Home laser cutting and engraving studio

Individuals buying personalised gifts, small businesses needing signs or displays, makers and crafters, and event planners.

Price per item or per job based on material, machine time and design work. Repeat orders and small batches for local businesses help build steady income.

• Basic design software skills
• Patience and attention to detail
• Customer service and quoting

• Laser safety: use enclosed machines, fume extraction and a fire extinguisher, and never leave the machine running unattended
• Check your home insurance, lease or mortgage terms and whether the council needs to know about business use at home
• Some materials such as PVC give off toxic fumes and must never be cut
• Public liability insurance and product liability if you sell finished goods
• Check copyright and trademark rules before engraving licensed designs or logos

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the laser, fume extraction, materials, software and insurance. These are estimates, so cost your own setup based on the machine and products you plan to offer.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your products, pricing, marketing and how many hours you can put in. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check laser safety: use enclosed machines, fume extraction and a fire extinguisher, and never leave the machine running unattended. Also check your home insurance, lease or mortgage terms, whether the council needs to know about business use at home, and never cut materials such as PVC.