Shin protection from the 3D printer

E-commerce. Innovatively manufactured shin guards for football players as an online product.

The first 3D- printed shin guard of the world originated from an idea on the football field. The special nature of the Duel shin guard, a product of Bernstein innovation: It was invented, created and produced in Austria and regarding size and hardness degree of the inlay is available in three versions. Additionally, the inner side can be printed with a number and name. It took about two years until mass production.
Behind this is a young team, which operates in the forest district of one of the most advanced 3D printing centres in Europe and which works for various companies. Since May 2016, the Duel shin guards are available on the market, for the sale, an online shop has been set up according to the young target audience and using Wirecard CEE.

User-friendly
For the start and launch of the webshop, it was necessary to integrate a package which covers all necessary functions and which can be expanded continuously and easily during growth. "It was particularly important to make the online shop as user-friendly as possible. Nobody likes looking for buttons, answer hundreds of questions and finally pay in a complicated manner. We have found a partner, where not only individual solutions but also personal advice is paramount”, says Jakob Schmied, CEO of Bernstein Innovation GmbH.
Great potential is seen especially in the growing use of smartphones and tablets for online payments. Therefore it was very important to also optimise the payment methods for these end devices to facilitate sales transactions not only via the desktop. Because the product attracts attention on the football field, the purchase should also work locally - so to speak, on the football field -.

Modern channels
Bernstein uses this philosophy also for the distribution via social media to the promote online shop. In addition to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts are also operated and additionally, there will be a Snapchat account. Customers can make contact easily in this manner and all requests will be processed quickly, including feedback.
The expectation is great: Through the online store, the group of potential buyers is greater than in the stationary trade. One also opens internationally and therefore must consider a lot, which was not as clear initially - from the available languages, to tax issues to logistical processes in the background.
"We thereby support young, innovative companies to realise their ideas. Our offer thereby goes beyond the classic payment service. Our years of experience in e-commerce and our wide network of competent partners brings start-ups a decisive competitive advantage, "explains Roland Toch, Managing Director of Wirecard CEE.