Really Hot: 3D-Printed Slippers Priced at 399 CNY Sell Tens of Thousands on Douyin, the "Genuine Stepping-on-Clouds" Experience Has Captured the Attention of Mainstream Consumers

PanDen 2024-8-12 22:08 Application

Panda3dp.com Guide: Though 3D printing technology has long been utilized in footwear manufacturing, its typical price tag, often reaching thousands of CNY, has deterred many potential buyers. If the c ...

Panda3dp.com Guide: Though 3D printing technology has long been utilized in footwear manufacturing, its typical price tag, often reaching thousands of CNY, has deterred many potential buyers. If the cost could be reduced to below 500 CNY, a much broader consumer base could be captured.

On June 30, 2024, while scrolling through Douyin, panda3dp.com stumbled upon a live stream showcasing 3D-printed slippers. As an industry insider already familiar with these slippers, panda3dp.com had personally experienced them quite early on. Driven by curiosity, panda3dp.com entered the live stream hosted by the brand “Reloading” where the host was enthusiastically presenting the slippers.

A quick click on the first link in the yellow shopping cart revealed that over 500 pairs of 3D-printed slippers had already been sold during this live stream.

These 3D-printed slippers were offered at an enticing price during the stream—marked at 399 CNY with a 100-CNY discount coupon, making the final price just 299 CNY. While this price is still higher than that of ordinary slippers, it is significantly more affordable compared to the previous thousand-CNY price range for 3D-printed footwear. Priced similarly to a pair of branded athletic shoes, these slippers have transitioned from being exclusive to athletes to being accessible to the general public.

3D Printed Slippers Sell 10,000 Pairs

In the product description, it was noted that the Reloading 3D-printed slippers had already sold 10,000 pairs, solidifying their status as a representative case of 3D-printed consumer products. The earlier high price of these slippers was partly due to the expensive materials used and the higher overall costs associated with small-batch production.

Currently, with the drop in raw material costs, the maturity of design and styles, and the reduced overall costs brought about by mass production, the final retail price of these 3D-printed slippers has come down to the 299-CNY range—a price point that may have barely covered the costs in the past. When placing an order, customers can choose between 48-hour delivery and delivery within 15 days. The 48-hour option is for in-stock items, while the 15-day option allows for new production based on the order situation. This level of flexibility, allowing a pair of shoes to be manufactured and shipped within 15 days based on customer demand, was nearly impossible in the traditional footwear supply chain. This exemplifies the advantages of 3D printing: rapid manufacturing, custom production, and flexible processes. Moreover, these 3D printers are not limited to producing slippers—they can also manufacture various other products such as bicycle seats, helmets, and sneaker midsoles. Products that would typically require different factories to produce can now be made by the same machine.

△ In a previously released video by Reloading, familiar 3D printing factory scenes were shown, suggesting that these 3D-printed slippers are likely produced by PollyPolymer(博理科技).

The Public is Willing to Pay for the " Genuine Stepping-on-Clouds" Experience

The product page highlights several key selling points of these slippers: integrated manufacturing through 3D printing technology, 360° breathability to prevent stuffiness, high-elastic polymer materials offering excellent rebound and pressure relief, and a fully permeable mesh structure that prevents water retention. The slippers are available in black and white.

Users typically have a few concerns: Are they durable? Are they easy to clean? What happens if you step on nails or stones? Are they comfortable? Do they fit well? Are there other styles? Currently, most of these concerns have been addressed. Looking at previous user reviews, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many stating that the comfort provided by the lattice design of these 3D-printed shoes is unparalleled by any other footwear.

△ Other than the price, there are no drawbacks; the authentic "stepping-on-clouds" sensation is incredibly soft and comfortable.

3D Printing and Related Technologies Trigger a New Wave of Consumer Revolution

With breakthroughs in 3D printing and other new technologies, along with the development of new materials, manufacturing processes, and media, the consumer industry is experiencing a new wave of transformation. It is impossible for e-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.com to ignore this trend.

① Digital design and production: No molds are needed, no stockpiling, and no inventory required. The process is fast and efficient, with data, information, and documents from all segments of the consumer market ultimately integrated through 3D printing, forming a complete digital ecosystem with flexible, customized mass production.

② Significant reduction in operational costs, improved product quality: The application of big data and AI tightly connects supply and demand, particularly through short videos and online shopping platforms that can accurately capture and relay consumer needs. This enables more precise on-demand 3D printing and customization, reducing inventory costs and information acquisition expenses for businesses. The use of new materials will enhance product durability, aesthetics, and functionality, simultaneously reducing product development risks while boosting corporate reputations.

③ Personalized consumer groups: On platforms like Douyin, consumer preferences and needs across different ages, occupations, incomes, and genders can be more accurately matched and recommended. Consumers will experience more creative, immersive, and interactive consumption scenarios, with new social e-commerce models enhancing decision-making efficiency and consumption quality.

④ More environmentally friendly production methods and products resulting from new materials and manufacturing processes: The application of high-performance, lightweight, and sustainable materials in 3D printing will lead to the emergence of more superior products, providing consumers with unique purchasing experiences.