and continue your great work.
One idea for a futur video is the choice of filament material for a business. I see mainly PLA. Of course it's the easiest to print but is there any other reason?
Love the business inspiration. Subscribed to hear more! Cheers
Good talk Sam. This was just what I needed to hear to get my noggin working again. My next goal is get better at CAD so I can bring my product ideas to life.
A concern I would have about reselling a design using a license (versus being able to create one) is that it may have a shelf life, or the product changes and you can’t adapt to avoid becoming an obsolete item.
Sam - you are a VERY good / natural presenter - you could be on mainstream TV!
Great advice! I would like to add ( Perception of value) from my own experiences. I purchased a $1 bowl from a 99 Cents store, had my friend draw some urban graffiti on it, as a dog bowl on a custom order and sold it for $66 to a happy customer. The bowl was just $1, but the graffiti increased its perception of value. If you 3D print a bowl, it's just a "bowl" but if you add something to your product, it can increase its "perception of value". I can print a cute girly keychain with a pink filament, or i can do so with a gradient pink and white filament and increase it's appeal. I can also buy a regular aluminum keychain clasp, or i can buy a 100% stainless steel keychain clasp. Now when i list that product i dont have to settle for $5 i can sell it for $15-$20 each because i have increased the "perception of value". So when i list that keychain it goes from "Cute teddy bear keychain" to "Gradient Kawaii Keychain with a 100% stainless steel claps made in the USA" and that new better title "adds value". So what ever product you settle on or experiment with, find ways to give yourself the opportunity to make your product sound more fancy therefore charge more money.
Thanks Sam! Great stuff!
'Where's the end of this filament?' 🤣
🤣shake and bake!😂
You are a very intelligent man. Your advice videos are spot on. I’m a 68 year old retired mechanical engineer from many sectors. I dealt with some many business models though those years and you agin are spot on. Unfortunately I am past my prime as far as starting any business, however I have three lasers and a CNC and thinking of getting a 3D printer as I had them at my final job. I still have Autodesk full products of Inventor for 3D and Autocad for 2D. I wish you good health and growth in your endeavors
That is sound advice and something I struggle with. What is something people need and not want. Big difference
Great video!! I own a successful home bakery and recently purchased a 3D printer to use for items in my bakery but now I also want to create something that solves a problem (or problems) for bakers and sell that item. I have been playing around with ideas but this video just helped me realize I am on the right path.
surly the biggest problem with selling 3d prints is the copycaters, I machine parts for customers on a cnc mill and lathe and they have been designed in away to be a machined item so for someone to try to 3d print my customer part would be a pain, but the machined item would out last strength wise any 3d print regardless of how its printed. But what I keep seeing more of is someone comes up with product and they make ok money then the copycaters see sales and think I have a printer in my room I can do that and then another one comes along a makes it cheaper so there is a spiral of downward business, I simply dont understand how people make money from prints it seems no one charges for design time and their labour time just the weight of plastic and electric. Im a machinist and are loosing so much work because of 3d but if someone then wants a mould tool then I get work.
Awesome video and great mindset. You gave me a lot to think about. Thank you.
I love your channel… thank you for sharing your experiences and honesty
Btw Sam, if you end up with lots of Bambu spools spare, I find that for some reason people are happy to pay decent money for empty Bambu spools
Very solid advice, not only for 3D printing.
What I think you said but maybe not as clear: You can hire somebody to make a design for you (lack of CAD skills but good idea) but you should not rely on somebody who is selling designs to everybody, right?
In the end almost all platforms are full of copycats and going after them is probably not really worth the time - as well as trying to compete with them on price. So you kinda need to be on top of the market (imprrove your product and develope new ones), offer a bit more (customer service etc. ) also not to few people are actually willing to pay a bit more for authenticity.
I love this video. Im two years into a print farm and feel very similar about being solution oriented.
Love your work!
Absolutely brother! Such a great video and some amazing advice!
Whatever you choose to make, design and print items that solve problems for hundreds of thousands or millions of people. The alternative is to license designs and print knickknacks desired by millions of people during holidays or special events.
Just avoid markets already suffering from saturation. A quick search of Etsy will reveal that licensed knickknacks are so common it will be very difficult to make a profit.
Great advice, Sam!
Omg your audio is so clear 😢 I need your camera / microphone , Thank You for linking it !
Thank you. While it is clear out of the mic, I also run it through this website for the final polish -- it's quick and makes a huge difference! auphonic.com
Love this channel man, you’re awesome
Glad you're enjoying the videos!
Great video Sam. Thanks for sharing
Something it helps to think about NEED + BARRIER = PROBLEM. If you can identify these components then you’re on the right track. A NEED without a BARRIER is not a PROBLEM. The stronger the NEED or difficult the BARRIER then the greater the value for the solution.
I remember when you bought your first Bambu (I think? lol)
That shop is awesome!!! ❤
Great video, thank you for sharing
Very Helpful video, Thank you. Inspiring
I needed this! Thanks!
