What can you engrave with a Rotary?

Primarily, the reason customers invest in a laser rotary attachment for their laser is to make TUMBLERS of course!

Did you know that the Tumblers market hit $3 Billion in sales last year and is projected to almost double by 2028? Sales of custom tumblers and drinkware have benefited from a growing customization trend in America and there are no signs of it slowing down.

The demand is driven by individuals and a growing small business industry that needs to build strong connections with customers. As of this year, there are a whopping 32 million small businesses in the US, and each one of them needs to connect with their customers. Tumblers offer a unique way to do that. Some businesses choose to add tumblers to their product lineup, while others use them as promotional material, sending them to their clients and partners. When a customer takes a sip of their favorite beverage from the tumbler, they have a personal touchpoint with the logo, reminding them of the company that sent it to them.

You can use this free ROI and profit calculator to help you estimate how much money you can ear with your laser and rotary: Calculator

The roller, on the other hand, works on the principle of friction between the motorized wheel and the object you are engraving.

The beauty of the roller is its versatility and ease of use. The problem, is that often you don’t have enough friction to perfectly rotate an object with unbalanced weight distribution, like a mug with a heavy handle. Also, if you are planning on doing full wraps (where the design wraps around the whole cup meeting on the back) then a chuck will be your best friend.

Another important consideration is compatibility. It is frustrating to buy a rotary only to later learn it is not compatible with your laser. Arg! Make sure your laser has a rotary port (or that you can use the Y-axis for a rotary). Make sure that the motor and plug of the rotary are compatible with your machine. Finally, make sure that the rotary fits in your machine – a real consideration for smaller lasers.

Also, consider the ROI (return on investment) that you will get on your rotary. We have seen customers make their PiBurn cost back in one large order, or in two weeks with micro-orders! Remember, this is an investment, and a premium tool will not only save you time and money on botched tumblers but will also expand your repertoire and let you offer more unique items. The more different and unique items you can offer, the more you are likely to carve out a sustainable niche for your business.

Before you make a purchase – consider if you may require support and help getting started, as some of the cheaper rotaries are skimpy in that regard. At the bare minimum make sure it comes with a good user manual and has some good reviews from other makers.

To Start Making Money, First Pick your Niche

Have you heard the top entrepreneurs’ advice? Always have a plan. It’s true, making a plan and sticking to it will help you reach success faster and with less frustration. Here are the four possible paths to choose from to maximize your chances of success with a rotary business. Pick one and GO!

1. Elephant hunting (going after huge orders from corporations based on relationships)

Example: Molly Banks Kennedy elephant hunting with her tool of choice, the PiBurn

One way to bring in big numbers quickly is to score mega-orders from corporate buyers.

Going after large corporate orders can be an immensely profitable strategy if approached correctly. It is often referred to as "elephant hunting" because the potential rewards are significant - much like the size of an elephant.

However, it's also a strategy that requires considerable patience, persistence, and relationship-building skills. You need to understand the corporate culture and their specific needs. Customizing your product to meet these needs is crucial, and you should be prepared to offer comprehensive after-sales service as well. Additionally, networking is vital in this strategy; attending industry conferences, participating in business forums, and leveraging LinkedIn can be effective ways to build relationships. A single successful relationship with a corporation can lead to repeat business, making the time and effort invested worth it.

This is the preferred method of generating big dollars for about 15-20% of PiBurners. We even have a blog series dedicated to this called PiBurn Gigs. Even though the right approach is crucial, one common way that our customers get large orders is by just being at the right place at the right time. When you are at a gala or a business event, have a custom engraved tumbler with you and plenty of cards. You never know who is going to notice it and say “Hey, I wish I had that for my organization.”

Real-world examples: Molly Banks Kennedy and Kory Cook

2. E-commerce platform (running a shop on Etsy or similar for micro-orders)

Example: Todd Tomlinson of Higher Grace Creations

I don’t have to tell you how e-commerce has exploded in the past few years and customized tumblers are no different. In fact, Mugs and Wine Tumblers are among the best-selling items on Etsy. The platform makes it simple to start selling your items and to collect information for customized orders.

