How to use laser engravers to develop a profitable business?
What can you do?
- Investigate popular businesses
- Required skills
Is it profitable?
- Laser engraving machine costs
- Accessories costs
- Material costs
- Electricity costs
- Venue fee
- Platform fee
How to do?
- Pricing
- After-sales service
- Promotion
- Future development plan
What can you do with a laser engraving machine?
- Investigate popular businesses related to engraving machines
To know how to use engraving machines to conduct profitable businesses, an important preparation is to understand the currently popular businesses. The following are products that have been widely popular on websites such as Etsy, Amazon, and Facebook.
In addition, personalized engraving services and laser engraving digital files are also popular. Providing personalized engraving services means that you only sell the engraving services. The pattern of the engraving needs to be tailored to the buyer's needs. You only turn the buyer's needs into reality.
Selling laser engraving digital files is very profitable because it does not require you to engrave the pieces, store them in a warehouse, transport them, etc. Just selling digital files will make your work easier. However, this business requires you to be familiar with software operations and have good creativity.
Of course, you can also become a video blogger related to laser engraving machines, such as uploading videos on how to use engraving machines on websites. When you become a laser engraving master, you can even offer paid courses to teach people how to use laser engraver or how to make laser engraving digital files.
- Skills required for conducting these businesses
After knowing what businesses are popular, it is necessary to further understand what skills are required to conduct these businesses.
- Ability to use and maintain engraving machines
For the usage of laser engraving machines, you can read the user manual of the laser engraving machine or watch tutorials online.
It is essential to maintain and repair the laser engraving machine to extend its lifespan and maintain its stability. Here are some suggestions:
(i) Keep it clean: Keep the surrounding environment of the laser engraving machine clean to avoid the entry of dust, debris, or other dirt. It is recommended to perform cleaning once a week or once a month.
(ii) Regular cleaning: Regularly clean the lenses and mirrors of the laser engraving machine to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris. It is recommended to clean once a week or once a month. Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe, and avoid using chemicals or rough materials.
(iii) Regularly check the vulnerable parts, including the window mirror, synchronous belt, driver board, and mainboard. For the replacement tutorial of the vulnerable parts, you can click the link below.
The frequency of maintenance and repair depends on the frequency of use and usage environment of the equipment. Based on the actual situation of the equipment, the frequency of maintenance and repair can be adjusted appropriately. For equipment with high-frequency use, maintenance and repair need to be performed more frequently.
We will update an article that provides detailed explanations on how to maintain and repair laser engraving machines soon. If you are interested, please stay tuned.
- Learn how to use software for laser engraving files
Here is a quick summary of the best software you can consider:
Click on the above software names, and you will be directed to their respective websites where you can learn how to use them. However, some software may require a fee for usage, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
- Creative skills
Whether you are selling laser engraved products, digital files, or engaging in other businesses, you need to have a certain level of creative ability. Unless you plan to purchase existing digital files in the market, which may result in a lack of competitiveness for your products, you need to cultivate your own design or creative skills for laser engraved works.
- Marketing skills
Marketing skills encompass various abilities, such as market research, brand promotion, customer communication, sales negotiation, and sales management. The importance of marketing skills lies in their critical role in achieving success for a business or individual. Having strong marketing skills can help a business or individual stand out in a competitive market and realize their commercial objectives. Additionally, marketing skills can also help businesses or individuals better understand the market and customer needs, continuously optimize and improve products or services.
Is it profitable?
- Laser engraving machine costs
Before purchasing a laser engraving machine, you need to understand the types of laser engraving machines and which types are suitable for you. According to the type of laser, the size of the engraving area, the power, and other variables, laser engraving machines can be classified into many varieties. The following are some common types of laser engraving machines used in commercial applications:
- Diode laser engraving machine
- CO2 laser engraving machine
- Fiber laser engraving machine
Diode laser engraving machines are the most portable machines in the market. They are suitable for engraving and cutting both metal and non-metal materials. For small businesses and beginners, diode laser machines are an excellent choice. The initial investment for purchasing the machine is between 700-1200 USD.
