How Will Self-Manufacture and the Maker Movement Reshape Consumer Preferences?: An Exploratory Study from the 3D Printing IndustryCompanies can tap into new business opportunities presented by self-manufacture and the maker movement and potentially increase profits. Issue 4 (9th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, Gregory J.
• Is Part Of: Research technology management. Volume 65:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2022-06-09
• Subjects: 3D printing -- Additive manufacturing -- Co-creation -- Co-production -- Self-design -- Willingness to pay; Research, Industrial -- Management -- Periodicals; New products -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.57
• DOI: 10.1080/08956308.2022.2071063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-6308

Abstract

Overview: The rising popularity of desktop 3D printing technology (that is, consumer-grade additive manufacturing) is enabling the emergence of "makers, " which are individuals who self-manufacture their own products rather than purchase finished goods from firms. This article explores how the growing phenomenon of self-manufacture affects such individuals' satisfaction with and willingness to pay for 3D-printed products. The study considers a factor that prior researchers of customer co-creation have identified that increases user satisfaction—namely, the sentiment of creating, which users garner from participating in self-design and self-manufacture. Using unique survey data from a university 3D printing lab, the study determined that self-manufacture has a stronger influence than co-creation on users' willingness to pay for 3D-printed products. As a result, the findings offer preliminary evidence of the effects of self-manufacture that have implications for innovation scholars and managers who seek to understand the disruptive behavior of consumers that make their own products.