Which apps can help a laser engraving business in 2024?

Running a laser engraving business isn’t just about creating custom designs; it’s about managing every aspect—from design to delivery.

In 2024, small business owners have access to various desktop and mobile apps that can help streamline not only the engraving process but also inventory management, payments, social media presence, and even compliance with tax laws.

If you’re looking to grow your laser engraving business, choosing the right tools will allow you to save time, reduce manual errors, and boost customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Apps assist with everything from laser design to social media management.
• Tools like Xero can help you stay compliant with VAT and tax laws.
• Event planning apps like Eventbrite can help you network and engage customers.
• E-commerce platforms, payment processors, and social media schedulers simplify day-to-day tasks.

What apps assist with design and laser engraving?

The design process is central to any engraving business. In 2024, LightBurn continues to be the go-to laser engraving software. It supports a wide variety of machines and allows you to design, edit, and control the laser engraver all within one platform. It’s efficient for vector editing, image processing, and previewing the final engraving before the laser is engaged.

Another top contender is CorelDRAW. This app offers extensive features for creating detailed designs. It’s favored for its precision and has been updated in 2024 to integrate better with laser engravers, allowing seamless transitions between design and production.

For those who prefer free alternatives, Inkscape is still a solid choice. While it’s not laser-specific, the app’s robust vector-editing tools work well for engraving purposes. It’s widely used among businesses looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers professional results.

However, if you are using laser machine from xTool, you may not need Lightburn since the xTool Creative Space (XCS) is more interactive than the Lightburn. Learn about the XCS & Lightburn here.

For example, many laser engraving business owners have found success using LightBurn to reduce design errors, while CorelDRAW helps them manage more complex projects. In one Reddit discussion in 2024, users noted that CorelDRAW’s multi-page design tool makes it easier to handle bulk orders with multiple customizations.

How do business management apps help run a laser engraving business?

Managing orders, tracking inventory, and ensuring compliance are essential to keeping your business running smoothly. In 2024, Xero has become a vital tool for laser engraving business owners looking to stay on top of their finances. It integrates easily with other apps, allowing you to manage your cash flow, automate invoicing, and even track VAT compliance—a feature particularly important for businesses in the UK and EU. Xero’s compatibility with apps like Hubdoc and Dext helps automate receipt management, reducing the time spent on bookkeeping.

QuickBooks, on the other hand, is a popular choice in the U.S. It handles payroll, expenses, and tax calculations, helping you avoid last-minute stress during tax season. Both apps sync with platforms like Shopify to keep your orders and payments organized.

If you need help managing day-to-day tasks, Trello and Asana are invaluable. These apps let you create to-do lists, assign tasks, and set deadlines. With Asana’s ability to integrate with Slack, you can even get real-time updates when tasks are completed or if there are bottlenecks in production.

A 2024 case study from a UK-based engraving shop showed that integrating Xero with Shopify and Hubdoc helped reduce manual data entry errors by 40% while ensuring VAT compliance. Another Reddit user in the U.S. praised QuickBooks for simplifying payroll, cutting the time spent on tax prep by half.

Which apps can help with sourcing laser engraving blanks?

Sourcing materials for your engraving business is crucial, and 2024 has brought better apps to help streamline this process. Alibaba and AliExpress remain dominant platforms for sourcing laser engraving blanks. Whether you need acrylic sheets, wood panels, or metal tumblers, these platforms offer bulk purchase options with competitive pricing.

One engraving business owner shared on a 2024 Facebook group that they saved 25% on sourcing blanks by purchasing through Alibaba’s supplier verification system, which helped them find reliable vendors offering high-quality engraving materials.

What apps simplify payments and invoicing?

Getting paid on time is critical for maintaining cash flow. Apps like Square and PayPal remain industry favorites for small businesses. Both offer simple invoicing, easy payment links, and integration with e-commerce platforms.

For automating invoicing, FreshBooks is another great choice in 2024. It helps you track unpaid invoices, send automatic reminders, and even calculate late fees if necessary.

A small business in Texas shared in a 2024 LinkedIn post that switching to FreshBooks for invoicing cut their accounts receivable time by 30%, helping them maintain steady cash flow during peak seasons.

How can apps help with delivery and shipping?

Shipping products to customers quickly and affordably is a must for any laser engraving business. Apps like ShipStation and Pirate Ship integrate with major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) to simplify shipping labels and automate tracking. In 2024, these apps have become even more powerful, offering bulk label printing and better discount rates on shipping.

One small business owner in the UK shared that by using Pirate Ship, they reduced their shipping costs by 15% in 2024. This app integration allowed them to offer more competitive prices without sacrificing their margins.

How do social media management apps support business growth?

Staying visible online is essential for a laser engraving business. Buffer and Hootsuite allow you to schedule posts across multiple platforms, helping you maintain a consistent online presence without needing to manually post every day.

For content creation, apps like Canva help design visually appealing posts, while InShot can edit reels for Instagram and TikTok—key platforms for marketing in 2024.

In 2024, a growing engraving business shared on Instagram that using Buffer and Canva allowed them to schedule a month’s worth of content in just a few hours. Their engagement rates increased by 20% due to more consistent posting.

Can event apps improve marketing and networking?

For laser engraving businesses that attend trade shows, craft fairs, or community events, apps like Eventbrite are incredibly useful. In 2024, Eventbrite remains a popular app in the UK and the U.S., helping businesses find local events and market their services. This platform offers details on upcoming events, allowing you to plan ahead and engage with potential clients in person.

A U.S.-based engraving business owner used Eventbrite in 2024 to find local craft fairs. They reported a 15% increase in sales after attending one event, using the app to coordinate with event organizers and connect with new customers.

How do compliance and VAT apps ensure your business stays legal?

Staying compliant with tax regulations can be daunting, especially if you’re handling VAT. In 2024, apps like Xero and TaxJar help ensure that you’re charging the correct VAT or sales tax, even for international orders. These apps also provide detailed reports that make filing your taxes simpler.

A Reddit thread highlighted how Xero’s VAT tracking helped a UK-based business avoid penalties, keeping them compliant while expanding into international markets.

Conclusion

In 2024, apps are essential for running a laser engraving business efficiently. From design software like LightBurn and CorelDRAW to payment processors like PayPal and Square, these tools can handle every aspect of your business. Apps like Xero ensure you’re compliant with VAT, while platforms like Eventbrite help you network and grow your customer base. By leveraging these apps, you can optimize your business operations, leaving you more time to focus on creating beautiful custom engravings.