CO2 laser engraving machines use CO2 lasers as a light source and are suitable for engraving and cutting most non-metal materials. They have high precision but are more expensive than diode laser engraving machines. The typical cost of a CO2 laser machine is between 3000-4000 USD. Additionally, the lifespan of CO2 lasers is much shorter (approximately 6000-8000 hours).
Fiber laser engraving machines are quite expensive and may cost you around 6,000-15,000 USD or more. However, these machines are capable of cutting and engraving metal with high precision and can be used for a long time.
It is important to note that the above prices are for reference only, and actual prices may vary depending on factors such as the brand, quality, performance, and services of the engraving machine.
Overall, diode laser engraving machines, CO2 and fiber laser engraving machines have their own strengths and weaknesses. Diode laser machines have less power, smaller size, and lower price, making them suitable for marking and engraving small items. However, their performance may not be optimal for applications with high precision and efficiency requirements.
- Accessories costs
After purchasing a laser engraving machine, you also need to purchase some additional accessories based on your business needs. The following table shows the applicable scenarios and approximate price ranges for each accessory:
|
Accessory |
Purpose |
Price Range (USD/piece) |
|
Aluminum plate & honeycomb plate |
Protect the worktable, facilitate cleaning of the worktable and material, and improve the engraving quality |
100-150 USD |
|
Rotary roller |
Engrave cylindrical objects |
100-300 USD |
|
Air assist |
Blow away smoke and improve the efficiency of the laser machine |
100-150 USD |
|
Extension kit |
Increase the working area and improve efficiency |
100-200 USD |
|
Safety enclosure |
Protect your eyes and improve safety |
100-200 USD |
|
Supporting feet |
Increase the height of the laser engraving machine |
4-6 USD (per piece) |
- Material costs
You need to purchase raw materials for engraving, such as solid wood pieces, plywood, acrylic, and other materials. You can also purchase items such as pens, glass cups, and rings. Material prices vary from 5-50 USD depending on the type and quantity of material purchased.
- Electricity costs
The cost of operating a laser machine depends on the type of machine. This is because different machines consume different amounts of power, which also affects their efficiency.
For example, if the electricity cost is 0.135 USD/kWh, then the power consumption of a 20-watt laser machine for five hours is 100 kWh, and the estimated electricity cost is only 0.0135 USD.
In this case, the estimated monthly cost is about 0.41 USD, and the annual cost is about 4.93 USD! (The rate is calculated using RapidTables.)
- Venue fee
When you have a large quantity of materials or products, you may need to rent a warehouse for storage. The storage cost of a warehouse varies depending on factors such as the location, area, services provided, and storage time. Here are some charging standards of well-known warehousing companies for reference:
- Amazon Storage Services: Charged based on storage space and storage time, with costs starting at $0.75/cubic foot per month.
- UPS Storage Services: Charged based on the type, size, storage time, and location of the stored items.
- FedEx Storage Services: Charged based on the type, size, storage time, and location of the stored items.
- Public Storage: Charged based on the area of the storage space, ranging from 5' x 5' to 10' x 30', with prices starting at $20 per month.
It should be noted that the above warehousing service companies' fee standards are for reference only, and the actual costs may vary depending on various factors. If you need a specific warehousing service quote, it is recommended to directly consult with local warehousing service companies to obtain more accurate information.
