Pricing guide
How to price laser engraving work
A reliable laser price covers more than the blank. Include design and setup time, active machine time, finishing supplies, overhead, selling fees and enough profit to keep the business sustainable.
Start with the complete material cost
Use the cost of the blank plus masking, finish, hardware, packaging and a reasonable allowance for damaged pieces. If you buy in bulk, use the real cost per usable blank rather than the advertised pack price.
Charge for design and machine time
Design, cleanup, testing and setup are labor. Machine time also carries a cost because the laser, exhaust system, chiller and consumable parts wear while the job runs. Enter both types of time instead of pricing from materials alone.
Include overhead and selling fees
Overhead covers costs such as electricity, maintenance, software and workspace. Add marketplace and payment-processing percentages before setting the final price so those fees do not quietly consume the profit.
Check the profit per order
Use the calculated price as a starting point, then compare it with the value and complexity of the finished item. For quantity orders, confirm that the total profit still pays for setup, production and the risk of remakes.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for laser engraving?
Add materials, supplies, design labor, machine time and overhead, then account for selling fees and your desired profit. The right amount depends on the product and your actual costs.
Should laser machine time be charged separately?
Yes. Machine time represents equipment use, electricity, ventilation, maintenance and the fact that the laser cannot run another paid job at the same time.
What profit margin should a laser business use?
There is no universal margin. Choose a target that covers mistakes, slow periods and reinvestment, then check that the resulting price is realistic for the product and customer.