Get All Access for $5/mo

Why eBay's 'Exact' Project Isn't the 3-D Printing Solution for the Masses -- So Far, Anyway The online retailing giant has partnered with MakerBot and other startups to start a service for selling custom-created merchandise.

By Katherine Gray

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

MakerBot
3-D printing is starting to become more mainstream.

3-D printing is starting to enter the mainstream, and startups in the space are making news with mergers, acquisitions and new products being announced seemingly every day. Now comes a partnership between online retail and reselling giant eBay and 3-D startups MakerBot, Sculpteo and Hot Pop Factory to create eBay Exact, an iOS app that allows users to browse and buy custom-created merchandise.

You might think: Finally, 3-D printing for the masses unable to plunk down thousands for their own printer. Upon closer inspection, however, we're not convinced that eBay Exact is worthy of breaking out the champagne. At least not yet, anyway.

After downloading the app, you see there are fewer than 20 items available for purchase, ranging from iPhone cases to jewelry, and users must choose from existing templates. Some might find the "customize" option somewhat disappointing for most items, since in many instances it allows only a choice of colors or finishes. In the case of one avant-garde wooden necklace, the only option was a gold or silver chain. Custom iPhone cases allow for more creativity, with your choice of several colors and styles of case, adjustable shapes and the option to add a name or other statement.

Related: How 3-D Printing Is Becoming a Game-Changer Across Industries

The eBay Exact app is free to download, and prices for items range from $9 for an iPhone case to $350 for a metal ring. Purchased items are shipped directly from the manufacturer, with promised delivery within two weeks.

While the eBay Exact app might not be the incredible print-things-from-your-iPhone app one might have wished for, it's a start. The app's appeal largely lies in how you can order goods that are created specifically for you by a 3-D printer, even if it isn't from your personal printer.

For now, eBay Exact is largely a novelty item, selling novelty items, but it does certainly open up some interesting future possibilities for small businesses and manufacturers. And this partnership can be another opportunity for startups in the 3-D space to leverage eBay's gravitas in online retail to highlight some of their own products and capabilities.

And shopping sites like Shapeways already bring 3-D printing to consumers, and offer apps that allow users to easily design items for Shapeways to print. But the idea that someone could conceive of an idea, open an app on their smartphone, design the object and have it printed and sent to them creates numerous entrepreneurial opportunities.

Related: 3-D Printing Startup MakerBot Acquired for $403 Million

Katherine Gray is a freelance writer, photographer and desktop publisher based in western Maryland.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

Retirees Are Raking in Billions With These 4 Side Hustles: 'There's No Age Limit to Innovation'

Most Americans plan to work part-time in retirement — and the opportunities are endless.

Business News

Amazon Asks Employees to Use Its New, Internal Chatbot That's 'Safer Than ChatGPT'

Amazon has reportedly introduced an internal chatbot named Cedric.

Thought Leaders

How to Build a Legacy For Your Company You Can Be Proud Of

We all want to be proud of the personal and professional legacy we leave behind. The "obituary test" is a powerful tool for determining whether or not you and the organization you've put so much time, effort and energy into are aligned with your personal values in a way that will endure.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Thought Leaders

How to Build a Personal Brand Like Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and James Clear

Thought leaders like Simon Sinek and Brené Brown became known for one big idea, which helped them build authority and trust. By honing in on your unique strengths, accomplishments, and experiences and staying consistent, you can establish yourself as a go-to expert in your niche.