Top 10 Reasons Why Laser Engraving Businesses Will Fail
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Thinking of starting your own laser engraving business? Then this video is for you! In this episode of laser engraving 911 I will go over my top 10 mistakes that I made over when I first started my laser engraving business in hope that it will help you with your new laser engraving business! Be sure and check all my links below for my best tools and supplies for any laser engraving shop!
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Want to Skip Around The Video:
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Pricing Your Work and Your Worth
4:41 Making Proof For Your Customers
6:10 Working To Much Burn Out!
7:12 What Kind Of Laser Should You Buy?
9:14 Laser Engraving Machine Speeds and Why It Matters!
11:14 Having A Professional Presence In Your Market Place
13:33 Taking Care Of Your Machines
14:45 Never Stop Learning, Continue Your Education
17:06 Expanding To Quickly Working From Home
19:31 #1 Reason Why Laser Engraving Business Fail
20:10 Outro
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I started my business August 2022. Only 3 months in and it's been amazing. I don't have a website and I'm staying away from online sales. I want to support my community and stay local. Every time I go to town I find a business, snag their logo off their Facebook page, design it in corel/lightburn, make a few hats and a tumbler, then deliver it in person. I've only had 1 business not give me a call YET (still hoping). People are lazy, they don't want to deal with catalogs or the back and fourth of getting something made. I bring a high quality product, fast turnaround, I deliver, and I'm a local veteran business. The economy had me worried I would fail but you can't fail so long as it's not an option. There are 2 kinds of people, people who know they will succeed, and people who know they will fail, they are both right. Failure is not an option.
Thanks for sharing your experience sound like your on a great trajectory!
@@DanielIvan707 Thanks!
Amazing work bro. When you deliver the business a hat and/or tumbler with their logo, do you just ask for the manager or owner then tell them what you can offer them? How does that conversation go down to ensure you get your point across. Thank you!
I quit my full-time job working for someone else a year ago. I absolutely can't go back. I can't live that life anymore.
Those last lines hit
Bro, your passion and the fact that you’re speaking from experience and giving genuine advice without any sense of ego is really refreshing. Thanks for all the advice appreciate your work man
Thank You for that, glad you got value from it 👌
Awesome advice. I’m just starting out. I have 2 years before I retire from my PD. So far I am learning a ton and am loving it. Thank you for the good advice.
You got this!
Excellent information! This popped up at the right time because I am just getting interested into lasers. I already do woodworking and CNC work and I’m thinking that this may be the thing I’m looking for.
Great advice!! Burn out and pricing have been my mistakes.
Thank you for taking the time to help others along. Trying to get my business off the ground and I fell like I’m in a rut. You re-energized my focus.
Yeahh! That's awesome to hear! Go out and get some! You got this!
Since day 1 of staring my laser biz, I have always sent mock ups to my customers. It prevents so many headaches. Totally worth the extra time.
Worth it, must do!
What do you design on?
@@haatib42 Adobe Illustrator
Help prevent a Spinal Tap Stonehenge type incident.
Tysm for your honesty. You just helped answer so many questions I’ve looked up and every video had no answers for it. You’re an amazingly huge help!!
Awesome, so glad you could gleen some info!
What a great video! I just started working in this industry. I am very glad that your video appeared at this time. It saved me a lot of time. You speak very clearly and have strong expressive skills. Anyway, thank you for this wonderful content!
I like the pill box for travel, the box device, and the flashlight. Thanks for doing all of this footwork for us, Michael!
Good advice for almost any small business. Thanks.
I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Much Appreciated.
My pleasure! Glad you got some value from it!
Just found your channel. Amazing and highly valuable information. Thank you
This video couldn't have been better time for me finding this. I got the glowforge pro and have been frustrated trying to figure out what mistakes I've been making since I'm all alone in this, making dumb mistakes. Thanks man for the advice. Already subscribed
Hey, Kris, glad to hear you go some insight from my video, Thanks!
I stumbled across your Chanel as I began doing research on co2 lasers. I would like to say THANK YOU for such an informative video. Full of honesty and transparency. I look forward to learning more from you. 💥✅
Awesome, thanks for taking the time to let me know. !
As someone who has been using 3 different laser engravers for 3 different materials over the last 2 years (and I'm a fast learner), I have to say this man has really been through it and he knows EXACTLY what he's talking about. Take what he's saying seriously because if you don't, its not a matter of if you will run into these problems, but when - and how expensive that lesson will be. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your videos, Michael ❤🔥
Thank You!!!!!!
@@LaserEngraving911Thank YOU!! 🌷
I've learned a lot from your advice. Especially, with the chart about the speed performence of different laser products.
Thanks for watching!!
great video man! stumbled across this looking for inspiration and you did NOT disappoint! so thank yo for that and hopefully I can share some projects from lessons learned
You can do it!
