I branched into a home business doing embroidery and heat press, I quickly noticed that the “design” is the most important, since anyone can buy equipment. Customers rarely have good artwork, but if I can help them over that hurdle I will most likely pick up a long term customer. I have spent the last couple of years learning Corel Draw. My customer base is businesses, who don’t mind spending $500.00 rather than chasing “one off” customers who complain about a $20.00 job. Keep up the great content.
First guy I've seen that keeps it real. So many videos that say make 100k with a diode laser. Sandblasting is a must for quality glass engraving. And yes you need to spend money on marketing.... The is no magic without work and money. Bottom line, it takes Capital Investment to make a business. Everything else is a pipedream when only making a hobbyist investment.
Congratulations on your business venture! I'm glad to see you're in Indiana because right now I'm in Michigan. I got my first 75 watt LMI in 1987 that was a single head belt driven table. It took up the size of a two car garage. LMI was produced in Somerset Wisconsin that laser was 145k. In 1990 I won the bid for Weatherby firearms LaserMark. It pretty much paid for my machine. In 94 with the earthquake that happened at Northridge in California I could not bring that beast with me and none of my help wanted to relocate to Michigan. Weatherby still uses my design they have since bought their own laser and move to Atascadero California. I can tell you some good stories and some horror stories my biggest concern is people don't know what they're doing and walk away these machines need to be supervised at all times! I have a different laser at the moment but I have had it for almost 3 years and have yet to unbox it. I will see if I can throw you some business from here I would rather delegate then do it myself! Thank you for sharing! And yes I hit the like button and I subscribed!
Good info. I'd add that 1. Get your EIN (Employee ID number) free from the IRS 2. Get set up as an LLC in your state. In MN it's $150 or so. You can always change from to another form of incorporation If you don't have these, then it's not a business, it's a hobby. And hobby expenses are not tax deductible. And once you've done this, you'll find that you're VERY popular with the agency in your state that collects sales tax. VERY popular.
There’s a huge gem in here that I overlooked almost a year ago when I saw this video before. Start designing BEFORE you get equipment and start your business. Learning Adobe Illustrator is probably the most difficult thing you have to do. Don’t waste your time on Inkscape like I did.
Great video, I hope you do more. I am getting a thunder Nova 35/100watt in February. I really want to start a business. Looking forward to more videos.
I want to say thank you very much for that awesome video.That helps me a lot.Great infos and value as well.I am a new subcriber. I just started with laser engraving with a diode laser and found out very quickly that my laser is to weak for the staff i want to do.So i going to upgrade whenever possible to a CO2 Laser with 80 or 100watt.But it should be also a laser what will fit inside my house because winters are very cold in canada where i live and garage is out of the question.That is for cars plus it would be first investment in heating and isolation before i could use this for myself. But yes the design makes me a lot of fun.Problem only is i have barely time for that because of my trucking job.but i will get there hopefully and will learn to create my own designs. So BEFORE you buy a laser think and read a lot.That will same you time and money in the future for sure. Little tip. Engraving is good with Diode lasers but Cutting any material you need POWER and Diode lasers are not that powerful.Yes they can cut but with a lot of more time than any other laser plus it looks much better with Co2 or fiber laser for metals. Yes they are pricy but definitly worth just find the right for you.It all depends on what you want do with this laser.
Thanks for the insight and informative information! I have put a lot of thought and research into a laser business, lasers, and materials and it is something I'm very interested in starting. I just keep holding myself back for some reason from doing so. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching. We are excited to upload more videos after the holidays. Feel free to contact me through IG if you have any questions. @Genesis_Laser
Those fiber lasers are YAG lasers, which is the same type of laser used for surgery inside your eyes. For outside your eyes or on the surface, CO2 are used like for PRK or LASIK. Unfortunately there is no way to do home eye surgeries at this time lol
Awesome video! So awesome I just realized i watched it twice all the way through. I bought my Fiber laser a few months ago (50w jpt) found that it can engrave a lot of materials so its pretty versatile. My website is almost finished (selling mostly gift-related items and small items at first) Right now i'm going to be launching my site with around 50 products. Do you think that's enough to start out with?
