How to Start Your Own Laser Engraving or Marking Service

Starting a laser engraving business can be affordable and profitable.  It is important to understand and choose the right type of laser needed to do the work you want to sell.

Lasers fall into three main categories:

• Cutting

• Marking

• Engraving

Laser Cutters

All three types of lasers can produce marketable products for both business and for private use.  For example, a cutting laser could produce the creative metal, wood, plastic or paper cut outs with amazing detail which are used as decorations in homes.   Manufactures use products like this for lighting fixtures, furniture details and accessories, ventilation covers, signage and more.

Laser Marking

Laser marking is used in business to place durable marks on most products made today.  Information such as specs, wiring schematics, warning labels and bar codes are placed directly on products. Laser marking is also used on trophies, awards, and other personalized goods.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving can provide a more permanent mark on metal, wood, stone, jewelry and other special materials made just for laser engraving. This includes DuraMark Aluminum, which offers many creative colors and surfaces commonly used on trophies, awards and signage.

Should You Choose Quality or Price?

It seems like the answer would be obvious, but it’s not.  There are times when choosing the lower priced laser makes perfect sense. For many business models though, the cheaper laser could cost thousands of dollars in lost revenue due to slower production rates and maintenance/repair time. Our advice is to carefully consider how the machine will be used and how much production you will be doing. Then consult with one of our product specialists to help point you in the right direction. Laser machines have become more and more affordable with prices ranging from as low as $2,000 to well over $30,000 dollars. Software can also add several hundred dollars to your cost and If you plan to automate your feed process for bulk orders, the cost can be much higher.

How to Earn More

New laser users can add a lot of value to their current products by offering personalized options for their clients. Some businesses can expand into whole new markets by offering this option alone. If you’re primarily in the commercial industry, explore offering products to Military and Government customers as well. Many Military and Gov customers require these capabilities from their vendors and this could give you a competitive advantage.

Always remember, to make the most on your laser machine you should strive to keep it running. Normal maintenance and cleaning goes a long way!

A Business location can add visibility and credibility however it is more and more accepted that businesses can run out of a household. 
The money saved could be invested into marketing your business.

Marketing Your Business

Along with choosing the right laser it is important to consider your marketing plan.  How will you get the word out to potential buyers? You may need some good Online Marketing as well as direct contact with potential clients. Many mistakes are made with start up businesses and their marketing budget. To make the best of your marketing dollars talk to experts who understand your products, your customers and Internet Marketing.  Since time is money, especially for a new business, you don’t want to waist time testing your marketing ideas.  Get the advice you need to make good decisions from the start.

Conclusion

A laser business can be one of the easiest and lucrative businesses to own. Know what you want to sell, whom you want to it sell to, and seek advice on what laser to choose and how to market your business.

-The Social Team

Jorlink USA, Inc. &
WSI Internet Marketing of Asheville