How to Start Selling Laser-Cut Products

How to Start Selling Laser-Cut Products

Turn your hobby into a profitable business. Learn the best ways to sell laser-cut products online and in person.

December 1, 2024
CutGlueBuild Team
businessmarketinglaser-cutting

Selling laser-cut products is one of the most exciting and accessible ways to start a creative business. Whether you’re creating jewelry, signage, home decor, or custom gifts, the laser cutting niche continues to grow — and you can carve out a profitable slice of that market.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how to go from crafting in your garage to running a real business. From finding a product niche to choosing platforms, pricing your work, and scaling — you’ll learn it all.

Step 1: Find Your Niche

Before you even make your first product, think about who you’re selling to.

  • Do you want to target wedding planners with custom signs?
  • Or maybe you’re a parent designing educational toys?
  • Perhaps you’re into art and want to make laser-cut wall decor?

Pro Tip: Start small and specific. Niches like personalized gifts for dog lovers or laser-cut accessories for teachers can grow into big opportunities.

Step 2: Validate Your Product Ideas

Don’t spend hours designing without checking if there’s demand.

  • Post designs on Instagram or Reddit groups like r/lasercutting.
  • List a few mockups on Etsy without full inventory.
  • Ask friends or family if they’d buy — and how much they’d pay.

Free Market Test Tools:

  • Etsy’s keyword tool
  • Google Trends
  • Pinterest search

Step 3: Set Up Your Product Line

Focus on 3 to 5 products that look polished and offer variation.

Examples:

  • A set of 3 custom coasters
  • Personalized name signs for nurseries
  • Dog tag ornaments for the holidays

Use software like LightBurn or Illustrator for design work. Or generate SVG templates from platforms like CutGlueBuild to accelerate the process.

Step 4: Source Materials Affordably

Start with quality materials, but know your cost per unit.

Recommended Suppliers:

Track every penny — shipping, taxes, waste — to understand your true cost per item.

Step 5: Create Stunning Product Photography

Good photos = more sales.

  • Use natural light or a softbox.
  • Shoot from multiple angles.
  • Show items in context (coasters on a table, signs hanging on a wall).

Tools: Use your smartphone with Lightroom presets or hire a local photographer on Fiverr.

Step 6: Choose Where to Sell

Online Marketplaces

  • Etsy – Easiest way to start. High buyer traffic but also high competition.
  • Amazon Handmade – For high-volume sellers.
  • CutGlueBuild Marketplace (Coming Soon) – Sell custom project files and finished goods.

Your Own Website

Set up a store on:

  • Shopify – Great if you’re serious.
  • Squarespace – Good for service + product hybrid.
  • Sellfy or Gumroad – For digital SVGs and templates.

Step 7: Price for Profit

Don’t just double your material costs.

Pricing Formula: (Materials + Time + Overhead) x Markup = Price

yaml Copy Edit

  • Time = Your hourly rate (at least $25/hr)
  • Overhead = Software, utilities, packaging
  • Markup = 2x to 4x depending on uniqueness

Charge more for personalization and fast turnaround.

Step 8: Promote Your Shop

Use social media consistently — not just when launching.

  • Instagram Reels: Time-lapses of your process
  • Pinterest: Top source for craft sales
  • TikTok: Behind the scenes or educational snippets
  • Facebook groups: Connect with local and niche communities

Use affiliate partners like Cluckboss if you’re in the chicken coop niche or ShedPlans if you want to bundle your work with related tools.

Step 9: Deliver a Great Customer Experience

  • Offer fast and safe shipping
  • Follow up with a thank you email
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews

Step 10: Scale Up

Once you’re making consistent sales:

  • Automate orders using tools like Make.com or Zapier
  • Outsource laser cutting or packaging
  • License your designs on CutGlueBuild
  • Expand into wholesale or subscription boxes

Template: Product Launch Checklist

  1. Defined audience and niche
  2. Created and tested 3+ designs
  3. Sourced affordable materials
  4. Photographed products
  5. Set up Etsy or Shopify store
  6. Priced each product with margin
  7. Promoted on social channels
  8. Fulfilled and reviewed 5+ orders
  9. Asked for testimonials and reposts

Start small. Deliver amazing quality. Scale smart.

Cut. Glue. Build. Repeat.