Custom engraved glassware adds value to products, gifts, and personal items. Using an Epilog laser system, you can create unique and memorable items that serve as a lasting reminder of an important occasion or business relationship.
Pricing laser engraving projects requires careful calculations. Mistakes can lead to low margins or unsustainable operations. Pricing strategies such as per-hour rates, rush fees, and premium designs increase profitability.
Product Type
Engraved products make great gifts or keepsakes. Engravings can include initials or monograms, dates, or even images. They also make for unique and attractive gifts for business partners or friends.
A popular type of laser engraving project is custom signage. This includes signs for businesses, offices, or events. This type of signage is typically made from wood or acrylic. The cost of the project varies depending on the complexity of the design and the thickness of the material used.
For curved objects such as bottles, a rotary attachment helps stabilize the object and ensures even engraving. A rotary attachment is also helpful when engraving on glass surfaces that are darker than the normal frosting color of the glass, such as on dark tumblers or jars.
Material
Engraved glassware is a popular gift for holidays and special occasions. It also makes a great corporate gift, allowing companies to strengthen their brand by etching company logos, employee names and custom graphics onto pint glasses, wine glasses, coffee cups and more.
Laser engraving is non-contact and less aggressive than traditional methods, minimizing the chance of cracking or breaking during production. However, different types of glass react differently to heat, so it’s important to test your settings on a sample piece before starting a larger project.
The most common type of engraved glass is etched, where the surface is frosted rather than cut. This technique is sometimes combined with wheel-engraving and diamond-point engraving. It is also often used on vases and other art glass.
Design
Engraving designs into drinking glasses and other glassware gives them a more personal feel. This adds value to the items and makes them more desirable. In many cases, a glass that costs $10 or less to make will sell for three times that amount after being engraved.
Laser technology has reduced engraving time and labor costs. Epilog laser machines offer user-friendly software and easy-to-use features that allow businesses to create custom etched glass quickly and efficiently.
Careful attention to speed, power and focus settings helps ensure quality work and minimizes the risk of errors or breakage. Additionally, testing each type of glass and design with a test burn prior to running the full job reduces costs and eliminates the need for re-runs. This will increase profits by minimizing waste.
Engraving Time
The engraving time is a key factor in pricing your custom glass products. The time it takes to complete a project depends on the complexity of the design and the material being engraved. For example, a complex logo may take several custom glass personalization minutes to complete while a simple text message can be done in seconds.
Using a rotary attachment on circular items like bottles and mugs can help to produce even engravings. Additionally, adding a paint or wax fill to the surface of the engraved design can increase its visibility and durability.
Engraving longevity is also dependent on the type of glass used and environmental conditions. For example, shallow etching on a glass trophy may wear off quickly, while deeper sandblasted engravings may last decades.
Labor Costs
The type of material and engraving method affect labor costs. For example, engraving on glass or metal requires careful control to avoid cracking, increasing costs compared with softer materials like wood. The hardness of the material also affects tool wear and engraving speed, with metal requiring more robust tools than glass.
Engravers may charge a flat fee or per-project rate. A flat fee minimizes confusion for consumers and is suitable for simple text or logos, while a per-project rate suits more complex designs or custom items.
In addition to direct labor costs, laser engravers incur overhead expenses, including electricity and equipment maintenance and amortization. Businesses should conduct market research to benchmark prices and ensure their profit margins reflect local pricing expectations. Offering value-added services, such as rush delivery or unique designs, can justify premium rates.
