So you’ve just booked an on-site engraving job, time to jump for joy!
Now, it’s time to prepare to blow your clients’ minds! With many brand activations and on-site events under my belt now, I have a kit that I am well prepared for anything that might happen during an event – even when you’re engraving in the dark!
In this blog, you will find a complete list of Tips For Success and Must-Have Supplies! Even some Optional Supplies in case you want to be extra prepared!
Congratulations and good luck!
If you’d like to discuss exactly HOW to get more of these live engraving events or need help scaling your business, check out The Craft Academy and book a call with Rosie to find out more information!
Please feel free to contact me via Instagram or email, hello@wandercrafter.com if you have additional questions!
Without further ado…
Tips for Success:
- You are representing the brand, so what you do and look like reflects on the brand!
- BE PROFESSIONAL
- Keep your table organized and clean
- Look super chiq!
- Wear black (unless your client says otherwise)
- Custom beautiful mask
- Makeup and hair is styled
- Work fast
- Shoppers are always in a rush, so you have to work just as fast
- Know your layout really well by practicing your engraving at home
- Become detailed oriented, there’s nothing worse than misspelling something
- Stay organized and clean, especially when it’s crazy busy
- Don’t freak out!
- Stay calm and collected (otherwise you look flustered and mess up the jobs)
- Establish a system with your pens and sticky notes
- Throw away anything you don’t need on the table
- If there is nothing to do – don’t worry! You’re still getting paid.
- Ask the associates for a sample bottle to engrave
- Tell the associates what you are capable of, not everyone knows you can engrave metal or glass!
- Don’t be afraid to showcase your talents!
- Communicate!!!
- Tell the customer you can only do 3-5 words max if you are busy so that you can give the other clients an opportunity to get their items engraved
- Communicate with your representative if you need to stay longer to finish your projects, they may be able to increase the budget for you if it is a hit!
Must-Have Supplies
*Disclaimer* These are items I know and in all my engraving jobs. If you take action (i.e. make a purchase), I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business with big dreams!
- Handheld microdrill engraver (always have two AND your charging cable in case your main one malfunctions or runs out of battery)
- NatPlus (beginner): $50
- YokeFellow (professional): $120
- Mystisa 2 or Ink Me This (professional): $325
- Diamond bur (multiple sizes) – make sure it fits a 2.35mm shaft
- 1mm (for metal and faux calligraphy)
- 1.5 (for glass and some metal)
- 2.5 to 3mm (for larger items like charcuterie boards or liquor)
- Stabilo pencil
- Pencil sharpener
- Name plate with stand
- Bistro Chalk Marker
- Bur Lube (makes everything super smooth, especially on dense glass)
- Makeup brush (Professional and all black)
- Rub n Buff
- Silver leaf
- Gold leaf
- Copper (substitute for rose gold)
- Microfiber towel or Anti scratch paper towel or cotton pads
- Alcohol wipes (small packs fit better in the case!)
- Tissue paper
- Black Qtip
- Makeup Train Case (more professional and carries everything in one!)
- Bean Bag Pillow
- Muffles the sound so it’s a better experience for your clients
- Easily maneuver your small item to different angles
- I use a neck pillow because I can clip it to my bag
- Trash bag (I use a nice looking bag with handles)
- Suction cup w/ hook (to hang your trash bag or you can place it in your train case)
- Business cards!!! NETWORKING IS KEY!
- Washi Tape (to cover brand labels)
OPTIONAL & HELPFUL SUPPLIES
- Spray bottles
- Empty bottles
- Fill with Alcohol or Water + Tea tree oil
- Gel hand sanitizer
- Flat lay items
- White handkerchief
- Black handkerchief
- Frame (or you can go to dollar store for a wood frame)
- Samples that you have already engraved to showcase your skills
- Sticky notes
- Portable light (if client is not providing it for you)
- Portable table (if client is not providing it for you)
- Mints, lipstick, tampons, pads, mini deodorant (you never know!!)
- Cards & Envelopes to thank your clients after the event
- Backup: Brush pens, white pens, gold, white, silver, and black paint pens
Here is my train case carrying all my organized supplies. The key is practicing and knowing your supplies well enough that you know exactly what you’re grabbing and where, especially when things get super busy and chaotic at your on-site event.
