Amazon Launches Pilot Program Selling 3-D Printed Products The e-commerce goliath is trying out an online marketplace selling 3-D printed consumer goods, from fashion jewelry pieces to home decor items and tech accessories.

By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The marketplace for entrepreneurs making 3-D printed consumer goods just got a whole lot bigger.

Seattle-based e-commerce giant Amazon has launched a pilot program selling 3-D printed consumer goods. That's great news for businesses in the space, but it's also helpful for the fashion-forward crowd. You can pick up things like an iPhone case, a belt buckle, or a bracelet on the platform.

The Amazon.com platform for 3-D printed goods is "appealing to independent designers who've told us they want access to a large consumer market," Colin Klayer of 3-D printing service 3DLT said in a statement.

Related: How Drones Are Changing the Way We Do Business

3DLT is one of the companies invited by Amazon to participate in its pilot program. Founded in 2012, it's a marketplace for designers to sell blueprints for 3-D printed goods and connect with larger 3-D printing shops. It's also a place for consumers to buy designs and 3-D printed objects.

While the consumer-goods pilot program is another step for Amazon into the 3-D printing world, it's not its first. In June of 2013, Amazon started selling 3-D printers and related supplies.

Related: In Leaked Spoof, Netflix Takes Aim at Amazon's Proposed Drones

"When it was announced that Amazon would begin selling 3-D printers and supplies last summer, the industry heralded it as a defining moment, a clear indication that 3-D printing was going mainstream," said John Hauer, CEO of 3DLT, in a statement. "We think the decision to sell 3-D printed products sends an even bigger message. Consumer products are the next frontier."

3DLT said it was told by Amazon that five or six other companies would be participating in the program. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related: Is Amazon Making Peace With Its Retail Frenemies?

Catherine Clifford

Senior Entrepreneurship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior entrepreneurship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at Entrepreneur.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

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

Innovation

5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting Patents

Turning innovation into patents? It can be an uphill battle. Check out these five effective strategies to improve your odds of success!

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Franchise

Setting the Standard — When Disaster Strikes, This Top Franchise Is Making a Difference

Servpro's success is built on a foundation of expertise, technology, and a commitment to helping franchisees thrive.

Leadership

Strong Leaders Thrive in Complexity — Here Are 5 Leadership Level-Ups for 2025

Leadership isn't static. It's a journey of continual learning and evolution. Here are some lessons for leaders this year.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.