Personalised etched glass gifts

Individuals buying wedding, birthday, retirement and anniversary gifts, plus small local businesses wanting branded glassware.

Price per item based on the design and the glass, with extra for personalisation. Selling through your own site, social media, Etsy and craft fairs.

• Eye for design and lettering
• Patience and steady hands
• Basic design software or willingness to learn
• Customer service for custom orders

• Etching cream and blasting media need safe handling: check the safety data sheets and use gloves, eye protection and a dust mask or extraction
• Sandblasting creates fine dust, so check ventilation and where you set up
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a business from home
• Public liability insurance if you sell at fairs; product liability cover is worth checking too
• Avoid copying logos, characters or brands you do not have rights to

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on whether you use etching cream and vinyl stencils or a small sandblasting cabinet, and how much glassware stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate and price your own kit list.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many orders you take and whether you sell online, at fairs or to local businesses. The estimate starts from about 6 hours a week, so it can fit around other work.

Check the safety data sheets for etching cream and blasting media, and use gloves, eye protection and a dust mask or extraction. Also check ventilation, whether your landlord, lender or council must agree to a home business, and your insurance cover.