Yes! Making money with a laser engraver is a really fun way to make some extra income or even start your own business.You might be surprised at the different things people want engraved with a laser. From trophies to tombstones, there is a huge market out there for you to tap. As with all businesses, you will need to market your business properly and provide excellent customer service and quality in order to be a success at your laser engraving business. 

You might have heard of etching and wondered if it is the same as laser engraving.In fact, they are two different things that produce the same result – marking metal with pictures, words and designs. Etching uses chemicals to form the marks in the metal while laser engraving actually cuts the metal to create designs and words.  

If you want to start your laser engraving business from scratch, you will need some supplies first.

You will also need to invest in marketing materials such as a website for your business and promotional materials such as business cards.

Expect to spend around $300-500 for the full business set up including your laser engraver.

Here is what you will need:

Laser Engraving Machine ($200-$1000)

Laser Engraving software ($0-$200)

Website ($5 a month)

Social Media Sites (Free)

LaserGRBL or LightBurn software are the most popular laser engraving softwareoptions.

They are compatible with the ORTUR Laser Master. They You can use this software on Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS and Linux.

LaserGRBL is free open source software that is perfect for the hobbyist engraver.

Lightburn is a paid software for laser engraving. It offers more options than free software. It costs $40-80 depending on the version you need although there is a 30 day free trial.

Ortur Laser Master 3 has APP on mobile phones.

Look for wood that is:

Light in color

Has a high resin content

Does not have a coarse grain

The best woods for laser engraving are plywood, alder, cherry, balsa, fir, and cork and engineered wood. 

Now you are set up with your equipment, how do you actually make money with a laser engraver?

You have two main options:

Offer laser engraving of products your client provides

Sell products that can be engraved and personalized

If you want to really scale up your business, you will want to consider sourcing items yourself .

The profit margin will be much higher when you are selling engraved items that people can give as gifts or keep from themselves.

For example, you might want to sell laser engraved mason jars. You can buy a pack of 18 mason jars for around $30.On Etsy one laser engraved mason jar sells for around $17!

The profit margin is amazing on finished items.

• Etsy
• Craft Fairs
• Social Media
• Your Own Website
• Local stores and business

Etsy is the top place to sell laser engraving because it gives you access to a Worldwide audience for a low price.

An Etsy store is free to open and you can be up and running in minutes.

If you haven’t started your shop yet, make sure to go through this tutorial on How To Start An Etsy Store Successfully

Be Unique

Make sure you spend some time on Etsy looking at the laser engraving projects that sell well. Try and create your own niche so that you really capture the market.

Take Great Photographs

Make sure to show your projects in their best light with beautiful, bright images in your Etsy listings.

Use good lighting and a great background to show items at their best. Make sure to show different angles too.

Check what other people are doing so you can see what works (and what doesn’t).