- Platform fee
Firstly, we need to understand which platforms we can use to sell our products. Currently, some of the popular platforms are Etsy, Amazon, self-built websites, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace established in 2005, mainly selling unique products such as handmade crafts, antiques, custom-made items, and works of art.
|
Advantages |
(i) Users are usually passionate about handmade crafts and custom products, which brings higher sales opportunities for sellers. (ii) Strong interaction between sellers and buyers helps to establish brands and enhance user loyalty. |
|
Disadvantages |
(i) Intense competition. (ii) Sellers need to do self-promotion. |
|
Fee Rules |
(i) Transaction fee: After a successful sale of a product, you are required to pay a transaction fee of 3.5%. This fee is calculated based on the selling price (including shipping costs). (ii) Listing fee: There is a fee of $0.20 for listing each item for sale. This fee is charged every four months for each item. |
- Amazon
Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world.
|
Advantages |
(i) It has a large number of consumers, which can bring greater audiences and sales opportunities to sellers. (ii) It enhances product credibility and recognition by leveraging Amazon's brand and reputation. (iii) It provides efficient and reliable logistics services, including storage, packaging, shipping, returns, and other logistics services for sellers. |
|
Disadvantages |
(i) Fierce competition. There is a constant influx of similar products, and competition in terms of price and after-sales service is also relatively intense. (ii) Sellers need to pay Amazon a certain commission and fees, including platform usage fees, transaction fees, storage fees, logistics fees, and others, which can increase their costs. |
|
Fee Rules |
(i) Usage fee: Amazon platform requires sellers to pay monthly usage fees, which vary depending on the seller's monthly sales and product categories. (ii) Transaction fee: Sellers on the Amazon platform are required to pay a transaction fee for each order, which is usually a certain percentage of the selling price of the product and varies depending on the product category and sales volume. (iii) Storage fee: Sellers need to pay Amazon's storage fees, which are calculated based on the volume of the product and storage time. (iv) Logistics fee: Sellers can choose to use Amazon's logistics services and need to pay a certain logistics fee, including logistics, packaging, and delivery costs. (v) Advertising fee: Sellers can choose to place ads on the Amazon platform and need to pay a certain advertising fee. The advertising fee varies depending on the ad type, placement, and click-through rate. It should be noted that Amazon's fee policies may vary depending on factors such as time, region, product category, and sales volume. When choosing to sell products on the Amazon platform, sellers need to understand the specific fee policies of the platform, consider their own situation and sales strategy, to ensure maximum profit. |
- Self-built website
Building a website on your own is a way of selling products online that allows sellers to create their own website, showcase their brand and products, and attract more consumers. Here are some website-building channels that can help sellers build their own websites successfully and sell products:
(i) Website-building platforms: There are many website-building platforms on the market, such as Wix, WordPress, etc. These platforms provide various templates, themes, plugins, and other tools that can help sellers create beautiful websites without having to write code.
(ii) E-commerce platforms: Some e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, Magento, etc., provide complete e-commerce solutions, including website building, payment processing, logistics management, etc. Sellers can create their own websites on these platforms and sell products directly online.
(iii) Third-party services: Some third-party services, such as Squarespace, Weebly, etc., provide professional website-building services that can help sellers create high-quality websites and also offer a range of e-commerce functionalities.
