Home laser cutting and engraving studio

Individuals wanting personalised gifts, small businesses needing signs or packaging parts, event planners, and makers who don't own a laser.

Price per item or per job based on material, machine time and design work, plus extra for custom artwork. Repeat orders from small businesses help steady income.

• Basic design software (vector artwork)
• Patience and attention to detail
• Customer service and quoting

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, including noise, fumes and customer visits
• Lasers can cause fires and eye injuries, so check safety requirements, enclosures, eyewear and fire protection
• Some materials (PVC, certain plastics) release toxic fumes and must never be cut
• Check your home and contents insurance and get public liability insurance
• Copyright and trademark risks when engraving customers' designs or popular characters

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the laser you choose, ventilation, safety gear such as enclosures, eyewear and fire protection, and your starting materials.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many custom orders you win and what you charge. Hours are estimated from about 8 per week, so it can start as a part-time business.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business, including noise, fumes and customer visits. Also check laser safety requirements, never cut materials like PVC, review home and contents insurance, get public liability cover, and watch copyright risks.