Sam…. I sure love the way you think! Solve someone’s problem ! Ya the guy from shop nation is sooo impressive! I actually just got my Hercules chop saw upgrade from him ! And wow he really made a big difference in my dust collection!. But you. Are 100% on the money of I need to make something that solves someone’s problem ….I currently struggle with this one! And thank you for the advice on the Etsy ! Im trying to launch my store in the next month….
Thanks for the Video! But Advice from ME which will save anyone reading this - as I learned it the hard way.
If you're looking at a piece of equipment and you KNOW this is the one you need, don't go looking for a cheaper or rip off of that machine.
I wanted a Bambu Printer, cause I knew it was gonna be a workhorse, but my family always told me "Look for the cheapest" and they couldn't be any more wrong. As I did what they taught very young me and got a knock off... That thing cost me more to fix, maintain, etc. than making money with it. Now, I have got 2 printers, waiting on my 3rd (Not Bambu as still trying to recover my losses) which work better than my first first printer.
Don't forget, this is YOUR business, and not someone else's business. You make mistakes, but don't let others make you do the mistake.
Thanks for the video. And I get what you mean. Solve a problem and turn it into a business. I made this "thing" that simplifies document handling. It's a paper clip replacement...... I can't even explain it, let alone find a way to sell it. lol
Great info Sam!
Sam have you ever let a printer run out of material? If so how did it affect quality? Does the job stop? Perhaps a video on the subject.
Great advice Sam!😀
This is awesome video. Every video I saw of you, there was always this though in the background: "how did he get there?".
I am satisfied that at least the premise, I have, but thar has never been the obstacle of making a business out of it. I got a 3D printer in the first place because I wanted to solve my own problems.
My issue has alwaya been the: "what's next?". My solution collection keeps on mounting and I just don't know how to get them out the door and scale.
Shout out ShopNation/Travis ❤
Great Video. Thanks!
Thanks Sam.
How long have you been on Etsy? We actually pulled all of our products from Etsy(8 years on Etsy top seller) and started putting the same money we spent with Etsy advertising into Google ads. We have seen a bigger return on ad spend since. Food for thought. That being said we are a metal art business so that might have part in it.
I've been on there several years, but have seen year-over-year decline in traffic across the site. I think Etsy's golden age has passed. I've been working towards getting my products set up with Google to do the same as you -- run Google ads on them. :)
Great advice, as someone who is like you a one person business is with ad spend if I can't rank on the first page of etsy or ebay with a new or good selling product I throw some ad money at it. With ad money if my roas is less than 150% or more I go on to another product. It may sound low but I have very profitable items.
Clear mind. Good reasoning 👍
What battery back up or surge protector do you use for your printers?
I use CyberPower UPS units. Each one has three printers connected. If I start all three at once, the initial bed heat up will set of the UPS alarm, but it doesn't shut off. Once they're up to temp, there's no issues and the UPS shows it would run the load of three printers for about 45 mins. Here's the exact model I have bought several times over as I've grown my setup: amzn.to/40BeA6H
Hey Sam. Wondering if you saw the new Bambu printer update that is coming. I know you are using Orca and after updating you will no longer be able to print via online or LAN. It will be Bambu ecosystem only after updates.
I have been closely following that for sure.
People in the FB groups have said its only the X1 series. Idk if thats true but thats what i read. Based on that Sam will be fine.
@ They are working on the A1 models. Rolling out the X1 first. Maybe as a bug test...who knows.
for me I don't design people ask me to print stuff for them they find the thing they want they have me print for them
Good on you. I always wondered what you made, found on eBay. What I don’t understand: these people own a laser, why don’t they make their own jigs?? Another example of selling picks and shovels instead of gold mining 😁
Damn Sam - Thanks
How though is bambú filament ?
Etsy is very scummy and it should be boycotted
Such great video! Love your trueness!
Talking about paid subscriptions I really dislike designers forcing their merchants doing and paying the marketing for them as these people are bringing more competition to themselves.
I’m all about giving credit but forcing them to add their Patreon link and so is really unthinkable in my humble opinion
I agree with you -- forcing paid customers to add a Patreon link is a bit over the top.
Great Video Sam. Thanks for more inspiration! Hopefully In 2025 I'm moving in the same direction as you!
Do you ever have problems with you're spool holders mounted on top of the A1's ?
No issues other than the annoyance of using a step stool to get up and swap them out, etc. :)
Thanks!
Love the channel. Really informative. But I am curious, when will we see more on the Sam and Angela channel?
One thing that deters me from selling products is product liability. To use Shop Nation as an example, I purchased one of his miter-saw dust collectors. It worked great until a small offcut hit it, shattering it into several pieces that flew everywhere, including at me. I was not injured, but I can imagine that someday someone might be. How do you deal with product liability issues?
With good product disclaimers, recommended usages, customer warnings on the product pages, but ultimately... with good insurance. :)
Definitely a thought that should be mentioned for such things.
With attachments to shop tools, one might assume some true liability.
Overall, that market segment probably evaluates function and durability right along with price more so than most.
No wounder I can't find any green filament this guy purchased all of it.