It sounds like you are ahead of the game! Thank you for supporting the channel. Im hoping to have more videos out soon. Message me on instagram. Id love to hear more about your business @Genesis_laser
Fiber lasers are more versatile and can engrave a broader range of materials, especially harder substances like metals. Diode lasers are more limited to softer materials and are less effective with metals unless they are coated or treated specifically for laser engraving. Diode lasers are less expensive and are typically used for hobby laser projects.
Ben, great content. Alot of these lessons I've learned come from other ventures I've dove into. Exploring this opportunity as my other businesses have been outdoor and seasonal and im tired of that. My biggest question currently is product selection, what inventory to carry? Just rely on custom job requests? Buy items and market on amazon/etsy/Facebook handmade sites and add text (Bible verse, dates, poems etc)? Make a custom item (i already own 3 ender 3 3d printers and a router cnc with 2x2 work area) and brand it? I have identified all aspects of forming my shop expect product to sell and need help in that area!
Thanks for the comment. A fiber laser is going to be your best option. However, if you are in the states and you want to engrave others guns, you need to get an FFL. You can engrave any of your own guns without one or any part that does not contain a serial number.
Hi Jeremy, Thank you for your comment. I would definitely look at a 50w fiber laser. You also need an FFL to engrave someone’s fire arm. I know there are loop holes but to do it right research the requirements.
@@TedH71 Hi Ted, A lot of the major brands work with financing companies. They can give you their preferred company to work with. The other route would be to find your own financing company and shop around.
@@benjaminjerome8597 laser etching bamboo food grade cutting boards for closing gifts for real estate companies. I use low grade radiation machines. I personalize them with their logo's on one side and a design of their choice on the front of the board.
I've watched a lot of laser diode and fiber vids. I have a Laser Pecker 3 on the way. IMO it's a great way to start. All metals, stone, plastic, NOT wood or glass. Depending on how business goes I will probably get an xtool 20 or 40w for wood, glass etc.
Hi Tom, Thanks for watching. The Trotec has a 30w fiber and my dedicated is a 50w. The Trotec will engrave metal however it will not do deep engraving like the Galvo head 50w.
Hey Ben. I wanted to confirm you spoke about the two types of lasers the fiber laser you said was for “deep” metal engraves. To engrave into a yeti would it still have to be a fiber? Or would a CO2 work fine? I’m looking for a beginner laser to engrave/personalize Yetis and possibly into wood also. Any recommendations?
Hi Aubrey, For tumblers I would recommend a Co2 laser. The benefit is it only removes the powder coating and not etching into the metal. If it engraves the metal it has a possibility to rust. You have so many options a far as laser go. I do have a great contact for lasers at really reasonable prices. If you want message me over on Facebook and I can connect you.
I don’t see why not. I think this would lend more to you selling items online vs. having people come to your location to have things engraved. I started in my home office so it’s certainly possible and in a lot of ways is preferred to keep your costs low in the beginning.
I branched into a home business doing embroidery and heat press, I quickly noticed that the “design” is the most important, since anyone can buy equipment. Customers rarely have good artwork, but if I can help them over that hurdle I will most likely pick up a long term customer. I have spent the last couple of years learning Corel Draw.
My customer base is businesses, who don’t mind spending $500.00 rather than chasing “one off” customers who complain about a $20.00 job.
Keep up the great content.
First guy I've seen that keeps it real. So many videos that say make 100k with a diode laser. Sandblasting is a must for quality glass engraving. And yes you need to spend money on marketing.... The is no magic without work and money. Bottom line, it takes Capital Investment to make a business. Everything else is a pipedream when only making a hobbyist investment.
Congratulations on your business venture! I'm glad to see you're in Indiana because right now I'm in Michigan.
I got my first 75 watt LMI in 1987 that was a single head belt driven table. It took up the size of a two car garage. LMI was produced in Somerset Wisconsin that laser was 145k.
In 1990 I won the bid for Weatherby firearms LaserMark. It pretty much paid for my machine.
In 94 with the earthquake that happened at Northridge in California I could not bring that beast with me and none of my help wanted to relocate to Michigan.
Weatherby still uses my design they have since bought their own laser and move to Atascadero California.
I can tell you some good stories and some horror stories my biggest concern is people don't know what they're doing and walk away these machines need to be supervised at all times!
I have a different laser at the moment but I have had it for almost 3 years and have yet to unbox it.
