Before this, I worked as a maintenance engineer, fixing machinery all day long. I always thought lasers were fascinating, and when I thought about starting a small business, I realized how perfect a laser engraver would be. But the initial spark came when I was thinking about my mum. She’s retiring soon, and she’s always been into crafts and making things. I thought, “Why not get her into this?” That’s when I decided to buy a laser, and here we are.
Getting started was pretty straightforward. The laser package I bought from LONGER came with most of what I needed—except for the extractor fan, but I already had one lying around at home. Honestly, as long as you’ve got a laptop, some materials to work with, and the laser itself, you’re good to go.
How I Advertise and Get Jobs
Now, I don’t exactly run big events or expos. I mostly stick to advertising on social media and in our local community handbook. But that’s been enough to get me some pretty awesome projects. One of my favorites was a 50-piece custom slate coaster order for the Parachute Regiment in the British Army. That job alone gave me a taste of how much potential there is. If you’re dedicated and manage your time well, a machine like the Longer Ray 5 could easily bring in a couple of hundred pounds a day, depending on the products.
When it comes to advertising, I’ve found that social media works wonders. It’s such a great way to connect with people from all over, and you get exposure to so many different groups. It’s been a game-changer for me.
Top Sellers
As for what sells best, I’d say my top items are slate coasters, custom thermal cups, whiskey and wine glasses, custom aquarium items, and even custom PC cases. I’m always looking for new ideas and ways to surprise people with something unique. The variety keeps me on my toes and makes each day feel exciting.
How to Grow Your Laser Business
I truly believe the best way to grow in this space is by creating great products and sharing them with the world. If you can, give a few free items away to show off your skills. It helps people see what you’re capable of and spreads the word about your work. Plus, it’s just fun to see people’s reactions when they receive something personalized and special.
If you’re thinking about diving into laser engraving, my advice is simple: don’t wait any longer. Just go for it! But make sure to do your research first. Think about what kind of products you want to create. For me, coming from an engineering background, it was easy to pick up. But even if you’re new to this, it’s pretty straightforward. Just remember to look after your machine. Keep it clean and in good shape. A well-maintained laser will work wonders for you in the long run.
Don’t miss out！
For anyone looking to get into the world of laser engraving, I highly recommend portable laser engravers. They’re compact and super convenient for setting up a booth and expanding your business outdoors. Most portable lasers, like the LONGER Nano Duo is galvo-style machines, which means they’re incredibly fast. The Nano Duo is currently on Kickstarter at its lowest price ever, and if you buy two, you even get a free power bank.
And to wrap up, here are a few pictures of some of the things I’ve recently made. I use Longer Ray5. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them! Thanks for reading, and good luck on your own laser engraving journey!
