Starting a laser cutting and engraving business is an exciting journey. Establishing an online presence by building a dedicated laser business website is crucial for success in the current marketplace. Whether you’re aiming to create a side hustle for extra income or planning to build a full-time business, having adaptable laser engraving and cutting machines is essential for your personalization services. With an innovative laser machine, the possibilities are endless.
Personalization in Overdrive
Today’s consumers are all about personalization. They crave products that are special, unique, and out of the ordinary. The growing demand for personalized, laser-engraved products presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses. People are willing to pay a premium for items that resonate with their personality—remember the success of the ”Share a Coke” campaign?
Given these trends, there’s no better time to tap into the consumer desire for personalized products. Laser engravers are the perfect tools, offering extensive customization capabilities by engraving and cutting almost any material. Customized products have become highly sought after by both shoppers and businesses alike.
Starting a Laser Cutting & Engraving Business
No matter where you are in your journey to start a laser cutting and engraving business, you probably have a few concerns. We get it – buying a laser cutter can feel like a big leap. But with the right research and knowledge, you can start a laser engraving business that is both creatively fulfilling and profitable.
To launch your own laser engraving business, it’s crucial to understand the steps and strategies needed for success in this niche market. Success in the laser cutting business comes from building strong client relationships, showcasing your craftsmanship, and understanding market demands to create products that sell.
Let’s debunk the top 10 myths about starting a laser cutting and engraving business, so you can separate fact from fiction and confidently move forward.
1 ) The Market is Already Too Saturated
This is a common misconception, but nothing could be further from the truth! While many markets are crowded, the laser engraving industry still offers significant opportunities for profitability. There’s plenty of room for your unique products. Adding personalized laser engravings to ordinary items creates one-of-a-kind products that stand out in the market. The transformative potential of laser technology allows for unparalleled personalization and customization, making it an essential tool for entrepreneurs aiming to tap into a lucrative market.
Download our Free Business Startup Guide to see the full potential of this industry.
2) A Laser Engraving Machine is Too Hard to Use
Like any new technology, there’s a learning curve, but a laser cutter is more straightforward to master than you might think. A versatile and profitable laser engraver allows you to customize various products, from coasters to industrial parts. Using a laser cutter is similar to sending a file to a printer in many ways.
When choosing a laser system, ask about the training and support available after purchasing. At AP Lazer, we take support seriously. We provide hands-on training, and our skilled technicians will come to you to ensure you’re comfortable with your machine. Plus, with our 24/7/365 technical support, you’ll never be left in the dark.
We also have a large and active Facebook User Group where you can connect with other machine owners, get help, and ask questions.
3) I Won’t Get a Return on My Investment
If you think you can buy a laser machine and make money while you sleep, you’re mistaken. However, with some creativity and determination, you can start a laser cutting and engraving business that pays for the laser system and more. Investing in suitable laser engraving machines is crucial for establishing a profitable operation.
Our customers have paid off their entire machine purchase within a quarter. The right mix of quality products, excellent customer service, and a commitment to growing your business is key. Word of mouth spreads quickly, and you’ll be surprised at how fast orders can fill up.
4) I Won’t Be Able to Learn the Laser Engraver Software
To create files sent to the laser to be cut or engraved, you’ll need a design program that can handle both raster and vector formats.
A quick note: Raster files consist of tiny dots that form an image. When you engrave a photo, the laser shoots these dots onto the substrate, perfect for high-resolution grayscale photo engravings.
Vector files, comprised of nodes and curves, allow for image scaling without losing quality.
Our comprehensive one-on-one training and numerous tutorials on AP Lazer University make the learning process smooth. Additionally, thousands of pre-designed files are available online (some for free!) that you can start using right away.
5) Marketing Will Be Too Hard and Time-Consuming
Marketing is essential for any business; the same goes for a laser engraving business. It is crucial to distinguish your laser engraving services in a competitive market. But the products you create with a laser cutter practically sell themselves. Consumers love personalized goods, so start by posting your products on local Facebook groups or create branded giveaways for local businesses. Try leaving samples, like engraved coasters, at a local bar (with your business name on them!), or showcase your products at a craft show. These strategies can help you build awareness and attract customers without using too much time or requiring a massive marketing budget.
6) I’m Not Artistic Enough to Start a Laser Engraving Business
Although it helps, you don’t need to be an artist to create unique products. Thousands of pre-designed files are available online that you can use as-is or modify to suit your needs; some are free! Customers will often come to you with their ideas for personalized orders; they’ll bring the ideas to you! For inspiration, check out Etsy shops or browse our active Facebook BYB Group to see what’s working for others.
7) There is No Money in Engraving
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for personalized goods that can’t be found elsewhere. Personalization can increase a product’s value by 400% or more. With your laser cutter, you can turn everyday items into priceless keepsakes that customers will treasure.
In 2023, $9.1 billion was spent on unwanted Christmas gifts in the US, many of which were in the trash. However, personalized gifts are highly valued and appreciated, especially those with emotional significance.
Unlike impersonal luxury gifts, laser-engraved items offer meaningful, heartfelt alternatives.
8) I Won’t Know What to Create With My Laser
The possibilities with a laser cutter can feel overwhelming, but that’s a good thing! Laser marking is a technique that discolors an object’s surface to create visible marks without removing much material. Start by focusing on a few products and perfecting them.
There are countless profitable markets to explore, from home décor to stainless mugs, brick engraving, and signage. Understand your audience, discover what products they want, and draw inspiration from others already succeeding.
Before long, you’ll know precisely what to create that will translate into money in your pocket.
If you need free vector design files, check out our 14 Websites to Find DXF Files for CNC, Plasma, Laser Cutting, and Engraving
9) I Won’t Be Able to Make a Living With a Laser Engraving Business
This is simply not true. We have hundreds of customers who have turned their dreams into reality. Committed, you can live comfortably with a laser engraving business. Success won’t happen overnight, but with determination and effort, it’s within reach. If you already have a customer base and are diversifying your existing business with a laser, you can achieve results even faster.
One customer with an existing clientele paid off her $22k laser in just 60 days.
Check out this article for more: How To Start A Laser Engraving Business For Pets and Make $23k Per Month?
10) I Won’t Have Any Support After I Buy a Laser
The support you receive depends on the manufacturer. Don’t expect much support if you buy a laser cutter from Amazon or eBay. Some companies offer limited support for a few months or a year, often with restricted hours.
At AP Lazer, we take support seriously. We offer 24/7/365 technical support for the lifetime of your machine. Our active user group is filled with laser cutter owners at all levels eager to help. We want you to succeed and stand behind you every step of the way.
We hope this has clarified some misconceptions about starting a laser cutting and engraving business. If you have more questions, please comment below or contact us. Our team is here to help you make a confident decision that could change your life.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the hundreds of AP Lazer owners who are already running successful laser engraving businesses.
Save time researching by scheduling a demo with an AP Lazer Consultant, who will help you get started.
