Why Are My Laser Engraved Products Priced the Way They Are?

At YOSSO.co.uk, every product I create is made with care, precision, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. I want to be transparent about how I price my laser-engraved items – not just to justify the cost, but to give you an understanding of the real value that goes into every product.

🖌️ Design Time

The journey begins with design. Each product takes hours to conceptualise and refine. Whether it’s a custom order or a new design, I spend time ensuring it’s perfect for engraving on materials like slate, wood, or acrylic. This involves a lot of trial and error, software manipulation, and, of course, a deep love for the craft.

⚡ Electricity & Equipment Costs

Running a laser engraver from home means significant electricity costs. These machines are energy-hungry, especially when working on intricate designs or larger orders. With rising energy prices in the UK, these costs add up quickly, but they’re a necessary part of delivering high-quality items to you.

🛠️ Machine Maintenance & Wear and Tear

A laser engraver isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. It requires regular maintenance: lens cleaning, mirror alignment, and eventually replacing parts like the CO2 laser tube, which wears out over time. Keeping the machine in top working order ensures your products are crafted with the highest precision.

🏡 Insurance – Protecting You and Me

Running a laser business from home isn’t as simple as it may seem. It’s considered a hazardous activity by most insurance providers, meaning I’ve had to take out additional home insurance to cover the equipment, potential safety issues, and other risks. On top of this, I also hold makers and crafters insurance, which protects both me and you as the customer, should anything go wrong. These insurance premiums are a necessary expense to keep the business safe and running smoothly.

📦 Packaging & Postage

Packaging isn’t just about making your order look good – it’s about protecting it. I use strong boxes, bubble wrap, protective inserts, and other materials to ensure your items arrive safely. I only charge a small amount above actual postage costs, just to cover the materials I use. I don’t profit from postage – I just want your order to reach you in perfect condition.

💻 Why I Don’t Use Etsy

You may have noticed that I don’t sell on platforms like Etsy. This isn’t because I don’t love the idea of connecting with new customers – quite the opposite, in fact. But Etsy charges fees for listing, selling, and even payment processing, which means if I sold through their platform, I’d have to raise my prices to cover those fees. By selling directly through my website, I can keep prices lower for you while still covering all the costs involved in running a small business.

🖐️ Handmade – Not Mass Produced

Unlike large retailers, YOSSO products aren’t mass-produced. Each item is handmade, laser-engraved to order, and checked carefully before being packaged. There’s a lot of heart that goes into every piece – and when you buy from me, you’re supporting a small business dedicated to craftsmanship.

So yes, my products might cost a little more than something you’d find on a mass-market website, but you’re getting far more than just an item.
You’re getting a handcrafted, thoughtfully made product from a small UK business that takes pride in delivering quality and care in every order.

Thank you for supporting handmade.
Thank you for supporting YOSSO.