By Rickky Rana / March 31, 2025
How Engraving Equipment Can Boost Revenue and Expand Opportunities for Reprographic Shops
Reprographic shops are continuously looking for ways to enhance their offerings and stand out from the crowd. One effective way to do so is by integrating engraving equipment into their operations. Rather than outsourcing these high-margin projects, in-house engraving offers several important benefits that can drive revenue and expand business opportunities. Here’s why bringing jobs in-house can make all the difference for reprographic shops looking to grow and diversify.
Increased Control Over Quality and Consistency
When engraving jobs are outsourced, there’s always a risk. Third-party providers might have different standards and lengthy turnaround times. By bringing engraving projects in-house, reprographic shops gain complete control over the quality of their products. This allows them to ensure that every job meets their high standards, resulting in consistent and reliable customer satisfaction. Drexel Technologies, a leading provider of printing and office technology solutions for the construction, architecture, and design industries, exemplifies this control through its expansion into engraving services. By investing in Vision Engraving & Routing Systems’ equipment, Drexel has been able to meet tight deadlines for complex projects, such as petrochemical facilities and power plants, where precision is critical.
Faster Turnaround Times
Outsourcing often introduces delays, as shops must wait for external vendors to complete and ship engraved items. These delays can be detrimental, particularly for customers who need quick turnaround times. By bringing engraving jobs in-house, reprographic shops can dramatically speed up their production processes, helping them meet customers’ tight deadlines while gaining a reputation for efficiency. Drexel Technologies’ move to in-house engraving has allowed the company to provide faster turnaround times for large-scale construction and industrial projects, such as the 1,000 custom engraved labels required for a battery facility project.
Starting Small, Then Scaling Up
For shops uncertain about handling large volumes right away, there’s no need to take on too much at once. Shops can start by investing in a single engraving machine. This allows them to handle smaller jobs that come through the door, especially those with tight deadlines that require a quick turnaround. As the shop gains confidence in its ability to handle engraving projects, it can gradually increase its capacity by adding more machines. This approach allows the shop to grow its engraving services at a pace that matches its expanding skill set and customer demand.
Higher Profit Margins
Outsourcing engraving services typically involves paying third-party vendors, which reduces the profit margin for each job. By handling engraving in-house, reprographic shops can keep costs down, avoid outsourcing fees, and capture the full value of each job. Additionally, because engraving services command premium prices, shops can see a significant increase in profitability. The ability to charge higher rates for custom engravings will make a considerable difference to the bottom line over time. Drexel’s investment in engraving equipment paid for itself within months, despite still ramping up operations, showcasing how quickly the service can become profitable.
Customization and Personalization Opportunities
One of the greatest advantages of engraving is the ability to offer highly personalized and unique products. While third-party providers might offer standard engraving options, in-house engraving equipment enables reprographic shops to provide highly customized and intricate designs. This level of personalization can attract a broader range of customers, from businesses needing branded items to individuals looking for personalized gifts or awards. Offering these services in-house allows for greater flexibility, enabling shops to experiment with different materials and designs to meet customer needs. Drexel’s ability to customize products like adhesive labels for pipes and cables, and engraved signage for mechanical and electrical systems, has opened up numerous opportunities in specialized markets like industrial plants and data centers.
Competitive Advantage
In-house engraving creates an opportunity to position the business as a one-stop shop for a wide range of customized products. This added capability attracts customers who are specifically looking for custom engraving, making the shop a go-to destination for unique products. Additionally, by reducing reliance on external vendors, shops are less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that might affect outsourced services. Drexel’s ability to offer fast, reliable, and high-quality engraving solutions has positioned them as a leader in their market, especially for large-scale and complex projects that require detailed labeling.
Flexibility and Scalability
Bringing engraving in-house also provides flexibility in terms of the types of jobs the shop can take on. Whether it’s large orders for a corporate client or smaller, one-off personalized items for individuals, in-house equipment allows the shop to scale operations more easily. As demand for engraving services grows, the shop can increase its production capacity by adding more equipment or expanding its team. This scalability is vital for long-term growth, especially in an evolving market where customer preferences for customization and personalization continue to rise. Drexel’s ongoing investment in engraving equipment, along with their ability to scale based on project demand, ensures the company can meet the growing needs of both regional and large-scale clients.
To learn more about engraving equipment or for a live demonstration, visit www.AZON.com.