|
Advantages |
(i) Greater independence for sellers, free from the restrictions and regulations of third-party platforms, allowing for more freedom in website management and business operations. (ii) Building a website can help sellers establish closer customer relationships, including creating email lists, social media connections, and other interactions to improve customer satisfaction. (iii) Sellers can potentially earn greater profits. |
|
Disadvantages |
(i) Building a website requires a significant investment of capital, time, and technical expertise, including website design, construction, maintenance, and updates. (ii) The responsibility of marketing and traffic acquisition falls on the seller, requiring a certain level of marketing and promotion skills. |
|
Fee Rules (Showcasing Some Platforms) |
The pricing structures for website building and e-commerce platforms vary depending on the platform. Below is an introduction to the pricing rules for some common website-building and e-commerce platforms: (i) Wix: Wix provides both free and paid services, with the free version including ads and limited functionality. Users can choose to upgrade to a paid version for more features and better service. Wix's paid plans range from $4.50 to $24.50 per month, depending on the plan and feature. (ii) WordPress: WordPress is an open-source software that can be downloaded and used for free. However, if you want more features or choose to use hosting services, you will need to subscribe and pay a fee. WordPress paid subscriptions range from $4 to $45 per month, depending on the plan and features. (iii) Shopify: Shopify is a professional e-commerce platform that provides website construction, payment processing, logistics management, and other functions. Shopify's pricing plans include Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify, priced at $29, $79, and $299 per month, respectively. Additionally, Shopify also charges transaction fees for each sales transaction, with specific fees depending on the payment method selected. (iv) Magento: Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform that can be downloaded and used for free. However, if you want more features or choose to use hosting services, you will need to subscribe and pay a fee. Magento's paid subscriptions range from $1,988 to $3,558 per month, depending on the plan and features. It should be noted that these pricing rules are only basic standards, and actual prices and features may vary depending on the platform, country, and region. When choosing the most suitable platform, sellers should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each platform and select the one that best suits their needs. |
- Facebook&Instagram
Selling products on Facebook & Instagram can be achieved by creating a store or posting a product post.
|
Advantages |
(i) Huge User Base: Both platforms have a large user base that can help sellers quickly reach their target customers and improve sales performance. (ii) Convenient Sales Channels: Selling products on both platforms is very convenient and can be achieved by creating a store or posting product listings, without the need for additional sales channels. (iii) Precise Advertising Placement: Facebook's advertising placement can help sellers place ads accurately based on targeting, interests, and other conditions, improving advertising effectiveness and return on investment. |
|
Disadvantages |
(i) Intense Competition: There are many sellers on these platforms, making competition intense, requiring a certain level of competitiveness to stand out. (ii) High Advertising Costs: If you want to achieve better sales returns through advertising placement, you need to invest in higher advertising costs. (iii) Platform Restrictions: Selling products requires compliance with platform rules, including prohibitions on selling certain types of products, using false information and misleading advertising, and more, which may limit sales and marketing. |
|
Fee Rules |
Selling products on Facebook and Instagram does not require payment, but if you use advertising placement, you will need to pay corresponding advertising costs. Advertising costs are priced based on a bidding mechanism, which depends not only on the high or low bid of the advertiser but also on the bidding situation of other bidders. Therefore, specific advertising cost reference values cannot be given. If you have a demand, you can enter the advertising platform for advertising placement, and the platform will calculate the advertising cost based on your budget and advertising settings. |
In addition, you can also consider offline sales channels, such as partnering with local stores, allowing people who visit the store to access your products. You can also run your own store to sell your products. Trade shows are also great for selling laser engraving products. If there are any trade shows in your area, you should not miss them.
Based on the above content, let's summarize the profitable business opportunities that can be developed for laser engraving machines:
- Selling laser engraving works
Process: Determine the products to be sold - purchase a laser engraving machine & related accessories - purchase materials - produce/purchase data files for the works - carry out production - sell on platforms (Esty, Amazon, self-built websites, FB, INS, local stores, trade shows, etc.)
- Selling laser engraving services
Process: Determine the services to be sold - determine the sales channels (online or offline) - purchase a laser engraving machine & related accessories - sell services - determine the style to be engraved or cut according to the buyer's needs - carry out production.
- Selling digital files of laser engraving works
Process: Understand popular digital files - familiarize yourself with software operation process - produce files - sell files (Esty, Amazon, self-built websites, FB, INS, etc.)
- Laser engraving related video bloggers
Process: Understand popular video content on video websites - purchase a laser engraving machine & related accessories - purchase materials - produce/purchase data files for the works - become familiar with the production process - output useful content for laser engraving machine user groups.
It should be noted that these business processes are only for reference, and the specific process may vary from person to person. You need to choose the most suitable solution for yourself.
How to do it?
When you have determined the business you want to carry out and turn it into reality, you need to pay attention to the pricing of products, after-sales service, promotion methods, and the future development path of your small business. These have a significant impact on the success of your business.
