LASER ENGRAVER WORKSOP SIDE HUSTLES

WHY?
Pricing for CO2 laser engraving services can vary widely depending on several factors, including the pricing model used, the complexity of the job, and the local market.1 There is no single standard rate, but here are the common ways people charge and some general price ranges:

### Common Pricing Models

• Per-Minute or Hourly Rate: This is a very common method, especially for custom or one-off jobs.
• Rates typically range from $1 to $5 per minute of laser time.2
• Hourly rates can be anywhere from $25 to $90+ per hour, depending on the market and the type of work. Some professional shops, especially in major cities, might have a minimum charge of $250 per hour for small jobs.3
• This method is good for unpredictable or large-scale jobs, as it ensures you are paid for the time the machine is running.
• Per-Square-Inch: This model is useful for engraving large, flat areas.
• Prices are typically in the range of $0.50 to $1.00 per square inch.4
• For large-scale or more basic jobs, rates can be as low as 40 to 55 cents per square foot.5
• Flat-Rate Pricing: This is a simple and straightforward option for customers and is often used for standardized products.6
• For a simple item like a custom coaster or a personalized photo frame, a flat rate of $25 to $40 might be charged.7
• For a personalized wooden cutting board, prices can range from $15 to $50.8
• The 4-to-6 Rule: This is a popular rule of thumb for makers selling finished products.9
• You price the final item at 4 to 6 times the cost of the blank item. For example, if a cutting board blank costs $10, you would sell the engraved product for $40 to $60.10

### Factors That Influence Pricing

Regardless of the model, a profitable pricing strategy must account for all costs.11 The final price is typically calculated using this formula:

Final Price = (Materials + Labor + Machine Wear + Overhead) × (1 + Profit Margin)12

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• Materials: This includes the cost of the item being engraved (e.g., wood, acrylic, tumblers) plus a buffer of 10-15% for waste or mistakes.13
• Labor: Your time is valuable. This includes everything from designing the file and setting up the machine to the actual engraving time, cleaning, and packaging.14 A fair hourly rate for your labor is a critical component.15
• Machine Wear & Maintenance: Lasers have a finite lifespan, and components like tubes, lenses, and mirrors need to be replaced.16 Factor in a small amount for each job (e.g., $1 per hour of machine time) to save for these future expenses.17
• Overhead: These are the fixed costs of running your business, such as electricity, software subscriptions, rent for your workspace, and insurance.18
• Profit Margin: A typical profit margin for laser engraving projects is 20-30%, but it can be higher (up to 50-70%) for high-value items or custom, one-of-a-kind pieces.19

### Additional Pricing Considerations

• Complexity: More intricate designs, fine details, and deep engraving take longer and often require a higher price.20
• Volume Discounts: For large orders, it's common to offer a tiered discount (e.g., 1-10 items at a certain price, 11-50 at a slightly lower price).21
• Minimum Order Fee: Many professionals set a minimum charge, often $25 to $30, to ensure that small jobs are worth the setup time.22
• Regional Differences: Pricing can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living.23 It's always a good idea to research what competitors in your local market are charging.
• Value-Based Pricing: For emotional or custom items (like a wedding plaque), you can charge based on the perceived value to the customer rather than just the cost of production.24