How do you turn a profit on a 3D cutout?

[80grit]

I'm learning and making big strides in cutting out projects much faster each time I cut a project, but I don't really see how I can make money cutting 3D projects. I'm really referring to smaller display pieces.

I've even avoided telling people that those are even an option because I feel they may laugh at me when I have to charge 4 hours of labor for something they are probably expecting to be in the $50 range. Sure, they are more fun than cutting 2D letters, but time is money.

[Davo]

Which is exactly why I'm sticking with the boating industry down here on the coast or new home construction - but then again I know a guy laser engraving $4 12x12 granite for $100 and sells out but Houston has that economic oil industry to help people that want it buy it

Big boats blow $5000 on engraved glass, $20k on painting, $4000 on bottom jobs...

Easier to get their business

I go 100 miles east and I can't sell c r a p so I feel your pain

I haven't found a marine contractor (aka let me drill a simple hole in your boat) that isn't charging less than $85/hr

Most are $100

And they are booked for weeks

What's that saying about finding what sells in that market or something - I had to change my approach

Anyway that's just me and my area

I will let Gene and Brady and all the other guys give the good information - they have the knowledge and I will learn some more

I'm just starting to end my first year

[cowboy1296]

i am just working part time out of the corner of my garage and do mostly 3-d. i did a 2 year study before and after the shopbot. my electrical bill went up 36% and remember i am part time. That also includes the dust collector. Just something to think about.

[Davo]

I've been curious on the electrical usage of the Shopbot and extras

My electricity is free in the warehouse

[cowboy1296]

free electricity................that is not nearly enough incentive for me to move back to Houston. No way Jose.

[Davo]

Jose is working on my boat currently (Chavos Yacht Service)

I myself would love to run my machine with picture perfect mountains!

You basically have free air conditioning all year that's worth most of the electricity here

Instead we have a lovely horizon of some brownish- smog type - sunsets over a sometimes blue/brown water....

Oh... And the smell... Yea... Chemical plants produce a very lovely odor

I drive 45min to move 20 miles because of the awesome traffic....

How could you leave all this!

[cowboy1296]

AC whats that. I am at 8700 feet elevation and no one has ac here and hottest its ever been in my house is 77, but with low humidity. I live south of the Arkansas River which was the northern boundary for the Republic of Texas. I have my stake in the ground to reclaim it.

[joe]

I'm glad Andy posted on topic. He's correct about the difficulty to make full 3d a profitable venture. Most sign shops use this technique as calling card.

Even with free electricity and utilities the time and materials involved makes the profit margin so narrow few people make a living at it. Here at my shop we find it necessary to limit our customer base. I have previously posted on the advantages to Targeting. That process is to select the kind of businesses who will profit from this kind of work and seek them out. For example, Medical offices like Dentists, Orthopedic Clinics, Legal Offices, Horse Ranches and Farms, City Monuments for Parks, etc. These are a few customer types that expendable funds and need high quality, long lasting signage.

Thanks again for bringing up this topic.

Joe

[cowboy1296]

you must work close to sink-a-dena

[Davo]

Deleted the old photo


Was trying to post the bigger one

I'm off 610 not far from 225 at an engineering company - luckily one surviving this down turn

It's all the same really...

http://www.texasfreeway.com/houston/...ec-01_hres.jpg