I will see if I can throw you some business from here I would rather delegate then do it myself!
Thank you for sharing! And yes I hit the like button and I subscribed!
This video was very informative and helpful. Thank you!
Thanks Ben! Respect to you for learning and developing all of this in your business.
Good info.
I'd add that
1. Get your EIN (Employee ID number) free from the IRS
2. Get set up as an LLC in your state. In MN it's $150 or so. You can always change from to another form of incorporation
If you don't have these, then it's not a business, it's a hobby. And hobby expenses are not tax deductible.
And once you've done this, you'll find that you're VERY popular with the agency in your state that collects sales tax. VERY popular.
There’s a huge gem in here that I overlooked almost a year ago when I saw this video before. Start designing BEFORE you get equipment and start your business. Learning Adobe Illustrator is probably the most difficult thing you have to do. Don’t waste your time on Inkscape like I did.
How do you feel about Lightburn?
Great video, I hope you do more. I am getting a thunder Nova 35/100watt in February. I really want to start a business. Looking forward to more videos.
Thank you for your feedback! I plan on putting another one out next week.
Thinking about a shop tour/a day in our shop.
I want to say thank you very much for that awesome video.That helps me a lot.Great infos and value as well.I am a new subcriber.
I just started with laser engraving with a diode laser and found out very quickly that my laser is to weak for the staff i want to do.So i going to upgrade whenever possible to a CO2 Laser with 80 or 100watt.But it should be also a laser what will fit inside my house because winters are very cold in canada where i live and garage is out of the question.That is for cars plus it would be first investment in heating and isolation before i could use this for myself. But yes the design makes me a lot of fun.Problem only is i have barely time for that because of my trucking job.but i will get there hopefully and will learn to create my own designs.
So BEFORE you buy a laser think and read a lot.That will same you time and money in the future for sure. Little tip. Engraving is good with Diode lasers but Cutting any material you need POWER and Diode lasers are not that powerful.Yes they can cut but with a lot of more time than any other laser plus it looks much better with Co2 or fiber laser for metals. Yes they are pricy but definitly worth just find the right for you.It all depends on what you want do with this laser.
Excellent presentation covering all of the areas I was most interested in. Thank you. New sub today.
Thanks for watching, and for the subscription!
Woah bro, Very solid info! Thank you!
Great video🎉
Thanks for the insight and informative information! I have put a lot of thought and research into a laser business, lasers, and materials and it is something I'm very interested in starting. I just keep holding myself back for some reason from doing so. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching. We are excited to upload more videos after the holidays. Feel free to contact me through IG if you have any questions. @Genesis_Laser
I just met you at the Artesian fair in South bend.Great advise.
Great video 💯 I didn't know that you could copy a direct like to a review.
New sub! Well presented and to the point! Please make a mire in debth video on picking out the first laser to start the momentum
Great information Ben.
Great info. Looking to move from hobby into business. Currently doing CNC items and wanting to add engraving to the mix.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the comment. We will be adding more videos soon to help you successfully make the transition.
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching. We are excited to upload more videos after the holidays.
Thanks! I enjoyed this vid immensely!
Would love to hear more about pricing and marketing
ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=pricing+laser+engraving
Great talk!
Those fiber lasers are YAG lasers, which is the same type of laser used for surgery inside your eyes. For outside your eyes or on the surface, CO2 are used like for PRK or LASIK. Unfortunately there is no way to do home eye surgeries at this time lol
Great info. Learned alot
Thank you, Elsie!
Great video. Thank you for the information.
Thank you for watching. We are excited to upload more videos after the holidays.
Amazing Benjamin. Thank you very much.
Well put!
Thank you, Brandon
Awesome video! So awesome I just realized i watched it twice all the way through. I bought my Fiber laser a few months ago (50w jpt) found that it can engrave a lot of materials so its pretty versatile. My website is almost finished (selling mostly gift-related items and small items at first) Right now i'm going to be launching my site with around 50 products. Do you think that's enough to start out with?
It sounds like you are ahead of the game! Thank you for supporting the channel.
Im hoping to have more videos out soon. Message me on instagram. Id love to hear more about your business @Genesis_laser
Thank you for your video. Does the fiber and Diode laser do the same thing?