This is generally a good strategy for managing micro-orders, especially for products like personalized tumbrels and mugs. It's essential to focus on building a strong brand, including a well-designed store, high-quality product photos, and compelling descriptions. Good customer service, including prompt responses to queries and quick, reliable shipping, is also key to success. It's also worth noting that optimizing your product listings for SEO can drive more traffic to your store. To expand your reach even further, consider leveraging social media channels to promote your products.

We estimate around 50% of our customers sell micro-orders through their own storefront or through a large marketplace. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but the main benefit of a marketplace is the large customer base they offer – you will get eyeballs on your product and can tweak prices accordingly. However, you will give up some control as the platforms have started to come down hard on issues such as copyright infringements and shop closures are now commonplace.

Real-world example: Todd Tomlinson

3. Local Business (Going out and landing orders at local small businesses)

This is the most surefire way to spin up business and FAST.

Examples of success number in the thousands, but here is a great one: Kory Cook.

Establishing a strong presence in your local community can be a powerful way to build a customer base for your budding laser rotary business. This strategy involves reaching out to local small businesses that could benefit from your services, such as restaurants needing custom-engraved glasses with their logo, retail shops wanting unique drinkware, or real estate agencies looking for personalized gifts for clients. Networking events and local business associations can be beneficial in identifying potential customers. Offering competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and fast turnaround times can set you apart from the competition. Finally, the simple strategy of driving down Main Street and handing out free logo-engraved tumblers to local businesses has historically resulted in 50-70% hit rates on return orders!

Here's how to do this. Find a small business near you (a local real estate agent, ice cream shop, car wash, a woodworking shop, anything!) and take a picture of their logo. Trace the logo in Lightburn and make them a free tumbler as a sample. Try to match their style and character for an extra bonus. Then stroll in, ask for the owner, and hand them the tumbler with a compliment of their business. This will strike up a conversation and before you know it, you will have multiple orders.

4. Community building (Becoming an influencer and relying on the trust of your community to create demand)

Example: Emily Caroline, aka That Mom With A Laser

Becoming an influencer in your industry can position you as a trusted source, creating demand for your products or services. It also means being in a position to help a lot of makers just like you! This strategy requires you to actively engage with your audience by sharing valuable content, such as how-to guides, product reviews, or industry trends. Engaging with your audience through comments and messages also helps build a community. Social media platforms, especially Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, can be great channels for this approach. As you grow your following, you can monetize it through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or by selling your own products. We have an affiliate program that is one of the most effective in the industry with some affiliates making thousands of dollars a month just from helping their community discover our products. Consistency and authenticity are crucial in community building and building trust, and while this strategy may take some time to yield results, it can provide a strong, loyal community in the long term.

Many of our affiliates have started Facebook communities that have grown to tens of thousands of members. This community’s growth is a testament to our willingness to help each other succeed, and the communities present an incredible support system for you as you start and grow your business. Our own community at PiBurn Labs focuses on tips and tricks for the laser rotary and helps you get up and running FAST.

Real-world example: Emily Caroline, aka That Mom With A Laser

Execute, but Remember: You are not Alone!

Now that you have a plan, you must execute and iterate on your product offering and strategy. Joining a community helps!

Your laser rotary journey holds immense potential for profitability and growth, but it requires strategy and action. From "elephant hunting" to e-commerce platforms, local business engagement, and community building, each approach presents unique opportunities that can be aligned with your entrepreneurial goals and strengths.

However, always remember that while the journey to success may seem daunting, you are never alone. There's a vast network of resources and communities out there ready to provide support and guidance. From fellow entrepreneurs and business forums to industry-specific groups and more, don't hesitate to reach out and connect with others. After all, entrepreneurship isn't just about creating a profitable business; it's about being part of a vibrant, supportive community where collaboration and shared success are just as valued as individual achievements.

Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your operations, remain consistent in your efforts and stay open to new opportunities. Never lose sight of your passion and the reasons you ventured into this business, and be patient with your progress. The world of entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Remember, success doesn't come overnight. It's the culmination of repeated effort, learning from failures, and a relentless pursuit of your goals.

There is no better time to go ahead and execute your plans. Embrace the challenges and cherish the victories. Don’t fret about a messed-up tumbler but embrace your mistake and use it to improve! Let your laser rotary business be the canvas where you paint your entrepreneurial story. And throughout this journey, remember, you're not alone. Each step you take brings you closer to your goals, with an entire community cheering you on. Keep forging ahead, keep innovating, and above all else, keep creating.