Starting a laser cutter & engraving business is an exciting decision. Whether you’re looking to start a little side hustle for some extra money or determined to earn a full-time income creating priceless products, a laser machine creates endless opportunities to get there.
Personalization in Overdrive
Today’s consumers are very much into personalized products. They are looking for something special, unique, and out of the ordinary. They want meaningful items that fit their personality, and they are willing to pay more for them. Remember the genius “Share a Coke,” Campaign?
All of these factors combined mean that there is no better time than now to capitalize on the consumer’s desire for personalized products. Since a laser cutter can engrave and cut just about any material, it is the perfect tool for the job. There’s no question about it, personalized products have emerged as a popular choice among shoppers and businesses alike.
Starting a Laser Cutter & Engraving Business
No matter where you are in your journey of starting a laser cuttter & engraving business, there are likely a number of concerns you have about the whole idea. We get it – purchasing a laser cutter can seem like a risky move. But with a little research and knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to starting a laser engraving business that is not only creatively fulfilling but lucrative as well.
We’re debunking the top 10 myths about starting a laser cutter & engraving business so that you can separate fact from fiction and feel confident about your purchase.
1 ) The Market is Already Too Saturated
We love this one because there is nothing further from the truth! The entire marketplace, heck our whole LIVES are oversaturated! That doesn’t mean there isn’t room in the marketplace for YOUR unique products. Create something amazing and provide your customers with items they didn’t even know they needed. Take an ordinary product, add a personalized laser engraving, and viola – you have a 100% unique product that can’t be found anywhere else. Putting your own spin on a product is enough to make you stand out and shine.
2) A Laser is Too Hard to Use
As with any new technology, there will be a slight learning curve. But a laser cutter is not that hard to learn to use. When you boil it down, it is much like sending a file to a printer! When finding the perfect laser system for your needs, make sure to ask about training and support after your purchase. At AP Lazer, support is something we take seriously. A skilled technician will come to you and train you on how to use your machine. You’ll be able to get all of your questions answered and be confident about running the machine. And, with 24/7/365 phone-based technical support, you can rest assured you’ll never be left in the dark.
Additionally, we have a large and very active Facebook User Group where you can talk with other machine owners, get help, and ask any questions you may have.
3) I Won’t Get a Return on my Investment
Of course, if you think you are going to buy a laser and it will generate money while you sleep, you’re mistaken. But, with a bit of creativity and determination, you can start a laser cutter & engraving business that will generate enough money to pay for the laser system.
Ask our customers! We have many customers who have been able to pay for their entire machine purchase in a single quarter!
You need the right mix of quality products, great customer service, and the desire to grow your business. Word of mouth goes a long way and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll be filling orders.
4) I Won’t Be Able to Learn the Software
In order to create files that are 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: A raster file is made up of tiny dots that make up an image. It would be used if you were going to engrave something like a photo or grayscale image onto a material.
A vector format is made up of nodes that can be enlarged without losing any quality.
The software is not too complex once you get the hang of it, and there are many tutorials available in our online learning portal, AP Lazer University.
Add to that, that there are thousands of cutting and engraving files available online (you can find some for free!) that you can start using right away. Instant gratification!
5) Marketing Will be too Hard and Time-Consuming
Marketing is essential for any business to succeed. However, the products you’ll be creating with your laser cutter will sell themselves. We already mentioned that consumers LOVE personalized goods that are unique to them.
Post some items on your local Facebook Community groups, or engrave the name or logo of local businesses onto YETI mugs and give them away. Leave samples of some engraved coasters at a local bar (with your business name on them of course!) to create awareness. Try your hand at a local craft show and display a handful of popular items. These are just a few ideas of how you can market your offerings and the sky is really the limit!
6) I’m Not Artistic Enough to Start a Laser Engraving Business
Although it helps, you don’t need to be artistic to create personalized products! As mentioned before, there are thousands of pre-designed files available on the internet that you can use as-is or modify to fit your needs. Also, with customers coming to you for personalized orders, they bring the ideas to you! Some are even FREE! Check out Etsy shops for some inspiration or take a look at what all of our customers are finding success within our Facebook User Group.
7) There is No Money in Engraving
This one is a big lie! Consumers love personalized goods and they are willing to pay for them! You just have to find the products that people can’t find anywhere else. There are many products that will increase in value by 400% or more with a touch of personalization. Your laser cutter gives you the power to create any product that your customer wants. Create priceless products and your customers will have no problem paying for them.
8) I Won’t Know What to Create With my Laser
This is a tough one because there are SO many things that you can do with your laser cutter that it might seem overwhelming at first. Our best advice is to start with a few products and get really good at creating them.
There are so many profitable markets that you can get into, from home décor to stainless mugs, and brick engraving to signage. Take some time to get to know your audience and find out what kind of products they want. Don’t try to create it all. Gather inspiration from people already having success. These few tips will help you start a laser cutter & engraving business that will lead to many creative products that your customers will love.
Before you know it, you will know exactly what to create that will translate into money in your pocket.
9) I Won’t Ever be Able to Make a Living Starting a Laser Engraving Business
Not true. We have hundreds of customers who have turned their dreams into reality. You get what you put into it. It won’t always be easy, but we can assure you that if you set your mind to it, you can make enough money to be comfortable.
This will, of course, happen faster if you already have a clientele and the laser is diversification of an existing business.
One customer with an existing customer base was able to pay off her $22k laser in just 60 days.
10) I Won’t Have Any Support After I Buy a Laser
This myth all depends on what laser cutter manufacturer you end up purchasing your laser cutter from. If you think you are going to buy a laser cutter off of Amazon or eBay and have support – think again. It doesn’t exist. Some companies offer a limited time frame for support, ranging from a few months to a year or more, and they all have limited hours attached.
Here at AP Lazer, we take support seriously. We support you for the lifetime of your machine with 24/7/365 technical phone support. Our very active user group is full of laser cutter owners at all levels who are excited to help you on your own journey. We want nothing more than for you to succeed in your business, and we’ll stand behind you every step of the way.
We hope this has cleared up some inaccurate assumptions that you may have been making as you dream about starting a laser cutter & engraving business. If you have any more doubts, don’t hesitate to comment below or reach out to us. Our team will be able to ease your mind about your purchase and give you the information you need to make a confident purchase that can change your life forever.
What are you waiting for? Join the hundreds of AP Lazer owners who are already running successful laser engraving businesses.
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