In India, where over 40% of a 1.2 billion strong population is unbanked (without access to formal or informal sources of banking or credit. Source: RBI), payment for goods and services is largely dependent on cash available (97% of transactions are done in cash) to those with low or unstable income sources. It’s the reason why payment systems such as prepaid cards have become extremely popular in India. It began with prepaid cards for telecom services and is now ubiquitous in retail, banking, travel, gifting and services. Recently, a first of its kind prepaid card system was launched in India for water usage in irrigation!
Interestingly, 40% of these unbanked masses live in urban areas where they would have local access to a new and upcoming service in India: 3D printing. According to AlliedMarketResearch, the 3D printing market in emerging economies is slated to grow at a CAGR of 37.4% between 2014-2020, so the growth of services, especially in a price-sensitive nation like India, is bound to be fundamental to increasing the rate of adoption and application among Indian consumers. These could be small businesses, design professionals, researchers or students for whom access to 3D printing services is as important as the ability to afford it in a quick, easy, and reliable way.
Recognizing this, Novabeans, a provider of 3D printing technology and education in India, has just launched – in partnership with Ultimaker – the world’s first prepaid card for 3D printing.
“Bringing on-demand affordable 3D printing services to your door step. Print anything, anytime and get it delivered wherever you want! You do not have 3d printer at home ? No problem. Prepaid card makes 3d printing services accessible to students, professionals and enthusiasts in a cost effective manner across India. Now you can print your creative designs on-the-go and get it delivered at your place.”
You can get your hands on a prepaid card by either filling in an online form and getting it shipped to your address or by picking one up directly from a host of location points in Delhi and other international airports across the country. The card is free and, until 31st December, 2015, each card will also carry, in way of promotion, free credit to 3D print two objects within a 50 X 50 X 80mm build volume. Be aware that these two free objects should be original designs of your own, not ready-made ones downloaded off the internet. The card can be recharged anywhere and used to pay for 3D prints made specifically by the Ultimaker 3D printer or for discounts on products sold on Novabeans’ online store.
It will be interesting to see if the prepaid card leads to a spurt in awareness and usage amongst consumers of 3D printing services in Indian urban cities. At least for now, we can expect to see students and the like, make a beeline for those two free 3D prints!
