Vinyl cutters produce images that can be applied to almost any flat surface.
Making money with a vinyl cutter can be done in many ways. Vinyl cutters, also called vinyl plotters or sign cutters, cut computer-generated shapes, designs and letters from sheet material for use in retail, commercial and industrial applications. When vinyl cutters were introduced in the early 1980s, they were initially used for signage and vehicle markings. With advances in material engineering, items produced with vinyl cutters have created new market niches for business persons with a creative streak and marketing savvy.
Instructions
1. Make a list of all the products that can be produced with your vinyl cutter. Ideas may include: sign lettering and graphics, product marking and decoration, T-shirts, sandblasting masks, airbrush and decorative paint friskets, decals, automotive pin-striping and others.
2. Make another list of individuals and businesses who would benefit from your products. Sandblast companies, painters, airbrush artists, automotive specialty shops and dealers, home decorators and sports, pet and hobby enthusiasts are prime customers for vinyl cut products.
3. Decide which vinyl cutter products you prefer to produce and the markets you feel most comfortable with. Machine size and specifications will help dictate the products you'll produce. Inexpensive machines may have a difficult time cutting small decals with intricate details. Small-format machines are limited to the size of decals they can produce. Other machines may not have sufficient cutting power to handle thick materials, such as specialty vinyls and sandblast masks.
4. Do a trial run of products, keeping track of time and materials, and develop a price list for your products based on cost plus a markup percentage. If you are selling raw vinyl cut decals, sandblast masks or paint friskets, your price will be based on material square inches or feet. If you will install your products, figure travel and installation time estimates.
5. Develop a marketing strategy and distribute business cards, fliers, brochures and product samples to prospective customers telling them about your vinyl cutting capabilities and products. Exhibit your products and capabilities at trade shows, swap meets, fairs, flea markets and other community gatherings.