- Pricing
The pricing of products made by selling laser engraving machines needs to consider the following factors:
Material costs: Products made by laser engraving machines require the use of certain materials, such as wooden boards, plastic boards, leather, etc. The cost of these materials needs to be included in the product cost.
Labor costs: The operation of laser engraving machines requires manual operation, and the corresponding labor costs also need to be considered in the product pricing. If you need to hire professional personnel to operate, you need to calculate the professional personnel's salary and other related costs separately.
Equipment costs: Laser engraving machines are high-precision equipment that requires a certain amount of investment to purchase. Equipment costs are also a factor that needs to be considered in product pricing.
Design and creative costs: If the product needs to be designed and creatively processed, the design and creative costs need to be considered.
Profit and market demand: The purpose of selling products made by laser engraving machines is to make a profit, so it is necessary to consider profit requirements, as well as market demand and competition.
Based on these factors, cost-plus pricing or market-based pricing can be used for product pricing. Cost-plus pricing can price the product based on the cost plus a certain profit margin, while market-based pricing is based on market demand and competition. It should be noted that pricing should consider the quality, characteristics, and competitiveness of the product to meet customer needs and ensure profitability.
- Cost-plus pricing
Cost-plus pricing is a product pricing method that determines the selling price of the product by calculating the cost of the product plus a certain profit margin. The formula for cost-plus pricing is as follows:
Selling Price = Cost × (1 + Gross Margin)
Where cost includes direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs are costs directly related to the product, such as raw material costs, labor costs, etc. Indirect costs are costs not directly related to the product, such as equipment depreciation expenses, management expenses, etc. The gross margin refers to the proportion of profits after deducting costs from the selling price and is usually determined by market demand and competition and is generally between 15% and 30%.
For example, if the direct cost of a product is 200 USD, the indirect cost is 50 USD, and the gross margin is 20%, the selling price of the product can be calculated using the following formula:
Selling Price = (200 + 50) × (1 + 0.2) = 300 USD
Therefore, when pricing according to the cost-plus method, it is necessary to first calculate the cost of the product, then determine an appropriate profit based on the gross margin, and finally calculate the selling price of the product. It should be noted that the cost-plus method does not consider market demand and competition, which may result in pricing that is too high or too low. Therefore, when formulating a product pricing strategy, market demand and competition should also be considered, and the final selling price should be determined through comprehensive analysis.
- Market-based pricing
Market-based pricing is a product pricing method that determines the selling price of a product based on market demand and competition, by analyzing market prices and market share. The formula for market-based pricing is as follows:
Selling Price = Market Average Price × (1 + Market Premium Rate)
Where the market average price refers to the average selling price of competitors in the market, and the market premium rate refers to the additional value of the product, usually determined by the characteristics of the product, brand awareness, and market demand, and is generally between 5% and 20%.
For example, if the average selling price of competitors in the market is 500 USD, and the market premium rate for the product is 10%, the selling price of the product can be calculated using the following formula:
Selling Price = 500 USD × (1 + 0.1) = 550 USD
Therefore, when pricing according to the market-based pricing method, it is necessary to first understand the prices and characteristics of competitors in the market, and then determine the market premium rate based on the additional value of the product, and finally calculate the selling price of the product. It should be noted that market-based pricing is a pricing method based on market demand and competition, but it does not consider product costs and profits. Therefore, when formulating a product pricing strategy, factors such as product costs and profits should also be considered and analyzed comprehensively to determine the final selling price.
- Example
Let's take an example to better understand the pricing principles and the process of return on investment.
