Engraving Service

For nearly every school, association, or organization, there is a trophy or an award to be given to its members. For many business, there are name badges to be made for the employees. Think of the potential, then, for your engraving business—it’s a bottomless cup, isn’t it? You’ll need to be a strong networker, as much of this business has already been soaked up by those established much earlier than you. But, to compete, you can set yourself apart by offering unique products to engrave or even by reselling recognition products from other sources, such as the retail shop and catalog outfit, Successories™. Sell people on your exceptional eye for detail and customer service abilities and throw in quick turnaround if you can. Your clients will often need an award or trophy to be made on a tight deadline, so you can reap an additional fee for 48-hour service.


You could spend anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 or more on your engraving equipment, depending on how high-tech you get and how large a company you would like. Your best bet is to seek out good used equipment first. In terms of earning power, you could make between $40,000 to $65,000 if you work hard and build the right contacts.


You’ll be singled out as a winner yourself if you can keep up with your orders in an accurate, timely manner. The best thing you can do is to send samples to folks with their names or company logos already printed on it, nothing appeals more to a person than a little ego boost. Wasn’t it Dale Carnegie who said that there is no sweeter sound than the sound of one’s own name?

Approx. cost of start-up: $40,000 to $75,000


Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 to $65,000


Typical fees: 40 cents to $100+ per piece


Where to promote: Direct mail, Yellow Pages, networking with business and civic organizations as well as schools, Web site


Qualifications: Training on the engraving equipment


Things needed: Engraver, molds, stencils


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Insurance