MakersBay.com is a new peer-to-peer marketplace designed specially for 3D printing – an online trading platform that aims to bring producers and distributors together with buyers and enthusiasts. Solo makers and larger businesses trade products using an individual seller account. Products include 3D printers, 3D scanners, filaments, parts and accessories. Think a mini-eBay specialising in 3D printing.
For the customer, you can compare and purchase the product you like using PayPal or a credit card. The seller ships directly to you. Current stock includes the Finnish price friendly miniFactory3; RapidBot 3D printer, which is capable of printing 750 x 250 x 200 mm. Plus the usual range of accessories and tools such as print boards, heater blocks, bearings, resisters, wire cutters and rods for advanced makers from our Indian friend MakeMendel. Currently, MakersBay offers more than 80 products.
If you are a producer or distributor of 3D printers or 3D printing related products, you can simply register at MakersBay.com, upload some pictures of your product, technical specifications and set the price. The MakersBay team will help you to collect orders – all you need is to ship the product and receive your money directly. Currently, MakersBay offers products from more than 10 sellers.
Stock also includes the fully assembled MBot Cube II 3D printer, the open source answer to MakerBot’s Replicator 2. MBot’s 3D printer kit with double extruder for makers also appears, for just USD$729. Yes, these are imitations of MakerBot products. No, they are not quite as good. But, no, most of the world cannot afford a MakerBot, especially as MakerBot’s prices gradually climb (such as their $130 filament rip-off I wrote about yesterday) and those 3D printers that are half the price of MakerBot’s products increasingly have a genuine global mass-market appeal.
MakersBay list some features and benefits we include here for your deliberation
Benefits For Buyers:
- Great variety of 3D printing hardware and supplies for makers – all in one place;
- Good product description and comparison option;
- Easy-to-use interface;
- Secure payments with PayPal;
- Good prices – you buy directly from manufacturers and distributors;
For Sellers:
- Special offer till the end of year 2013: 100% discount on commission for first 15 registered sellers; 75% discount for the next 15 registered sellers; 50% discount for next 10 sellers.
- New distribution channel – the first online marketplace focused on 3D printing hardware and supplies;
- Peer-to-peer network – no middlemen, it’s only you and your customer;
- MakersBay support service always ready to assist you or your customer;
- Personal seller account with easy-to-use interface;
- Built-in billing function;
- Low sales commission ONLY from sold products;
- No additional costs (no registration fee, no listing fee).