So you have a laser engraving machine worth $1200, and you've purchased accessories like honeycomb board, aluminum board, air-assist, roller, and support feet, which altogether cost $460. You plan to sell laser-engraved glass bottles that cost $1.2 each in raw materials. You spent two days designing the laser engraving files that include small animal patterns and texts. It takes 30 minutes to complete one laser-engraved glass bottle. You also plan to sell your products on Etsy, and their fees are as follows:
(i) Transaction fee: You need to pay a 3.5% transaction fee after a successful transaction, which is calculated based on the selling price (including shipping).
(ii) Listing fee: Each product requires a $0.20 listing fee, which is charged every four months.
Your competition on Etsy sells their laser-engraved glass bottles for around $15 each. So what should be your selling price? And assuming you can sell 50 bottles per day, how long will it take for you to break even?
First, let's calculate the cost of each laser-engraved glass bottle:
- The total value of the laser engraving machine and accessories is $1660 ($1200 + $460)
- The cost of raw materials is $1.2 per bottle
- The production time for each bottle is 30 minutes or 0.5 hours
- The cost per bottle is: $1660/50 bottles + $1.2/bottle + 0.5 hours x $15/hour = $33.2/bottle
So, in order to break even, you need to sell each bottle for at least $33.2 plus the fees charged by Etsy. Considering your competition sells their bottles for $15, perhaps you could aim for a selling price of around $40 to make a profit. And if you sell 50 bottles per day, you'll break even in about 33 days.
Next, considering Etsy's transaction and listing fees, we need to calculate the final selling price:
- Your competitors sell their laser-engraved glass bottles for $15 each, so you could price your bottles around this price point to remain competitive and attractive.
- Each sale will incur transaction and listing fees. Assuming you sell each laser-engraved glass bottle for $15, each transaction will require a transaction fee of $0.53 ($15 x 0.035) and a $0.20 listing fee. Therefore, your actual earnings per bottle will be $15 - $0.53 - $0.20 = $14.27.
Finally, we can calculate the break-even time:
- The profit per sale is: $14.27/bottle - $33.2/bottle = -$18.93/bottle (negative means loss)
- You can sell 50 laser-engraved glass bottles per day, so the daily loss is: 50 x (-$18.93/bottle) = -$946.5.
- To break even, you need to earn back the $1660 investment, so you'll need to sell 116 laser-engraved glass bottles: $1660 / $14.27/bottle = 116 bottles.
- Therefore, it'll take you 2.32 days, or about 2-3 days, to break even.
Considering the costs and market competition, you could set your selling price around $15 to match your competitors and earn some profit per sale. However, you will need to consider adjusting your prices when accounting for Etsy's transaction and listing fees to ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.
- After-sales service
After-sales service is crucial when selling products online. Here are some suggestions:
- Provide clear after-sales service policies: Before selling your products, you should clearly explain your after-sales service policies, including your return and refund policies, warranty period, repair methods, etc. This way, customers can better understand the after-sales support and guarantee they will receive when purchasing your products.
- Respond promptly to customer questions and feedback: If customers have any questions or feedback, you should respond promptly. This will show customers that you care about their concerns and can prevent issues from escalating and customers becoming dissatisfied.
- Handle returns and exchanges quickly: If a customer requests a return or exchange, you should handle it as quickly as possible. When handling returns and exchanges, you should carefully inspect the product to ensure it's in good condition. If a refund is necessary, you should process it promptly and keep the customer informed of the progress.
- Provide a good after-sales experience: Providing a good after-sales experience can leave a good impression and show customers that you're professional and caring. For example, you can assign a dedicated person to communicate with the customer, provide full-service support, or offer small gifts or coupons to encourage customers to make repeat purchases.
- Continuously improve after-sales service: You should constantly optimize and improve your after-sales service, understand customer needs and feedback, and adjust and improve your products and services in a timely manner. This will help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty and boost repeat purchase rates.
In summary, good after-sales service can help businesses selling products online establish a good reputation and credibility, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and boost repeat purchase rates and sales.
- Promotion
- Social media: Establish brand and product promotion pages on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., and attract potential customers' attention by posting interesting pictures and videos. You can also consider interacting with potential customers by sharing product use cases and customer feedback.
