Vinyl graphic cutting business

RaiderHammer

Hi does anyone run a vinyl graphic cutter from home that can give any advce? I am thinking of starting a little business from home cutting logos. Anyone have any ideas on the cost returns of such a ventre or is the market full of competition nowadays?

Also interested in fridge magnets and engraving, but not sure on these two and where to get the information from. Anyone doing these from home?

Thanks any info gratefully received.

Owain_Moneysaver

Fridge magnets usually printed on a laminate film that is then stuck onto the magnetic rubber. You use the same or heavier stuff for magnetic vehicle signs.

Engraving anything bigger than keyfobs or nameplates many places outsource this to an industrial engraver.

candjsmum

Hi yes i do. I started about 5 years ago after purchasing a pcut from ebay. I spent a lot of money at first getting all the colours i thought i would need. Not just blue, red, yellow etc but various shades of blue, red etc. It takes a lot of time as it is now almost a full time job which is great for us but you have to have the time, room:beer: and committment. You also have to be quite artistic as people will want designs done. We now also sign write vans etc so it can become a fab opportunity. I suggest you have a look around your area to see if there are other people doing this and what they charge.
You would also need to register as self employed and get yourself an accountant. Good luck though!!

RaiderHammer

candjsmum wrote: »

Hi yes i do. I started about 5 years ago after purchasing a pcut from ebay. I spent a lot of money at first getting all the colours i thought i would need. Not just blue, red, yellow etc but various shades of blue, red etc. It takes a lot of time as it is now almost a full time job which is great for us but you have to have the time, room:beer: and committment. You also have to be quite artistic as people will want designs done. We now also sign write vans etc so it can become a fab opportunity. I suggest you have a look around your area to see if there are other people doing this and what they charge.
You would also need to register as self employed and get yourself an accountant. Good luck though!!

Thanks Canjsum for the input. Yes I can see there would be a need to invest in different colours to start with. Can I have a go at the accounts by myself at the start is that possible? Just trying to keep the costs low to begin with and take it from there.

Do you run this little business from home? Any hassle? Did you tell the local council and your house insuarnce and mortgage provider? Any extra costs?

How do you attract business from a standing start. Is it easy?

Thanks again.

candjsmum

Yes we run this from home. You do have to tell certain people that you are doing this and we bought a book from WHSmiths all about setting up your own business from home which was very useful. You only have to tell the council if you are making over a certain amount of income.
I use a simple spread sheet to keep track of everything i spend and receive, including postage if sending items, cash sales, paypal and cheque sales, invoices absolutley everything. Then i just give everything to my accountant at the end of the year. We started by advertising on ebay and things just rolled from there. We don't have to advertise now as always so busy . Hope this helps.

RaiderHammer

candjsmum wrote: »

Yes we run this from home. You do have to tell certain people that you are doing this and we bought a book from WHSmiths all about setting up your own business from home which was very useful. You only have to tell the council if you are making over a certain amount of income.
I use a simple spread sheet to keep track of everything i spend and receive, including postage if sending items, cash sales, paypal and cheque sales, invoices absolutley everything. Then i just give everything to my accountant at the end of the year. We started by advertising on ebay and things just rolled from there. We don't have to advertise now as always so busy . Hope this helps.

Yes mate, helps a great deal. Thank you for your input. Been working abroad for a while now and returning to UK shortly. Will still be employed by same company but looking to maybe start something of my own while still working full time. Always wanted my own little buisness and now seems like the right time for me to try. Think I am going to give this a go and see where the future lies if it grows.

Which macine are you using and what was the purchase price? Thanks again.