Making money with a vinyl cutting machine can be easy and rewarding—especially if you have a passion for crafting. By leveraging your creativity and putting effort into marketing your creations, you can turn your vinyl cutter into a profitable business. Below is how I made money selling my vinyl-covered creations.

But First  – What Is A Vinyl Cutting Machine?

A vinyl cutting machine is a digital device used to cut designs, letters, and shapes from sheets of vinyl material. It works by following a computer-generated design to precisely slice the vinyl, making it ideal for creating custom decals, stickers, T-shirts, signage, and other craft projects. Some machines also do engraving and cut cardstock, fabric, leather, and thin wood.

One of the most significant advantages of vinyl cutting machines is their beginner-friendly nature. Most machines come with intuitive software, tutorials, and plenty of online resources to get you started. With some practice, you’ll be able to produce professional-looking products without too much trouble.

Examples of items I have made and their profits:

Antique China Items (Plates & Sugar Bowls with Hilarious Vinyl Slogans)

• Revenue: Between $20–$30 each
• Profit: Around $18–$27 each
• Expenses: I purchased plates and sugar bowls from thrift stores for $1–$3 each (while being transparent about the fact that they were upcycled) and spent about $0.50 worth of vinyl on each item.

These were great because I quickly learned which slogans would sell and was able to produce them in bulk. Online, I typically sold around two items per week, making approximately $50–$60 in profit per week.

Custom T-Shirts

• Revenue: Between $30–$35 each
• Profit: Around $18–$24 each
• Expenses: I purchased t-shirts from bargain stores for $4–$6.50 each. Depending on the size of the design, I spent between $4–$8 on heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

I only made t-shirts sporadically when I had a lot of spare time, as they were quite time-consuming. However, it was easy to make around $100–$140 per week from personalised t-shirts.

Christmas Baubles with Personalised Names

• Revenue: Between $12–$18 each
• Profit: Around $8–$13 each
• Expenses: I purchased plain plastic baubles online from sites like AliExpress for $0.50 each. I added glitter and, in some cases, a bow at the top, with costs ranging from $1–$3 for glitter, varnish (to help the glitter stick inside), vinyl, and ribbon. I also spent $0.50 on a cupcake box and added shredded paper for the baubles to sit on.

These were obviously seasonal, but I started advertising and making them at the end of October. Many people purchased them for their entire family, including pets. On average, I made around $200 per week in the 2 months leading up to Christmas.

Other items I made—such as personalized drinking glasses and baby bibs—were given as gifts. While this didn’t technically generate income, it did help me save money on birthday presents.

Popular Products to Sell

Many successful sellers in local vinyl cutting groups have found great demand for products such as:

• T-Shirts & Apparel: Customise shirts, hats, tote bags, and keyrings with heat transfer vinyl (HTV).
• Home Décor: Create personalised wall decals, signs, and ornaments.
• Personalised Gifts: Design custom mugs, tumblers, and keychains.
• Stickers & Decals: Perfect for planner stickers, car decals or business decals.
• Party Supplies: Craft banners, cake toppers, and invitations.
• Customised Labels: Offer labels for businesses, events, or home organisation.
• Wedding Supplies: Create table numbers, place cards, and directional signs.

Startup Costs

While the initial investment can be high, the good news is that many machines cater to different budgets. I got a Cricut Maker 3 for NZD$789 in 2023 due to the wide range of cutting and engraving it can do. It’s still very expensive. But you can find other models like the Brother Scan and Cut, Cricut Joy or Silhouette Cameo 4 for NZD$400–$550 which will cut vinyl and paper just fine.

In addition to the machine, you will need:

• A computer or phone to run the software.
• Materials like vinyl, fabric, and paper.
• Accessories (cutting mats, weeding tools, etc.).
• A heat press or iron for HTV projects.
• Any item you wish to transfer vinyl onto.

Expect to spend NZD$600–$1,200 initially, depending on what equipment you already own.

Selling Platforms

You can sell your creations on a variety of platforms:

• Etsy: Great for handmade goods but competitive.
• Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for local sales.
• Instagram/TikTok: Showcase your designs and build a following.
• Craft Fairs: Perfect for face-to-face interactions and local sales.

However, platforms like Etsy can be oversaturated with similar products, so consider researching niche markets or exploring local craft fairs or Facebook Marketplace for less competition.

Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing: Use Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and Pinterest to showcase your designs and build a loyal customer base.
• SEO Optimisation: Research high-ranking keywords for platforms like Etsy and write compelling product descriptions to improve search visibility.
• Local Advertising: Partner with local businesses, participate in craft fairs, and use community groups to promote your business.

Customer Engagement & Retention

• Offer personalisation options to make products more attractive.
• Provide excellent customer service to encourage repeat business.
• Use branded packaging to enhance customer experience and increase referrals.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Using the Wrong Type of Vinyl: Ensure you use the appropriate vinyl for your projects (HTV for apparel, permanent vinyl for outdoor decals, etc.).
• Underpricing Products: Factor in material costs, labor, and platform fees when setting prices.
• Neglecting Marketing: Dedicate time to photography, descriptions, and advertising to attract customers.

Tips for Success

• Stay updated on new techniques to keep your products fresh.
• Offer seasonal and trending designs.
• Buy materials in bulk to reduce costs.

Challenges of Running a Vinyl Cutting Side Hustle

As with any business, there are challenges to overcome:

• High Competition: The market is saturated with vinyl-based products, so it’s important to create unique, niche designs to stand out.
• Marketing: You’ll need to invest time in product photography, writing compelling descriptions, and promoting your products online.
• Time Commitment: While the cutting process is automated, you’ll still need to dedicate time for assembling, weeding, packaging, and marketing.

Tips for Success

• Offer personalisation options (e.g., names, dates).
• Keep an eye on trends, such as seasonal or holiday-themed products.
• Buy materials in bulk to reduce costs.
• Learn advanced techniques, such as layered vinyl or print-and-cut methods.

Pros:

• Beginner-Friendly: Easy to learn with lots of resources.
• Diverse Product Range: Create customised, high-demand products.
• High Profit Margins: Mark up custom items 2–5x.
• Flexible Schedule: Work from home with minimal overhead.
• Creative Expression: Great for creative individuals.
• Gifts: Use your talents to make personalised gifts for friends and family.

Cons:

• High Initial Investment: Machines can be pricey, along with materials and accessories.
• Time-Consuming: Assembly, marketing, and packing can be time-intensive.
• Competitive Market: Oversaturation on platforms like Etsy requires niche products.
• Limited Passive Income: Requires active involvement in design and marketing.

How I Would Rate This Side Hustle: 7/10

• Startup Cost – 5/10: Depending on what items you have already, this may be costly.
• Time Commitment – 6/10: Not huge income, but rewarding and creative.
• Income Potential – 6/10: The sky is the limit depending on what items you’re making and how many. You’re only limited by your time.
• Fun Factor – 7/10: Fun, as long as you don’t rush the process. Personalised projects can be a lot more stressful as they usually need to be made and shipped within a certain timeframe.
• Flexibility – 8/10: Can be done from home with flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Is This a Good Side Hustle?

Based on creativity, effective marketing, and quality products, a vinyl cutting machine can indeed become a profitable side hustle. With the right investment, time commitment, and dedication, it’s possible to turn crafting into a thriving business.