How to Start a Laser Engraving Business from Home in 2026

2026-03-31T11:17:20-04:00

Starting a laser engraving business from home is one of the most accessible small business ideas you can start in 2026. Startup costs are low, you can start part-time around your current job, and demand for custom engraved products is stronger than ever.

I've helped dozens of people start their own home-based laser businesses, and in this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to get started step by step.

Step 1: Check if This Business is Right for You

You don't need any special experience to start a home laser engraving business, but it helps if:

✓ You're comfortable with basic computers and software
✓ You don't mind doing custom work for different customers
✓ You have a small space (even just a desk works)
✓ You want extra income that can grow over time
✓ You enjoy making things with your hands

It's not for everyone, but if you check most of these boxes, it's probably a great fit.

Step 2: Calculate Your Startup Costs

One of the best things about a home laser engraving business is how low the startup costs are in 2026.

Minimal startup (side hustle): $200-$400

Machine: Entry-level 10W galvo (Tyvok P2) – ~$180

Starter material pack: ~$50

Software: Free with machine

Etsy shop: $0.25 per listing

Total: ~$250

Full startup with everything: $500-$1000

Better machine, more materials, basic ventilation, etc. You don't need this much to start.

The key point: you can start for less than $300 and scale up as you make sales. That's incredibly low risk compared to most other businesses.

Step 3: Choose the Right Machine for Home Use

For most people starting a home business from home, we recommend an entry-level 10W galvo like the Tyvok P2.

Why galvo is perfect for home use:
1. Compact size – fits on a normal desk, no workshop needed
2. Fast – does 4-10x more small orders per day than diode
3. Low cost – under $200 for 10W
4. Quieter than larger gantry machines
5. Perfect for small custom items which are what most beginners sell

When do you need a diode instead? Only if you know you want to do mostly large projects (cutting boards, big signs) that need a bigger work area.

Step 4: Set Up Your Workspace at Home

You don't need a fancy dedicated workshop. Here's what you actually need:

Space requirements:

For a small galvo: Just 2' × 2' of desk space – that's it

For a 30cm diode: About 3' × 4' of floor/desk space

Essential things you need:

1. Ventilation – Even with a small machine, you need basic ventilation. A fan pointing out a window works fine for starting out.
2. Basic safety gear – Safety glasses rated for your laser wavelength
3. Clean surface – Flat, sturdy table or desk
4. Storage for materials – A small shelf or drawer is enough when you're starting out

You don't need to transform your whole house. Just a small corner of a spare bedroom or even your dining room table works when you're starting part-time.

Step 5: Practice and Perfect Your Process

Before you start taking paid orders, spend some time practicing:

1. Make 10 practice projects with different materials
2. Write down your settings – keep notes on what speed/power works for each material
3. Learn what mistakes look like and how to avoid them next time
4. Get comfortable with your software – learn how to import designs and set up jobs

You don't need to be perfect before you start selling, but you do need to be able to consistently deliver good quality. Most people get there after 10-20 practice projects.

Step 6: Choose Your Products

You don't need to offer everything. Start with 5-10 core products and master those.

Best selling products for home-based beginners:
1. Custom pet ID tags
2. Keychains (custom/promotional)
3. Wedding cake toppers
4. Coasters (custom sets)
5. Personalized jewelry
6. Leather patches
7. Custom phone cases
8. Small wooden signs

All of these fit perfectly in a small galvo work area, have great profit margins, and are constantly in demand.

Step 7: Set Up Your Sales Channels

Where should you sell when you're starting from home? Here are the best options:

1. Etsy

Best for most beginners starting out. Built-in audience looking for custom products, easy to set up.

2. Facebook Marketplace + Local Facebook Groups

Great for local sales and bulk orders. No fees.

3. Instagram/TikTok

Showcase your process and finished products. Great for building an audience and driving sales to Etsy.

4. Local Craft Fairs

Once you've got some products, doing local craft fairs is a great way to make extra cash and get local customers.

Start with Etsy + Instagram/TikTok – that's the easiest combination for most beginners. You can add other channels later when you're ready.

Step 8: Price Your Products Correctly

This is where most beginners go wrong – they underprice their work. Use this simple formula:

```
Price = (Material Cost × 3) + (Time × Your Hourly Rate)
```

Example:

Custom dog tag: $1.50 material × 3 = $4.50

Time: 10 minutes at $20/hour = $3.33

Total price: $4.50 + $3.33 = $7.83 → round up to $8-10

Even at $10, you're making a good profit, and that's what the market will bear. Don't undervalue your time.

Step 9: Marketing Tips for Home-Based Sellers

You don't need a big marketing budget to get customers:

1. Post your process on social media – Time-lapse videos of you engraving products perform really well on TikTok and Instagram Reels
2. Ask for reviews and photos – Social proof is everything when you're starting out
3. Tell friends and family – Word of mouth is powerful. Your first customers are often people you know.
4. Use good photos – Good photos sell products. Take clear, well-lit photos of your work.
5. Consistency beats intensity – Post a couple times a week consistently rather than spamming 10 posts in one day then nothing for a month.

How Much Money Can You Make?

It depends on how much time you put in, but here's what's realistic:

Part-time (5-10 hours/week): $200-$800/month profit

Extra income that pays for your machine quickly and gives you spending money or savings.

Part-time (10-20 hours/week): $800-$2000/month profit

This covers a car payment, mortgage extra, or a nice vacation every year. Many people stay here permanently.

Full-time (40+ hours/week): $2000-$5000/month profit

It's absolutely possible to make a full-time living from a home-based laser business. You just need to be consistent and gradually grow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying too much machine too soon – Start small, prove you can make sales, then upgrade
2. Carrying too much inventory – Start with a small variety of blanks, reorder when you need more
3. Underpricing your work – Price for profit from day one, it's harder to raise prices later
4. Not practicing enough before taking orders – Bad reviews early on can kill your business before it gets started
5. Giving up too soon – It takes a few months to build momentum. Most successful sellers didn't get a flood of orders in their first month.

Final Tips for Success

Start part-time – You don't have to quit your job tomorrow. Build it up on the side.

Keep your overhead low – Work from home, don't rent space until you absolutely need to.

Focus on customer service – Good communication and fast turnaround gets you repeat business and referrals.

Keep improving – You'll get faster and better as you go. Every order is a chance to learn.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're ready to start your own home-based laser engraving business, these guides will help you choose the right machine and get going:

Best Small Laser Engravers Under $300 for Beginners in 2026

How to Start a Laser Engraving Business with No Experience in 2026

10 Easy Laser Engraving Projects for Beginners That Sell in 2026

Real User Review: Tyvok P2 10W Galvo

Starting a business from home can feel scary, but laser engraving is one of the most accessible businesses you can start in 2026. With low startup costs and steady demand, it's absolutely possible to build a profitable business part-time that can grow into whatever you want it to be.

The best time to start is now.