The Numbers: What It Actually Costs to Start (February 2025)

The Numbers: What It Actually Costs to Start (February 2025)

I did the math. Multiple times. On spreadsheets. On napkins. In my head at 2 AM when I couldn't sleep.

Here's what it actually costs to start a laser engraving business.

The Laser Engraver

This is the big one. I researched dozens of machines. Cheap ones on Amazon for $300. Professional ones for $10,000+.

I landed on the Creat Lumos laser engraver. It's not the cheapest, but it's not industrial-level expensive either. Around $2,000-$2,500 depending on the model and accessories.

Why this one? Good reviews. Decent power for wood, leather, denim, and glass. Customer support (supposedly). And it's in my budget—barely.

Materials

You can't engrave without materials. I budgeted $300-$500 for the first round:

  • Wood blanks (maple, cherry, walnut)

  • Denim jackets and jeans

  • Leather scraps for testing

  • Glass (cheap frames from thrift stores to practice on)

  • Slate coasters

This isn't enough to run a full business, but it's enough to learn and create samples.

LLC Setup

If I'm doing this, I'm doing it right. That means forming an LLC.

Cost: $100-$200 depending on the state and whether I use a service or file myself.

Why an LLC? Legal protection. Tax benefits. It makes the business feel real, not just a hobby.

Website & Hosting

I need a website. I'm going with Shopify because it's built for e-commerce and I don't have to code everything from scratch.

Cost: $39/month for the basic plan. Plus domain registration ($15/year).

First year website costs: around $500.

Design Tools

I already have Adobe Illustrator (subscription I've had for years). If I didn't, I'd use free tools like Inkscape.

For AI-assisted design and mockups, I'm budgeting $50-$100/month for tools like Sintra AI.

Marketing

I can't just build a website and hope people find it. I need to market.

Initial budget: $100-$200/month for Facebook and Instagram ads. Maybe Google ads later.

I'll also invest in business cards, flyers, and lawn signs for local marketing. Budget: $100-$200.

Total Startup Costs

Here's the breakdown:

  • Laser engraver: $2,000-$2,500

  • Materials: $300-$500

  • LLC setup: $100-$200

  • Website (first year): $500

  • Design tools: $50-$100/month

  • Marketing: $100-$200/month

  • Miscellaneous (packaging, tools, etc.): $200-$300

Total upfront investment: $3,500-$4,500

Monthly operating costs: $200-$400

Can I Afford This?

Honestly? Barely.

I'm not rolling in cash. I work at a pawnshop. I have a family. I have bills.

But I've been saving. Putting aside a little bit every month. Skipping unnecessary purchases. My wife and I agreed: if we're doing this, we're doing it smart. No credit card debt. No loans. Cash only.

It took me months to save this much. But I did it.

The Risk

$4,000 is a lot of money for my family. If this fails, that's $4,000 I can't get back.

But if I don't try, I'll always wonder.

The Plan

I'm not quitting my job. I'm building CRAFTURE on the side. Nights and weekends. Slow and sustainable.

My goal for Year 1: Break even. Cover my costs. Prove the concept works.

My goal for Year 2: Profit. Start making real money. Maybe even replace part of my income.

My goal for Year 3: Scale. Hire help. Expand product lines. Maybe—just maybe—quit the pawnshop.

Next Steps

I'm showing my wife these numbers tonight. If she's on board, I'm pulling the trigger.

I'm buying the laser.

Next post: I bought the laser. Now what?

Back to blog

Leave a comment