Laser Engraving & Personalization

Provide laser engraving on wood, acrylic, leather, and metal

Startup Cost
$5,000-$25,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
6-12 months
Profit Potential
$8,000-$50,000/month

Overview

Laser engraving businesses generate $100,000-$600,000 annually with 70-85% margins through custom orders, wholesale, and B2B accounts.

In 2025, laser engraving popular for personalization and custom gifts.

Services include wood engraving (signs, cutting boards, ornaments), acrylic products, leather goods, metal engraving, custom designs, and bulk orders for businesses.

Successful laser businesses invest in quality laser cutter ($3,000-$15,000), master design software (Lightburn, Adobe), offer quick turnaround (3-5 days), maintain material inventory, and develop B2B corporate accounts.

Can create products or engrave customer items.

Wedding and corporate gifts particularly lucrative.

Marketing through Etsy, Amazon Handmade, local businesses, corporate gift buyers, wedding planners, and Facebook ads.

Required Skills

  • Laser Cutter Operation
  • Design Software
  • Material Knowledge
  • Production Workflow
  • Customer Service
  • B2B Sales

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Efficient production with laser automation
  • Multiple materials and products possible
  • Corporate and wedding market lucrative
  • Can work from home/garage
  • Personalization strong trend

Cons

  • Laser cutter investment ($3K-$15K)
  • Design software learning curve
  • Material costs and inventory
  • Machine maintenance and ventilation
  • Competition increasing in laser market

How to Get Started

  1. Invest in laser cutter and ventilation
  2. Learn design software and laser operation
  3. Source materials (wood, acrylic, leather)
  4. Create product designs and samples
  5. Set up Etsy shop and website
  6. Market to wedding and corporate buyers
  7. Build efficient production workflows

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