FAQ's - Engraving - Is It For You?

If you would like to start your own business, or expand and existing operation, then engraving is definitely an option to be explored.

When asked their perception about engraving, most think of the typical trophy and awards shop. While this is a major portion of the engraving industry, their are wide variety of other areas that in the engraving spectrum (family). The chart, Table 1: Areas of Engraving, at the end will offer you more options.

What Engraving isn't
To some people, the term engraving conjures up a vision of an artisan with hand tools laboring painstakingly over a family heirloom. While many craftsmen still engrave by traditional methods, they now represent the minority. Since the advent of computerized engraving, anyone can be a craftsman and produce highly profitable engraved items.

What Engraving Can Do For You
Engraving can increase your profits, open up new sales opportunities and help you retain customers whose business you've worked hard to acquire. How? By integrating services that have traditionally been farmed out to other shops. The successful shop owner knows how to keep customers coming back for all of their personalization needs. They also know that engraving jobs can be plentiful and profitable especially if you are already providing services to a corporate account. Items such as name badges, desk plates, doorplates, small signage, pens, gift items or awards are in high demand.

The Technology
Over the past few years a change in technology has taken place that makes the addition of engraving equipment more viable. Open-architecture electronics and multi-purpose software allows shops to manage several different types of hardware while only having to learn one or two software programs. Many third party industry packages will run vinyl plotters, routers, engravers and lasers. Once the software is mastered, any output device may be used. Since employee turnover and training are always a concern, having one software package that operates all devices is important. The default package for most shops is CorelDraw. Most devices may be run direct, eliminating the need for interfacing software packages and, thus reducing set-up time and additional costs.

What You Will Need
Engraving systems can be purchased that give you a technological and costs savings advantage. Look for a system that has the ability to run from industry recognizable software programs that you may presently have.

Sizing the engraving system is a matter of choice and your decision should be based on the 80/20 rule. If 80% of your work will be small gift items with only an occasional need to run a larger job, consider a small system. If you plan to run volumes of repetitive work, then a physically larger engraving table is a must. Most programs have the ability to create multiples of a given item. Name badges are a good example of a volume item where common design elements exist alongside of the unique names. If you favor more industrial applications such as ID tags, serial number tags, switch panels or deep metal engraving, then a heavier duty mid-size machine is right for you. In any case, determine the kind of products you'd like to produce and consult with the manufacturer about appropriate models.

Things To Consider
If you're a first time engraver or new user of an unfamiliar software package--get training! Equipment suppliers may offer software training but much more is available through other sources: you can register for CorelDraw classes at a local school, attend industry trade shows where engraving training is offered, purchase related videos and most importantly, take the time to read the manuals.

Invest Some Effort And Enjoy!
After you've made the investment for equipment and training, be sure to invest some effort in staying informed. Read trade publications for the latest industry changes, tips from engraving experts and as a source for supplies and accessories. Also, remember to communicate with your customers to stay abreast of their needs and remind them of all the new products you can now provide. Most importantly, try to maintain patience while conveying the utmost enthusiasm for your expanding business.

Always try a market that you are familiar with, or at least willing some time and money to learn it. If you try one with lack of preparation, you can loose a customer for life.