Excellent points. As someone who spent years in the printing industry, on both sides (printing design and customer), clear proofs are absolutely essential.
Thanks for commenting! appreciated that!
Great Advice!! I think i'm gonna give it a try! Thank you for the Honest tips! 😁
Thanks for sharing the experience, it very useful for any of this engraving business.
We're in the beginning stages of starting our engraving business, so I've been watching a lot of channels lately. This is the only video of yours I've seen, and I'm impressed with the value you shared in with so much respect for time. You're both personal and professional (thank you for the clean language, as this will be family learning for a family business), and the content is better than all the other guys I've watched so far. Subbed. ETA: just subbed your Insta as well. The cheat sheet for "weird shaped drinkware" is awesome!
I really watched more then a 100 videos but i swear this one video taught me more then all of them combined... Thanks alot Mr Engraver
Hey Ali, what a nice comment! Thanks I'm glad you got some great value form this! Thanks for your support!
All Great advice!!
Thank you for taking the time to put this together.
My favorites are “learn a drawing program” and “set a minimum price”.
Thanks
Thanks! and thank you for supporting my endeavors!
I love it, you said," if that's your bag". I haven't heard that in years, you're right we need to bring that back. Good advice too.
Thatz one of my lines!
I have questioned and searched for information the difference of the lasers. I learned what I was looking for through your video. Thank you!
YEs, That's great!
Wow your last part hit me hard, thanks so much! Great video.
Thank you! That's why I mentioned it! I'm my biggest critic!
Thank you for this valuable information!!
Lots of great suggestions! I will use these
Thanks for the detail and experienced knowledge. Great video and I’m sure to be watching it more than once.
Thanks you glad you got so much value!
THANKS FOR THE PEP TALK AT THE ENd>.. REALLY NEEDED IT!!
Thank you so much for all of these helpful tools! I really appreciate your help.
Welcome!!!
What a great video! I wish I had seen this before I got started. In the last two months I've made every mistake you listed. Right now the burnout is the worst. My full time job has a huge workforce and the orders don't stop (not just engraving, 3D printing and sublimation too).. last week I came home and stayed up all night making orders then went back to work feeling miserable. Days like that turn the excitement in to questioning the decision to start a small business. Anyway thanks for this great content!
Sound like its time to get some part time help maybe, or start selecting which jobs you take on, or raise your prices! Glad you got value! form the video and TY for commenting! If you want do do private 1HR consultation I'm happy to strategize with you! you can book that here : ) www.sonomalaserengraving.com/product-page/1-hour-personalized-consultation-with-laser-engraving-911
I have a buddy who's an engraver, of all things known to man, and I suppose not all rules apply. Meaning he has no social media of any kind and no advertising and he's just killing it. Charges $22 more an hour than his competitors and is still dominating the scene. Hard to do In the DFW area but is doing it. He has an old school approach to everything he does and it works. Works 6 hours a day, no weekends and takes 4 two week long vacations a year. Don't know his secrets but he mastered it
Word of mouth is all powerful! Thanks for sharing.
It'd be really interesting to hear his philosophies. Is he willing to share them?
This is the first video I’ve seen of yours
Thanks for the excellent, detailed, concise info
Just liked, saved and subbed
That's awesome Than You!
I've been trying to learn about laser engravers to buy the correct one. I came at this video looking for one answer but left with ten more that I didn't know I needed an answer for. Thank you, truly. I hope everyone in the same boat as me finds this, too. You rock!
Thanks awesome! Glad it helped!
Great advice! You definitely gave me some value adding information. Thank you!
Thanks! glad you got some value!
Thank You so very much. I'm just getting started, looking for all the information I can get; I appreciate it.
🤩
Fantastic advice, Thank you. I am growing at a snail's pace because I am unsure as to the proper way to go, or how to do it. Your video has really opened up my eyes to where to begin... Thanks
You are so welcome thank you for your support!
Excellent advice to anyone starting business for the first time. the information about types pf engravers, speed etc is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Yes I dont think speed of all these machines is talked about very much at all in all the videos I've watched and information, but its so important! if you plan on running a business and making money!
This was way more educational than I expected.
It's excellent advice for starting any craft business. I especially love the House Minimum.
Thank You!
I just discovered your channel. Great video and great advices. Thank you so much.
Welcome!! Thx!!
Great video thank you, I'm in the process of starting my laser engraving company it's alot of work but I love the challenge.👍
Nice! Your welcome!
Great content. Would love to see a part 2.
Thanks for the tips brotha. I started Taylored Products Nov 2022 and it has been a wild ride. I’ve already ran into some of the warnings you give and can attest. My next step is fully professionalizing the operation, getting my website dialed and getting fully on the socials. Thanks again for the encouragement.