I have started selling my 3d prints now, its boring item nothing special, but was already available with a licence to sell or do what I want, it fits a small market, basically its a specific car part. I want to start doing my own designs but I have no idea where to start, I have downloaded blender and am going through a course on that, but the actual design of the part is whats challenging to me, in my head its simple. still, with my sales, I have paid off about 25% of the cost of my K1C including deducting any material or postage costs
Hi Sam, the things you’re loading the spools on, are they just holders for filament? How many printers are you running?
They hold the filament, but are also part of the automatic material system (AMS) that allows for multi-color printing and auto-refill if one spool runs out mid-print and there is another on of the same type & color. I currently have 26 printers as of Jan 2025.
@ , that’s a heck of a set up. You are so professional in your videos. They are perfect and with so much knowledge. Way to go Sam.
Great work. But too expensive your products on Etsy.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on your comment, “if you’re cut out for it” when you were talking about having a small business can be rewarding. What do you think makes a person cut out for a small business?
rest assured, you arent cut out for it.
Hey! First, thanks. Then, do you know why you sell this much green stuff? Why green?
Should getting your finished product be Copy Written or Patented before being put out on the market anywhere? I've seen people in the 3D groups that I'm on put stuff out on Makers World and next thing you know a week later it's on TEMU being sold with a slight change to what the original was. Nothing the person could do now cause they were not Patented or Copy written. I know that takes time on it's own as well to do.
copyright and patents wont help because the people selling them on temu are already breaking several laws be putting the items there for sale in the first place.
unless you earn millions with your products it isn't financially viable to try and enforce copyright and patents against Chinese sellers
How do you handle the nowadays taped filament ends at BambuLabs spools? The tape will jam the feeder and automatic spool change does not work anymore.
Mostly with screams, agony, and hatred towards Bambu Lab. LOL Honestly only about 1 out of 10 spools will take the tape off and feed it into the AMS. But it's a major annoyance!
Can you adress the "legal" aspects of selling online.
I' in the EU and selling on Etsy is a no go, there is now way to be compliant with the nessesary tax laws by yourself when selling internationally.
And most importantly (can't believe this even needs to be stated), DO NOT list products you don't own or don't have a license for. You're not cool trying to gauge market interest before paying the designer.
Excellent video!
very good advice
So I didn't understand how did you import FBX file to Rhino. I could imported only obj file but couldn't fbx.
So i feel like selling my files isnt it worth it. But how do you feel about making them available online?
I would look for a site where there are rewards for publishing my model (like boosting on MakerWorld) then also license it as non-commercial, etc.
Great video and advise. Curious, how many printers do you have?
As of Jan 2025, I have 26 Bambu Lab printers -- 24 A1 Combos, 1 P1S Combo, 1 X1C Combo.
wow. how many printers do you have? Just curious. Well also, how long is it going to take to pay them all off?
As of Jan 2025 I have 26 printers. They are all paid off -- I have added them as I've grown my business.
How wide are your shelf’s for the a1 sit on? I am thinking about the top mount ams stand mod but those stiffeners that attach to the back make it seem like it’ll have to sit far from a wall
24” deep, 84” wide, 84” tall. They’re from Lowe’s but Home Depot and other hardware stores sell similar kinds.
0:18 none of those printers are running…..
This video will help explain why ruclips.net/video/mhSrLvJik4o/видео.html
What 3d printer do you recommend?
As of right now, Jan 2025, I only use Bambu Lab printers. They sent the first two for me to use and show in videos, then I bought the rest myself paying full retail. The A1 with AMS Lite is my favorite machine for the best bang for my buck with what I print (PLA) at this time. I've been keeping an eye out for any better machines. Some rumors are floating around of some, but none right now are as good or feature packed for the price point.
Hey mate, meat and taters over production values every time! Printing solutions to problems is a great way to go.
I'm creating a lot of items in a very specific niche that I'm interested in and hoping they sell.
Alongside that I'll probably try and sell some trinket products just for volume. Cheers!
Why is not a single of your printer's in your 'farm' printing during your video?
ruclips.net/video/mhSrLvJik4o/видео.html
Great video, what scares me is that you have all those printers there not doing anything 😢
He explained that in a previous video 😉
This video will help explain why ruclips.net/video/mhSrLvJik4o/видео.html
Love yoru videos, but miss the other channel
Sam, the guy on SV Seeker has made a bunch of aids to act as hold downs and hooks and hangers that are super strong and seemingly unbreakable. How is he doing that? His machine is smaller than yours I think.
SV Seeker is a good channel!
Problem is too many are doing this type of stuff, and your competing with Chinese
Your best bet is to sell local
I'll extrude it on a bed. Sam i am. Green filament and Sam.
😂😂😂😂
I would not could not without a shop, even if my head thought a lot, I print many things of green again, I print them they sell Sam I am. :D
$200 a day? Holy mackerel....
That's what I've told Etsy my max budget is per day to spend. That doesn't mean I'm spending that much each day though.
If you have to asm what to make or sell... youre toast.
Also thank for the shoutout!
My pleasure, just doing my small part to share good information with others. I'm also a member of your filament club and eagerly hoping for extra colors soon!