How to earn money with a laser engraver?
What price can you charge for laser-engraved items?
Example: Laser-engraved ballpoint pen with surcharge for laser engraving
For example, high-quality ballpoint pens with individual engraving are sold for €15, these can be purchased for as little as €1.50 per unit depending on the order quantity. In the laser processing industry, “laser costs” are usually calculated at €1 per minute to cover the laser time. Thus, different graphics or the duration of the engraving can be quickly quantified in terms of costs. Using the example of the ballpoint pen, this is 25 cents per unit in laser costs for an engraving duration of 15 seconds. Taking labor costs into consideration, it is nevertheless very easy to see that laser engraving can make good money.Which laser-engraved products are most in demand?
Products that include a personal dedication are gaining in popularity. The field of application is very wide. The offer for end customers is as varied as the materials. Whether you’re talking about picture frames, wine glasses, gifts or ballpoint pens – a personal dedication with names, text, logos or photos make these types of items very unique. But personalized signs, stamps, medals and trophies, data plates or various types of contract engraving of components can also be a lucrative business for companies, both as individual pieces or in mass production.
Unique items for customers create higher profits for the supplier
Unique, individual and personal - nowadays, customers are placing greater value on the qualitative and quantitative value of handicraft work and prefer creative individual items. For example, individually designed jewelry, creative artwork or decorative accessories for interior design are among the most popular customer requests. Practically any design can be implemented with the laser. With individuality and attention to detail, products or artwork can be easily and quickly created and upgraded with a laser. Whether you are working with wood, glass, acrylic, leather or paper, contactless material processing with a laser also saves time and money. The effort for these unique items is manageable. Due to the high prices that can be achieved for creative, individual pieces, the profit is very handsome.
Laser technology also makes personalization efficient for high-volume production
Profitable product mix: Specialization versus wide product portfolio
As an entrepreneur, you should carefully consider your business model and weigh the advantages and disadvantages for yourself. In terms of specialization, the workload and output can be optimized as best as possible, as the applications are always similar and you develop into a true specialist. Thus, set-up times are minimized and profit maximized. From a broad product portfolio through to individual customer projects and individual pieces, however, although you’re not a specialist in a certain area, customers for custom-made items are willing to pay more, which in turn leads to higher margins.
Check out the Speedy laser engraver series
The Speedy laser engraving and cutting systems are perfect for first-time users as well as established laser users. All platform sizes from 610 × 305 mm to 1016 × 610 mm are available with a CO₂ laser, a fiber laser or also both laser sources in a single laser system. The patented flexx technology™ allows endless applications.