- Website optimization: Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and use and has enough information and pictures to showcase your products. You can consider adding customer reviews and recommendations, as well as trust badges, to increase customer trust and willingness to purchase.
- Advertising: Advertise on search engines and social media to attract more traffic and potential customers. You can consider using advertising platforms such as Google AdWords, Facebook ads, etc.
- Exhibiting and showcasing: Attend industry exhibitions and shows to showcase your products and brand. This is a great opportunity to communicate with potential customers, understand market demand and competition.
- Referrals and partnerships: Collaborate with related businesses or industries, such as home decoration companies, wedding planning companies, etc., to recommend your products. You can also consider partnering with other websites or platforms, such as Etsy, Amazon, etc., to increase your brand awareness.
- Discounts and promotions: Offer discounts and promotions to attract more customers, such as discounts, gifts, bundled packages, etc. This can make potential customers more motivated to make a purchase and encourage them to place an order.
In summary, promotion is an ongoing process that requires continuous optimization and improvement. You can try using various methods to attract potential customers' attention, understand market demand and competition, optimize your products and services, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately achieve sales growth and brand development.
- Future development plan
Before planning our future development plan, let's review a few development directions for our engraving machine.
- Selling products made with laser engraving machines: This is a more traditional direction and can involve various businesses, such as making personalized products out of wood, leather, plastic, etc. Although the cost is high, with a concrete business plan, cost control, and reasonable pricing, it can achieve good profits. Additionally, promoting and strengthening your brand can attract more customers.
- Personalized engraving services: Offering personalized engraving services can expand your customer base, allowing customers to freely choose the materials and styles they want to carve. By setting up an online platform where customers can submit their designs and make online payments, you can increase your efficiency and profit. However, it is important to have the engraving skills and experience to provide high-quality services and build a good reputation.
- Selling laser engraving digital files: Selling laser engraving digital files is a popular business as it doesn't require actually carving physical products. You can consider selling the files online through platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, or by creating your own website. It's important to have good artistry and software skills and provide high-quality digital files.
- Becoming a laser engraving-related video blogger: This method can help you establish your own brand and become an expert in the field of laser engraving machines. You can create a YouTube channel to share tips on using laser engraving machines, case studies, latest technologies, etc. Once you've built a customer base, you can sell your video courses for profit.
Based on the four development directions of the engraving machine mentioned above, we offer the following suggestions:
Phase One:
From the four development directions for engraving machines mentioned above, it can be seen that when your business is just starting out, with limited funds and materials, you can consider selling laser engraving digital files. Familiarize yourself with the software operation process, improve your creative abilities, and earn startup capital through this low-cost business. It's important to ensure that the files you create meet the requirements for laser engraving and cutting so that your buyers don't end up with a failed product, which could greatly affect your business development.
Phase Two:
Invest the money you've earned from phase one into laser engraving by purchasing laser engraving machines, materials, and various other items. Begin offering laser engraving services and selling laser engraved products, investing your phase one earnings into bigger business opportunities. It's worth noting that since you have already gained proficient skills in creating laser engraving digital files in phase one, you can use your own files to directly engrave products for sale. Since your files are creative and unique, this will bring a premium to your products.
Phase Three:
As you gradually master the skills of using engraving machines and graphic design software during the product engraving process, you can output your skillset knowledge, transitioning from selling laser engraved products to selling skillset knowledge. This skillset knowledge has a high premium and can be sold repeatedly. You can even offer courses that specifically teach newcomers to the business how to use laser engraving machines and graphic design software, gaining income and recognition at the same time.
In summary, using laser engraving machines to expand your business is very promising and profitable. However, it's more important to choose the business that suits you best. I believe that when you choose a laser engraving machine that meets your needs and market your products, you will quickly recoup your initial investment, and your small business will gradually move forward on the right track.
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