Nowadays, there’s a variety of options to purchase a 3D printer according to the desired manufacturing process. Retailers like Amazon, Chinese online stores and retailers focused on 3D printing are some of them. In this article we will be discussing in depth a selection of retailers and their strengths and weaknesses, to ensure our customers make the right choice.
Amazon
On Amazon, you can find commercial printers with fair prices and their shipping service is fast, and you can always count on Amazon’s reliable and complacent service. Amazon also offers ease of use across its platforms, and the majority of Amazon customers are already familiarized with the buying process.
Chinese Online Stores (e.g. AliExpress, Gearbest and Banggood)
These stores offer printers at much lower prices, but it’s important to take into account that your printer can get detained in customs, depending on the shipping destination, and it’s highly probable that you’ll pay custom taxes for it. In order to avoid extra charges due to customs it’s recommended to check the warehouse locations these vendors utilize, in order to ask for shipping from a warehouse nearby, although this can represent an extra cost.
AliExpress may have lower prices than Amazon or other stores,but you should always keep in mind those hidden added costs. As for the platform usability, AliExpress is sometimes hard to use because the translation of the products from the Chinese language is not always accurate. Moreover, its return policy allows you to ask for a refund in a period of 15 days after the shipping has been done, but in some occasions the return cost is greater than the product price.
Gearbest is best known for its wholesale of electronics. This site offers various sales and discounts frequently, but customs should also be taken into account. Its website is easy to use and shipping can take anywhere between a couple of days up to 20 days or more depending on the shipping destination and the warehouse location. It offers a refund period of 30 days, but the customer has to cover the shipping and refund fees.
Banggood offers a variety of products and international shipping. They constantly do sales on printers, so it's a good option to compare and choose the best price. It offers ease of use, although the product descriptions can be confusing. The shipping can take between 5 and 50 days, depending on the warehouse. You have up to 30 days to request a refund, but you need to cover the refund fees. In case of product defects you have up to 7 days for a full refund.
3D printers retailers
Besides the aforementioned online retailers, 3D printer retailers offer professional grade printers. If you plan on buying from a retailer, keep in mind their warehouse locations because even if they offer international shipping, it’s calculated depending on your location. It’s important to take this into account since it can mean longer shipping and higher costs.
Because of these reasons, M Aerospace RTC has been focusing through the years on advising enterprises and individuals that are looking for a 3D printer either for personal, professional or industrial use, offering a grand variety of technologies available and prices that fit every budget (ranging from $5,000 MXN up to $500,000 USD). If you are not sure about which printer is ideal for you or your company, do not hesitate to contact an advisor at contact@maerospacertc.com. We’re happy to answer your questions and make sure you make the best decision in terms of price, materials and technologies.