Leather and metal embossing workshop

Leather goods makers, craft brewers and distilleries, small brands needing branded tags or plates, corporate gift buyers and individuals wanting personalized items.

Per-item pricing on batches, setup fees for custom dies and tooling, and ongoing contract runs for regular business customers.

• Machine operation and setup
• Working with leather or metal
• Quoting and costing jobs
• Quality control

• Check zoning and your lease for light manufacturing in your city or county
• Presses can cause crush injuries, so look into safety training and guarding
• General liability and property insurance for equipment and customer materials are worth checking, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Check whether you need a local business license and state sales tax registration
• Confirm clients have the right to use any logos you turn into dies

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your presses, custom dies and workshop rent. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with the equipment and premises you choose.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your job volume and whether you serve leather makers, brewers, small brands or gift buyers. That is revenue, not profit.

Check zoning and your lease for light manufacturing, and look into safety training and guarding because presses can cause crush injuries. Also check liability and property insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, business license, sales tax, and logo rights.