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opinion
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10/06/ 014 16:15
3D printing is
being discussed
more and
more on sales
appointments...
As the hype around 3D printing
continues to build, are you
convinced it’s an option for your
business?
Matt Goodall,
Service Director,
Office
Evolution:
“We have monitored the very
rapid development of 3D printing and it is
clear that it has a place, but the decision
as to whether this is an option for office
equipment resellers is still to be answered.
“The high end professional machines
are largely used by engineering companies
and these are often provided by existing
suppliers who already supply moulding
and tooling machines. The small entry-level
machines have dropped in cost so much
that the margins are small and the repair
options limited; it could be said that they
are now almost a disposable product when
they fail.”
Andrew Jones,
Sales & Marketing
Director,
1st Office Equipment:
“We have looked into 3D printing in great
detail and have come to the conclusion
that apart from the word ‘printing’ there
is no similarity with our traditional core
printing products!
“The whole 3D printing process is a
manufacturing process, ideal for prototypes
etc.. However, the vast array of additive
materials that can be used, and each with
its own type of printer, means it is not
viable to invest in this market. The sales/
technical attributes required are extremely
specialised and again the cost of funding
against the likely return on investment is
extremely low.”
Gary Downey,
Group Marketing Director,
Balreed:
“3D is certainly something that
has got everyone talking and it has crossed
from very specific trade conversations ten
years ago to featuring on mainstream TV
today.”
Mark Smyth,
Operations Director,
Vision:
“Interesting subject and one we are really
starting to gain traction with, but it’s still
early days as we all look to understand
the true running and somewhat expensive
acquisition costs!
“Vision officially launched 3D printing
3D printing – a rapidly
growing market
According to market research company MarketsandMarkets,
the 3D print market is set to hit £5bn by 2020.
Print IT Reseller
asks
leading lights from the reseller channel how this new technology is
impacting their business.
at its half year sales conference back
in April and since then it’s gathered
momentum. It’s being discussed more and
more on sales appointments and meetings.
“We believe this will only suit specific
industries and verticals but we are already
seeing an increase in interest and requests
for information at this early stage.”
Peter Knight,
Founder,
Printerbase:
“We definitely believe 3D printing will be
an option for Printerbase: it is an area of
our business that we are already seeing
success with. However, despite such a
positive start, we don’t feel it is a product
to be sold transactionally just yet.
“We decided to make an investment
to bring demo machines into our studio,
allowing us to get to grips with the
machines and software. From just trying
to print various objects ourselves, we have
acquired plenty of valuable knowledge
that we are now able to pass on to our
customers and really enhance our service
as a printer specialist. We feel that it has
also helped customers understand what
particular 3D printers are actually capable
of. With our first-hand experience, we
know exactly what you can achieve and
the steps you need to take to get there.”
Karl Welburn,
Director,
Print Copy
Scan:
“At the moment 3D printing is
l:
Matt Goodall
,
Service Director,
Office Evolution
r:
Andrew Jones
,
Sales
& Marketing Director,
1st Office Equipment
Continued...
