If you heard anything about etching, the odds are that you have probably heard from glass etching companies stating the high demand for this type of service. So is it really that large of a demand and with chances of high profitability?
I have been seeing every few weeks someone trying to sell their expensive equipment components (www.glassetchingsecrets.com/equipments.html), which was probably for a business venture. Just as you have great creativity in etching or designing glass art, you need to have creativity in your marketing and business skills. It really can be profitable once you have a system setup or develop a great business connection. As with all businesses, you need to work hard. Some business ideas require you to work harder than others because it depends on the demand. And if the economy is poor as it is now, it will be even harder to start a business doing glass work. My insight is that etching glass isn’t a need and doing business in a market that is of need will be much easier to do sell your product or service. But you can also take in other aspects into perspective, such as the amount of competition a market has. For the most part, this industry doesn’t have a lot of competition, so that is a positive part.
But with persistence and continuous hard work, something good will always come out of it. It may not be today, or even this year, but by consistently working on your craft, you may find or develop a business relationship with someone that needs your service.
I always find that business to business relationships are the best since every time they have a job, they come to you to fulfill your part. You don’t have to constantly market your work to people. That way the work keeps coming in as long as their work keeps coming in though. So either way, you should always have a backup plan also.
I had a chance to talk to a known etching artist in Florida, and he does work for people with high incomes on windows and shower doors for the home builder market. Sometimes when the home builder remodels or builds a house, they need him to come in to etch some of the windows. This gives the house some unique class. Its different you know? Maybe it helps sell a house better.
My thoughts are, if you want to etch glass for a business, then start it as a side business first. Once you start getting yourself known throughout the community, then you can go full time. My advice is to offer small business shops a partnership deal, which offers their customers personalized etchings.
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If you can promote yourself in a unique way, you up your chances of success. For example, how many people know of someone who walked through a closed sliding glass door? Adding something as simple as pin strips could make the difference between safety and a disaster.
Glass etch can totally alter an otherwise dull view, or enhance a great one.
Interestingly, I’ve dabbled in glass etch for over thirty years. To this day, you can find a thousand stained glass hobbyist for every one glass etch artist. To me, that means – opportunity. Windows everywhere are dying for your attention.
Kelly that is so true. There does seem to be many more stained glass artists out there. I think etched glass art isn’t known as much so figuring out a way to present this different art to people may start getting consumers interested.
i had gone to an art show that my bother had organized, we were in a mall in a small city, it was just before christmas, i had a hard time keeping up with orders couse it was just me doing glass work, it was fun, i made alot of $ and i sold out of glass in 3 days and the art show was a week.
Hi Alan,
What type of glass work did you do at the art show? etching or sandblasting? Sounds like you did great! Also what was your price range for your items and what were the items you etched (mugs, picture frames, mirrors, etc.)? Just curious, thanks!
I have done glass engraving with the diamond ball point (dremel) and Love doing it. I have produced many picutres and misc items. Im eager to sell some but dont know what to ask for as a price. Lets say ive done an 8 x 10 sheet, framed and spent 8 hours on it. How do I price it? The only real expense is in time and wear on the diamond points. The glass is often found or given to me by friends…
Please leave me an email inwhich I can contact you with other questions Id like to talk over with you. Thank you for your help..
I got a glass etching kit at the L.A.county fair back in the 70s it worked good,also got a kit that removed the silver from mirrors to put pictures behind,id now like to put route 66 sign designs on,like clear glass coffee cups. But i dont wont to buy costley equipment or lots of fumes.i just put some hand made wood pen set desk sets,but it,s hard to find wood with good grain,im disabold and no transpertation to look. Id lke ideas on glass etching and your products. Trulry Robert.
Robert………I’m not sure if anyone has answered your question yet, but… Email me @t 455gto@gmail.com
SANDAIR,
I am the invetor of both sandair and sandetch, I have just invented a handheld small, aerosol can powered pressure blaster that works with photoresist.
Not only will this unit etch, drill glass, but it has many applications as a utility sand blasting unit. I am looking for someone who would have an interest in helping with this concept. A prototype built and works well. I have also sourced all material and established relationship with supplying companies.
If any interest, contact steve, sandairstudios@hotmail.com