Does anyone actually buy 3D models?

[LambdaFF]

While I'm willing to pay for a file in specific cases that outmatch my design skills, so far I've mostly been able to make my own. I have placed an order for a specific file though, I'm really not an artist.

When you go around on shapeways or similar places there are tons of stuff you could re-design in less than 2 hours. So I really need to see the added value in the file, and most times it just isn't there. Also, it's part of the pleasure of doing things for me.

And then, there's the question of printability :
1/ When I do my own design, I KNOW it is printable.
2/ STL files are NOT the most modification-friendly format. It sucks to buy something that you can't use.

Bottom line : a real well engineered file takes time and therefore costs a lot, so most of the time, I'll be tempted to make my own instead.

[Paulhere]

Hi LambdFF,

Thank you for the reply.

I agree with you, anyone who knows how to 3D model probably will never really buy one – just model it themselves.

As 3D printing becomes more popular and there is a 3D printer in (almost) every home, do you think people would buy it then?

Or will 3D modelling software become so easy that people won’t really buy them, just make their own.

Thanks for your response.

Paul