If I Started My Laser Business Over, I’d Avoid These 5 Mistakes

If I started my laser engraving business over today, these are the 5 mistakes I’d avoid — from buying equipment too early to wasting time on orders and materials that don’t actually make sense.

See what I make at Summit Imprint: https://summitimprint.com

Starting a laser business can make you feel like you need more machines, more products, and more customers as fast as possible. After building Summit Imprint, I’ve learned that some of the decisions that feel productive can actually cost you the most time and money.

In this video, I break down five things I would do differently if I were starting my laser engraving business from scratch — including when a new machine actually makes sense, why saying yes to every custom order can kill your profit, how perfection can hold you back, why I started personally dropping off samples to local businesses, and why better blanks are usually worth spending a little more on.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – If I Started Over
00:33- Who I Am + Why I’m Making This
01:01- Mistake #1: Buying Equipment Too Early
02:25 – Mistake #2: Saying Yes to Everything
04:04 – Mistake #3: Waiting for Perfect
05:38 – Mistake #4: Hiding Behind DMs & Emails
07:20- Mistake #5: Buying Cheap Blanks
09:10- The Biggest Lessons I’d Take With Me

If you already run a laser engraving business, tell me in the comments: what’s one thing you would NOT do again if you had to start over?

And if you’re thinking about buying your first laser or starting a laser business, let me know what’s holding you back or what question you still have before getting started. I read the comments, and some of those questions may become future videos.

SUMMIT IMPRINT

Custom laser engraving, UV printing, leatherette patch hats, promotional products and more.

Website: https://summitimprint.com
Instagram: @summitimprint

TOOLS & RESOURCES
Gear, materials, and tools I use in the shop:

Products I Use in This Video

Magnets – https://amzn.to/4dnnXN5
Food Warming Mat for Patches – https://amzn.to/4yovhQF
Seam Roller – https://amzn.to/4A5JIuA

Desk Setup & Electronics

Speakers – https://amzn.to/4yOiBml
Monitor Riser– https://amzn.to/3TLkL7u
Mic I Use – https://amzn.to/46QfY7E
Camera I Use – https://amzn.to/3TlHIxS
Desk Mat- https://amzn.to/4imbWej
Keyboard- https://amzn.to/4r0Iyg5
Monitor Light – https://amzn.to/4yKVbyq
Walnut Pen & Valet Trays – https://amzn.to/4d1zNN3
Walnut Wrist Rest – https://amzn.to/4yT8ahw

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

#LaserEngraving #LaserBusiness #SmallBusiness

🎵 Music: “Super Mario Lofi Hip Hop Instrumental” by Super Lofi World
📺 Watch the original track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6riOLjkrCA
🔗 Support the artist: https://www.youtube.com/@UCqGgTgl2yDS453wre0WTvkA

laser engraving business, starting a laser business, laser business mistakes, laser engraving tips, laser engraving for beginners, laser business for beginners, small business mistakes, laser engraving side hustle, custom laser engraving, laser engraver business, laser engraving business tips, starting a small business, small business advice, laser engraving products, laser business 2026, laser business 2027, CO2 laser business, maker business, leatherette patches, how to start a laser business

source