As a Hub owner, I would like to propose a partnership between 3D Hubs and DHL, so when some client makes an order it can be automatically informed about the shipping costs and for privacy reasons, it is not forced to communicate his address to the hub. In that case, the hub receives an e-mail with a code for the package withdrawal in one of DHL points. Another advantage, is the fact that the hub , doesn’t have to add the shipping costs to the earnings and it doesn’t spend time searching for the best shipping offer. The client in the other hand, pay less because has a better shipping offer ( 3D Hubs can makes numbers and so can easily negotiate with DHL) and it is sure that the Hub is not making money with the shipping costs. I think that this operation can save time and money for both sides.
It is just a discussion. I think it is interesting to think at every possibilities. In my case, I prefer not to waste time searching for a shipping offer, but I don’t want to exclude other solutions if other HUBs think different.
I do not think this is a good idea. This because of the below reasons:
1. If DHL is interested in this activity, you (and soon 3d hubs)will be pushed out-of-business.
UPS is executing this activity(3d printing) via in-house printers in the US already, quit sure DHL is capable to do the same IEU.
2. My own experience is that the majority of print orders are on collect-basis - no transport required .
3. The idea behind (curren) 3d hubs is to keep it low-cost and flexible - any additional cost is not appreciated at all.
4. I do not like that the idea that 3d hubs is instructing me to use any pre-defined transport. This due to different shipping-options like next-day delivery, in-night - same day-courier etc. Automatically also the costs will be different.
5. The proposed service is including Pick-up service as well?(standard Dhl service) or excluded this p.u. In this case I will have to stick to the opening/working-hours from the pudo-points rather then arrange and execute it between print hub and customer…
I think you have an interesting point of view and all the topics that you focus should be considerated. The idea of choosing the Hub next to you, it is the most optimised decision, but the thing I noticed is that the client choose first quality and then proximity. This means that sometimes, you can receive a print job of a person that is faraway from you, but is still willing to pay an extra (shipping) to have a quality print. In Italy I find the shipping costs very high, and searching for the best price it is always a nightmare and an agreement with a shipping company could resolve that.
But, after all your considerations, I agree with you. 3DHubs is based in a Community service idea and maybe should be maintained like that, promoting the collect-basis.
