A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router is a machine similar to the common use handheld router only that this one utilizes modern technology in its operation. That is, it incorporates the use of computer numerical control to function. This is by tracing the path to be taken by the tool when cutting into the chosen material.
There are several types of materials that can be worked using this CNC router. They include; wood, steel, plastic and aluminum amongst others. Since the machine is operated using a computer, the best advantage therefore has got to be the fact that one can increase their productivity. That is, one can produce several items within a short time than when using a manually operated router. Another great advantage is the fact that this machine tends to be more precise hence it helps to reduce wastage of material.
Making Money with A CNC Router
If you are looking to start a profitable business, either part-time or full-time, you need to first and foremost, work on building your proficiency working with this machine. This will help you to be able to work on profitable projects hence making your business sustainable.
Secondly, you need to identify which popular items you can make. This will make the sales and marketing process easier. To help you with this, we have highlighted a couple of items that you can easily make using your CNC router and sell. They include;
Home and Office décor
Interior décor items are in high demand. This can range from a variety of items such as clocks, desk lamp walls sculptures or even holiday decorations.
The sizes of décor vary from one piece to another. This is an advantage because, for smaller projects, you can always utilize the remnant materials from previous projects hence making it not only profitable but also very cost-effective.
Sign Making
CNC routers have made it easier to custom make 3D signs from a variety of material. These signs can either be for a business that has a physical location or for homeowners who would like to customize their home signs to add to the appeal and uniqueness of their property.
Therefore, if you are in the business of making signs, then a CNC router is going to add value to your expertise and in the process help to grow your business.
Making Instruments
The art of making musical instruments is one that requires keenness to achieve the required level of accuracy. This, therefore, makes the CNC router the perfect machine for this job. With this machine, you will be able to carve out any kind of inlays and joints necessary.
Making Furniture
Using a CNC router can help you make some amazing custom made furniture work. This is simply because this router can design the most complex geometry in a matter of minutes.
Furniture items you can make include cabinet boxes, shelves, desks with inbuilt storage spaces, beautiful countertops as well as any flat-pack furniture. Flat-pack furniture is one that has interlocking joints that you can DIY by yourself.
Personalized gifts
Personalized gifts are hot in the market hence making some with your CNC router to sell is a highly profitable business idea. This could include items such as personalized skateboards and snowboards, customized keychain holders, sculptures, wall clocks or even customized musical instruments.
Selling your Products
Having great products is one thing while making sales is another. There are a lot of technicalities that come into play when strategizing on how to make money from your CNC router such as
Decide on a niche
CNC routers allow flexibility of designs hence quite possible to diversify your products. While it might be tempting to work on a variety of products at once it might not be a good move for your business.
It is always recommended that when starting, you should choose a product that you are good at, perfect your skills at it and make enough sales before deciding to expand to another niche. Being known to be the best at making a certain product will gain your customers as they will be able to differentiate your products from the rest.
Pricing
The prices you set for your items can either help you to attract clients or drive them away. While you might be tempted to put a higher price on items to cover the cost of production, it is also good that you put into consideration how much your competitors are charging for similar items.
Where to Sell
You can decide to sell your products either online or offline.
The advantage of selling online is that you have a wider reach of clients hence you have a higher earning potential. However, you need to be very aggressive with your marketing to be able to reach each one of them and influence a purchase.
On selling offline, you have to take into consideration the required startup cost of setting up a business and the overhead bills that you need to cater to in the course of operation. Generally, setting up an offline store tends to be more expensive than having an online store.
You therefore need to weigh your options carefully and make a decision.
Marketing
You might be having the most unique designs selling at affordable prices. However, if people do not know about your business, you are most likely not able to make enough sales. These days, thanks to social media, it has become easy to promote your products across all social media platforms. This helps to broaden your reach hence increases your earning potential.
Another way to market your products is by asking your clients to refer you to other people. Word-of-mouth is a very reliable form of marketing since people tend to believe information that is coming from people that they know and trust.
In addition to this, you could also try to market your products to other businesses that might need your products such as restaurants, boutiques and salons amongst many others. This helps to secure more long-term clients who will provide a sustainable source of income for your business since these orders will be recurring.
Bottom Line
CNC routers have modernized the whole process of making these woodwork, metal, stone and plastic items. With their ease of use and precision in cutting out designs, these machines have enhanced productivity by making it possible to do the most in the least amount of time.