Good stuff! Keep at it!!
Thanks for the good content and tips man, enjoyed and subscribed
Nice, Welcome!
You are 100% correct about avoiding undercutting other vendors. When several vendors start undercutting prices in a race to the bottom, the end result is that most of them go out of business over the course of a few months. Those who set reasonable prices and do not waiver will see a decline in revenue but eventually prices will return to a fair and reasonable level. FWIW, I don't buy from the lowest cost vendor because I want to avoid knockoff products, good customer service, and a vendor who will be in business over the long term so I can make additional purchases in the future.
I actually used to sell flatbed CO2 laser (one on your "speed" list) and currently in the galvo business. The "marketing" comment is spot on. I worked with several smaller shops and not only did they not have a marketing plan, some did not have a business plan either. it is well worth the fairly small expense to help your business grow
Thanks for commenting! and sharing your thoughts on that!
Needed to hear this! Thank you!
You're so welcome!
Thanks man. Laser and 3d printed projects became my hobby last December and boom, after 5 months, I decided to add these to my business.
I have just a poor, NEJE laser (diode) but thats all I can afford for now. I already have money for CO2 laser, but first I must prepare a new room in my basement for it.
Anyway, such advices are great. I started with my own projects (im not just engraving, Im focused more on separate projects which give me fun).
Last time I felt like I'm burnt out, at least for some time, but really, such short film gave me some energy to continue my work there :)
Thanks really cool to hear, thanks for the support and keep up the fun!
This has been so helpful! Thank you so much 👏🏽
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Awesome video! A lot of useful advice on issues we've been facing.
Appreciate that! Thanks!
Thank you for the tips and advice. I am getting ready to buy one for my business so that I can personalise customers Jewellery and my own items. Thank you again. I do appreciate this video and you for making it. Especially the part of Don't get down on yourself! Perfect advice.
You are so welcome!
Thank you for your experience.
Great video! Thanks for making these. 👍😊
My pleasure!
Thank you for these insights …very helpful! Pricing is def a hard one when starting out
Glad it was helpful!
This is just what I needed to hear. Just purchased my laser and plan on taking the time to learn the machine. I getting ready to retire in about a year. That when I plan on making a side hustle. Great video and plan on watching some more. Thanks again
You are welcome and hope your enjoy your retirement! lucky!
Awesome, I loved your video, thanks for share all your experience.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent guidelines.
#10 & 9: that's so true! I have the hardest time with the first item, #10. With regard to #9, i ALWAYS get the customer to physically sign the proof.
Thank You for taking the time to leave your take, appreciate it!
Thank you sooo much. This was really helpful!!! 😊
Thank you!!
Amazing info, thanks for sharing. The word of encouragement at the end applies to most of us and in any endeaver...thanks.
You just saved me from pulling the trigger on a LASER that won't do what I want done. I want to engrave a logo and a serial numbers on 1/2" copper cylinders (plumbing). I just learned from you that I need a fiber LASER. I was also about to close the deal on a slowwww machine. Thanks for making this video, I just subscribed.
Glad it was helpful! Welcome!
Thank you for your big save the money and clear my confusions. Keep it up you value to the world.
welcome!!!
This video was amazing. I just ordered a polar 350. I can’t wait to get started. Thank you for your guidance
Thanks! Your off to a great start, keep learning all day long!
One thing that helped me was practice practice practice. I'd go out to second hand shops and buy a bunch of random things, odd shapes, different materials and use them as a cheap sacrificial base to learn on. I even just went outside and collected stones to try, went to a counter top manufacturer and got scraps of different material they use etc. You can learn and do trial/error cheaply if you are resourceful.
yep, when I first started I pretty much engraved every in my house I could get my hands on practicing, still always testing and practicing even today!
@@LaserEngraving911 I was a smartass and engraved a spider on my wife's hair brush. She's terrified of them. It got her more than once lol
Outstanding advice. Some of these things I have already encountered. I am currently in a down time waiting for a focus lens because of not cleaning it. I got busy and forgot about it. Lesson learned. Working on getting a stock of spare parts now and figuring out the maintenance schedule to make sure this doesn't happen again. Started with a diode and found out fast that that was no where near cost effective. Working an entire day to to engrave a mediocre quality engraving on a cutting board was almost torture. But your advice on pricing is where I have struggled. Thank you so much for the tips. Love your videos.
Hey, Thanks for sharing your own experience! Glad to see Im on point with the video, glad you got some value from this, and thanks for your support! Means alot!
Which diode did you start with?
Sculpfun s9 with the extended rails. 5.5 watt output. Not a bad machine for someone experimenting or for hobbies but for business it misses due to power and the extra that has to be spent for an enclosure and exhaust either made or bought. I still have it and I am thinking of removing the laser to use the gantry for a plasma cutter to make small pieces for my other projects. There are a couple of videos out there on how to do it and I think it would be a great addition to what I do.