Fiber lasers are more versatile and can engrave a broader range of materials, especially harder substances like metals. Diode lasers are more limited to softer materials and are less effective with metals unless they are coated or treated specifically for laser engraving. Diode lasers are less expensive and are typically used for hobby laser projects.
Thank you for sharing!
Ben, great content. Alot of these lessons I've learned come from other ventures I've dove into. Exploring this opportunity as my other businesses have been outdoor and seasonal and im tired of that.
My biggest question currently is product selection, what inventory to carry? Just rely on custom job requests? Buy items and market on amazon/etsy/Facebook handmade sites and add text (Bible verse, dates, poems etc)? Make a custom item (i already own 3 ender 3 3d printers and a router cnc with 2x2 work area) and brand it?
I have identified all aspects of forming my shop expect product to sell and need help in that area!
Great info. Thinking about buying a laser to engrave firearms, what would be a good one for around $5000.00-$5500.00? Thanks..
Thanks for the comment.
A fiber laser is going to be your best option. However, if you are in the states and you want to engrave others guns, you need to get an FFL.
You can engrave any of your own guns without one or any part that does not contain a serial number.
Hey Benjamin
Thanks for the amazing Video!
I wanted to ask you, what do you recommend for lasering weapons? 50W?
Best wishes from Switzerland
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy,
Thank you for your comment. I would definitely look at a 50w fiber laser. You also need an FFL to engrave someone’s fire arm.
I know there are loop holes but to do it right research the requirements.
@@benjaminjerome8597 what if you own the firearm getting engraved?
@@dr420nrg If it is your own weapon you do not need it.
@@benjaminjerome8597 why do you need an FFL? For some reason, I remember hearing that a long time ago..
@@GrillWarrior Technically you are modifying the firearm and falls under gunsmith and manufacturing.
Great video, did you guys buy your equipment outright or did you finance it? Epilog and Trotec is so pricey.
Hi Sean,
We definitely financed the Trotec. The Fiber laser I bought outright.
Epilog doesn't do financing as far as I'm aware.
@@TedH71 Hi Ted,
A lot of the major brands work with financing companies. They can give you their preferred company to work with.
The other route would be to find your own financing company and shop around.
Already done. Been in business for 8 yr.s.
That’s great, Sherry! What is your main source of business?
@@benjaminjerome8597 laser etching bamboo food grade cutting boards for closing gifts for real estate companies. I use low grade radiation machines. I personalize them with their logo's on one side and a design of their choice on the front of the board.
jz wondering is the software easy to used for beginners?
Hi. Great presentation. What fiber laser are you using or would recommend?
I've watched a lot of laser diode and fiber vids. I have a Laser Pecker 3 on the way. IMO it's a great way to start. All metals, stone, plastic, NOT wood or glass. Depending on how business goes I will probably get an xtool 20 or 40w for wood, glass etc.
No mention of Diode Lasers?
Otherwise good video
Why did you get a dedicated fiber when you have the Trotec flex? What brand is your dedicated fiber?
Hi Tom,
Thanks for watching.
The Trotec has a 30w fiber and my dedicated is a 50w.
The Trotec will engrave metal however it will not do deep engraving like the Galvo head 50w.
Hey Ben. I wanted to confirm you spoke about the two types of lasers the fiber laser you said was for “deep” metal engraves. To engrave into a yeti would it still have to be a fiber? Or would a CO2 work fine? I’m looking for a beginner laser to engrave/personalize Yetis and possibly into wood also. Any recommendations?
Hi Aubrey,
For tumblers I would recommend a Co2 laser. The benefit is it only removes the powder coating and not etching into the metal. If it engraves the metal it has a possibility to rust.
You have so many options a far as laser go. I do have a great contact for lasers at really reasonable prices. If you want message me over on Facebook and I can connect you.
@@benjaminjerome8597 pm sent!
Fiber is best for metal stuff mostly from what I was told.
@@TedH71 Correct. Fiber is perfect for metal and most plastic.
@@benjaminjerome8597 can i use atomstack A5 Pro40w laser
Can I start in my basement at Home
I don’t see why not. I think this would lend more to you selling items online vs. having people come to your location to have things engraved.
I started in my home office so it’s certainly possible and in a lot of ways is preferred to keep your costs low in the beginning.