One of the internet’s oldest electronic retailers, BuyDig.com, has just announced that it will begin carrying 3D Systems Cube 3rd Generation model in white and gray. This is the first 3D printer that the company has offered for sale, and it is joining a growing list of online retailers to do so.
BuyDig is selling the Cube’s compact 3rd generation model including two of 3D Systems’ filament cartridges in white and neon green PLA all for $999. The benefits of ordering from BuyDig seems to be the free shipping offer, which will save you about $50, and a 45 day return policy.
The Cube bundle on BuyDig is the same as offered on 3D Systems website for the same price, so this doesn’t seem to be a discounted or clearanced item. However it is telling that they have only selected a single 3D printer model to sell. Most likely BuyDig is simply dipping their toe in the water to see if this is a line of consumer electronics that they should be offering. If the Cube sells well for them, depending on if they have an exclusivity deal with 3D Systems, they may begin selling more models and brands of printers.
While Amazon and many of the larger electronics websites have carried 3D printers and 3D printer supplies for a while now, most smaller, mid-range and discount websites have been slow to warm up to them. Although Overstock.com recently began selling the Cube 2nd Gen for significantly less than its original retail price, outdated 3D printer models are rarely sent to discount retailers. The fact that the technology is so new and sales are unpredictable means maintaining a stock of them would be expensive, or dependent on traditionally unreliable manufacturer lead times.
However the past year has seen a lot of the larger 3D printer manufacturers cleaning up those supply issues, and coupled with the general public’s ever growing awareness of 3D printing this is starting to change. If wider adoption of 3D printer technology is the goal, then offering 3D printers for sale in more locations is simply a must.
