Good Little ToolsLaser Engraving Quote Calculator
Quote custom work without pretending the blank is the only cost. Model setup, test pieces, failed runs, machine hours, finishing, fees, and margin.
Production run
What the customer wants and how the laser job runs.
Machine and shop
Recover equipment and operating cost per productive hour.
Hands-on labor and direct costs
Price target
Modeled quote
| Blanks incl. tests/failure | |
|---|---|
| Machine cost | |
| Hands-on labor | |
| Selling/payment fees | |
| Expected machine time | |
| Expected run attempts |
A quote model, not a promise of actual production time. Validate time, failure rate, and consumables against your own jobs.
Why laser jobs are easy to underquote
A blank that costs three dollars can still require proofing, material tests, jigs, focus and framing, repeated loading, cleaning, finishing, packaging, and customer communication. Machine time also needs to recover the laser, optics, maintenance, exhaust, and electricity. This model separates each cost instead of hiding everything inside an arbitrary price-per-minute.
Failure is modeled at the run level
If six tumblers share one jig and the run fails, the risk is not one-sixth of a blank. The calculator converts your observed run failure rate into expected repeat attempts, lost blanks, repeated machine time, and repeated operator time.
Laser job pricing questions
Should artwork time be charged once or per item?
Usually once per order. The calculator treats artwork and proofing as order-level labor while finishing is per finished item.
What belongs in machine cost?
Depreciation, maintenance, filters or exhaust, and electricity. Rent and general overhead can be entered as another direct order cost or reflected in your margin policy.