Personalized glass etching gifts from home

Gift buyers, wedding and event planners, couples and local gift shops that want personalized pieces.

Price per piece, with higher prices for custom artwork and bulk orders for weddings and corporate gifts. Sold online, at markets and through local shops.

• Steady hand and an eye for detail
• Basic design or lettering
• Customer service for custom orders

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and what zoning allows
• Etching cream is corrosive and sandblasting creates fine glass dust, so check ventilation, gloves, eye protection and a dust mask or respirator
• Check how to store and dispose of chemicals under local rules
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Avoid copying trademarked logos or characters without permission

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on whether you use etching cream and vinyl stencils or add a small sandblasting cabinet. Your design supplies and glassware stock will also affect the total.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and what zoning allows. Etching cream is corrosive and sandblasting creates fine glass dust, so check ventilation and protective gear, plus local rules for storing and disposing of chemicals.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on how many custom orders you take and what you charge. The estimate assumes roughly 6 hours a week or more, so it suits a side business.