> and are unsure of how it will actually perform
I'm sorry, this is argument (and I hate to be hyperbolic on HN) is simply laughable from both how consumers actually make purchase decisions on the whole and also from a business model.
"I'm not sure if a 3D printed part will work if I wanted a custom cell phone holder for my car?"
2 seconds later, looks like it can: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgbxgz5S2dc
Modern consumers have grown accustomed to leveraging collective knowledge shared on various internet sources. They watch youtube reviews, read trusted review sites, take online courses.
For example, within a few minutes you can ascertain the pros and cons of the various VR headsets available on the market. You can understand the limitations of the tech in general. All without having to rent the equipment.
Then, in my experience, after having performed research they go try the tech out or just purchase it outright.
"But I only want to print a few things out" Then you just paid how much in rent for what you could get for a fraction off the shelf?