Great advice for someone like me looking to get into the laser engraving business. The comment about Etsy was a good one!
Thank you! glad you go some value!!
Thank you. You have very helpful information and have given me new goals.
Nice!!!
Number 7, gold! (It's one of the requirements of ISO 9001, nicely and easily explained).
Awesome Video!! Thank you for sharing.
Glad you got value from it thanks!
Man that was a a really nice video you could hype anybody up to do good in a business that was motivational and educational
I appreciate that!
This is some excellent advice.
I'm subscribing !
Thx
Thanks for the sub!
Great advice fellah. I'm just getting started and I was curious about what programs others used for their work. Also totally agree about the Etsy race to the bottom for pricing, especially with the not so obvious expensive shipping costs the listed prices are never accurate.
Thank You! glad you see that too! and thank you for your support on the channel!
I am thinking Etsy but only local for getting stuff until I find real suppliers of the parts I need.
I’m glad I found this video. I want to start my own business and considering laser engraving. I know nothing so far. Looking to take a leap!
Glad you got some nuggets of info from my video!
Really awesome video. Enlightening to say the least. Thank you.
thank you 👍👍
Machinist going into laser engraving, this video is incredibly helpful, thanks man.
You're welcome!
Just found this video. Good advice. I will be checking out your other videos
nice!! TY
Going over what kinds of lasers do what was a surprise clutch addin for this video. I am trying to find out what cuts foam and this was a surprise add in. Epic information. Thank you so much!
Co2 can engrave and cut EVA foam nicely.
All well said for any maker, subscribed. Although I been running crazy #8 for decades..just stay healthy and take time for faith and family and then you can work a super lot if you love it.
Well said as well Sir!
Thanks for the tips and the Inspiration!
Your welcome!
Solid advice, where people seem to be making a TON of mistakes. Burnout is my level. I literally dread starting up for the season; soooo my price is gonna go up as a result. I seriously need it to slow down.
Been there, I feel ya! Take that time for fresh air when you can! 🤣
Fantastic insight. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your perspective.
Always!
Greetings from Albania, this is the first video I follow, my compliments are very interesting. I would add one reason, you have to love the work you do with passion, during work there will be many difficulties, most of which you mentioned above, but if you don't have passion, it doesn't last long, you have to love your work.
Agree 100%
Great advice!! Only thing I would add is to not be afraid of negative reviews. Customers like to see how you handle projects.
And if something goes wrong. You make it right. Buy a new item to redo etc. that goes a long way
Agreed, lesson can be learned form constructive negative reviews.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Welcome!!
This was a fantastic video! Very informative
Glad it was helpful! Thank You!
Great I love this channel
Bro thank you so much I started learning today cause I ordered my first laser engraver and this video is helping me a lot to get my ideas in order
No problem 👍 Glad I could help!
Great video and inspirational, sir. I’m sure this has helped countless, aspiring businesses. Well done, indeed.
Thanks!!! :)
Spot on Amigo! The only outcome in a race to the bottom is that all participants will get there!
It’s very easy to lower prices and almost impossible to come back up.
well put!
Right out the gate with good advice.
Always stick to your shop minimum. It will filter out problem clients
Another good point Thanks!
I star my business in 2006 and you cover a lot to success thanks for your info I appreciate.
You are welcome!!
#10 is spot on. I can't count the number of times starting out that I said "pay me what you think is fair" and be way under paid or asked to make something they want to pay me half the cost of the example they showed me
Thanks for commenting and sharing!
Thank you so much for this video!
You are certainly welcome!
I bought my laser engraver to add to the other tools in my shop. I recognized early on it would be best used to broaden my ability to fabricate prototypes for my business. Pretty much anyone can afford one and do what you want to charge them for. Rather, use it as a tool.
Thanks for your information
Any time
Great advice, many thanks, appreciate!!!
You are very welcome, thank you!
Thanks SO much! Really enjoying your content, delivery, and passion. I am getting my home-shop together and will have enough room for some benchtop CNC and engraving machines. Do you think the CorelDraw, Ai, and Ps have application in CAD/CAM? Sorry if a newbie question, I've been focused on shop layout and am just now starting the tech-stuff. Thanks for any help you may offer.
From one bass angler to another, Id say yes! Learn those three programs and they will always help! Mostly Adobe Illustrator!
I've been in the laser business for 12 years. Good advice.
"Tips Hat To You"
I dont do lazer work, but I do art and Etsy was something I immediately went to as to see what I could price my art for. I was mortified to find out much of what I do (hand work) is selling for *what takes me * about $5 -10 per hour. Needless to say I will be attempting other avenues of selling.