Home-Based trophy and plaque engraving

Minor sports leagues, school clubs, community groups, small employers and event organizers.

A price per item based on the trophy or plaque plus engraving, with extra for rush orders and bulk orders at season end.

• Attention to detail and spelling
• Basic design and layout on a computer
• Customer service and quoting
• Meeting deadlines

• Check with your municipality whether you need a home-based business licence and what zoning allows
• Laser engravers need good ventilation and fire safety, check manufacturer guidance
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Demand is seasonal, with rushes around spring and June awards, so plan cash flow
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on your engraver, stock parts and setup. These figures are estimates only, so get quotes for the equipment you plan to use.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many clubs, schools and groups you serve. The low end assumes about 8 hours a week. Demand is seasonal, so plan cash flow. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and what zoning allows. Check ventilation and fire safety for laser engravers, insurance coverage for business use, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.