Finding Used Engraving Machines

Engraving machines are the key to starting your own engraving business.  Most people can't afford to spend thousands of dollars for a brand new engraving machine, so they start looking for used engraving machines.  Unfortunately, it's very difficult to find used machines that are in good condition.  Often times, when you do find a used engraver, they seller wants to sell the machine for more than you can afford.

Here are a few tips to finding and buying a used engraving machine.

1. Search in big and small cities.  You either live in a small or big city.  Both have advantages and disadvantages.  Big cities have more used engravers, but they also have more buyers looking for those used engraving machines.  Small cities have less engraving machines, but also less buyers.

Whether you're in a small or a big city, contact every engraving company with 100 miles of you and ask if they have any used engraving machines they're looking to sell.  If they don't, ask them how they sell their old engraving machines when they upgrade to new machines.  That will give you another place to look for high quality used engraving machines.

2.  Look online and in trade publications.  Awards & Engraving Magazine is a great place to start your search for used engraving magazine.  In the back of each issue they have a classified area for both buyers and sellers.  Keep your eyes peeled and call potential sellers as soon as possible.  There are thousands of other readers who might buy the machine before you even call!  Craigslist is a great place to look online because it gives you a wide variety of locations.  Keep a look out in your area for anything related to engraving and call asking about used engraving machines.

3. Don't be too picky.  Engraving machines are easy to buy new, but used engraving machines are difficult to find.  If you want a used laser engraving machine, but you can only find used wood engraving machine, consider starting with that machine.  Once you have an engraving machine, you can start your business and expand as you find engraving machines that fit what you're looking for.

4. Don't overpay for your used engraving machine.  An old trick for devaluing anything that you want to buy is to point out the flaws and touch each flaw.  If the used engraving machine you're looking at has a scratch on the front, run your finger along the scratch and ask if it was dropped.  It likely wasn't dropped, and the scratch won't affect it's performance, but that will get the seller thinking about how the engraving machine is really "used".  If the cord looks like it was replaced, touch the cord and ask if the electronics were fried and what other problems it has.  If you can make the price seem steep in the sellers eye, you're more likely to be able to ask for a discount on the price of the used engraving machine for sale.

Good luck in your search for used engraving machines!