1 year Glowforge Pro ownership and how we created a quarter million dollar business.
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- Our thoughts after 1 year of purchasing our Glowforge Pro for our leather patch hat business. So good we now have 2 Glowforge Pro's. Our business went from a low 6 figure business to a quarter million dollars in sales with a 2021 goal of $500,000 in sales. The best part is through the Glowforge affiliate network both machines that cost $6k each were basically free and now everything is profit. It's like printing money! Subscribe to our channel, check out our Glowforge tutorial videos, comment below, and visit our links below to save $500 on your Glowforge Pro or $250 on your Glowforge Plus. THEN you are part of the network and you can start earning free money.
Ready to buy your Glowforge Pro? Save $500 off your order with my referral link glowforge.us/f/HCHSCYCV
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✓ GET $500 off a GLOWFORGE HERE: glowforge.us/f/HCHSCYCV
✓ Shop Our Online Store: pghatco.com/
✓ Follow our Instagram: / pghatco
✓ Find us on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/pghatco
✓ Leather and Leather Tools: www.weaverleathersupply.com/?...
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The legal stuff: We do not work for Glowforge and were not paid in any way to post or make this video. The Glowforge referral program is part of the perk for being a Glowforge owner. When you save $500 on your Glowforge Pro with our link, we get $500 through the referral program. When you save $250 on the Plus model with our link, we get $250 through the referral program. This is all taxed at the end of each year by receiving a 1099 form you are responsible for filing with your federal taxes. Once you get your Glowforge you can then inspire others and get the affiliate rewards just like us and other owners. Owners also get a discount on proof grade materials. You can choose not to cash out your referral money and instead use it as a credit on the Glowforge store to purchase materials or another Glowforge. This is all 100% legal and posted in the Glowforge Referral Program Terms on their website.
We are an affiliate for Weaver Leather Supply. By using our Leather and Leather Tools link above, we get a small percentage of the purchase back from Weaver Leather Supply.
#glowforge #madeonaglowforge #glowforgepro #laser #promo #engrave #leather #leathergifts #demo #print #3dprinter #laserengraver #3dprinter #review #honestreview
Wow 🤗
You said public speaking wasn't your thing but you did awesome‼‼‼‼ I didn't want the video to end. Thank you for sharing your journey. Congratulations on your success 🥳
I feel motivated now. Thank you. So many ideas , I just need to have the faith and make the moves. ❤
Well done and thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks for taking the time to see our story.
Thank you for the video you guys are so neat and organize. Love it
Hey Gail! We appreciate it. We won't show you what the shop looks like by the time Friday rolls around ;)
I'm glad I found your review. I've been wanting to get one for a bit.
Just bought a Glowforge. Thank you and you're welcome. I am inspired by your videos and work. I hope to have some of the same success. Thanks again.
Congrats Christopher! And thank you. Many blessings on your new adventure!
Seems people like you have amazing stories and experiences with the GF. That’s great to watch! Then there are others 🙋🏻♂️ that can’t find their niche to turn much profit. Thanks for the motivation!
You'll find you way. Keep working 😎
You guys are goals! Hats have always been my obsession and ive always wanted to design and create my own. Wife and I bought a GF Pro in June with the idea of selling home decor and i didnt even realize It could do leather until i got the goody box it comes with. I made a few patches, then i came across yalls IG and I love watching yall grind. Ive been making leather morale patches with velcro backs for all my military buddies for the past few weeks and Im working toward a Hat press. Gotta find those Richardsons in stock though amirite? lol. Love it guys!
Hey Bret we appreciate that! Keep on hustling and Godspeed on finding Richardson hats ;)
Congratulations. Glad to see things are going well.
Thank you!
Outstanding job! I love the hat patches
Thank you!
Thank you so much!!!, Just bought a pro with your affiliate link. Cant wait to see what I can make.
Awesome Joshua 🙏 Can't wait to see what you make also 😎
Love your videos!! Keep em coming
Thanks JoAnn 🙏
Awesome job your an inspiration
Blessings galore. No better team than hubby and wifey. 💯💪👍 500k sales goal = Cake for you guys! 1 mil right around the bend.🤞 AWESOME COMPANY!
Thanks so much ❤️ 🙏
Thanks for your video.....appreciate you.....love the homeschooling idea......my skybaby is as well......best thing ever for kids.
Your public speaking /videographer skills are great! Thanks for sharing your story.
Well I appreciate that :)
Awesome ❤thank tou for sharing your journey 🎉
This is awesome. I just got one used that was being thrown away in some offices. Doing research in possible business ideas.
It was being thrown away??
You guys are such an inspiration! Thank you so much. Go Team! Great garage setup!
Thanks for taking the time to watch out little review and we appreciate the motivation 💪
Great video. Super helpful
Congrats on the success! You guys are doing great. I would recommend you look into getting a regular window unit AC to replace those two portable AC's. It's well-documented that those portable units can't come close to the amount of cooling that the traditional window units put out. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your video! Congratulations on your success:) How do you seal the leather?
Loving your office space, wish I was able to convert my garage. The leather patches for hats are great, I may have to try it out.
We are actually in the process right now moving out of the garage into our first office space
Oh wow congratulations 🎊 . Keep moving forward!
Good video i just buy a Glowforge pro thank you,
That's awesome! My wife and I just got a laser and we're making a go of this whole running a business thing
Awesome stuff Dan! Best of luck on your journey with your wife. That's the best way to do it!!
May I ask you what is your niche?
@@KarenValladares products and accessories for essential oils. It's going pretty good so far.
Very informative!
Thanks Sharon
Thank you for your video and congrats on the business success. I used to work for a plastics company where I was in charge of a night output production laser engraver. I want one for myself to possibly start a small side business to make a little extra money. I am curious to know what the consumables are with the machine itself? Replacement parts and cleaning etc.
Thanks John! We have a video showing how we cleaned both of them with isopropyl alcohol, microfiber, and air. Easy to take parts out to clean. I guess the life of the parts depends on the hours and abuse you put on the machine just like a car. They sell replacement heads and other parts. Obviously the laser tube is the most important. From the GF site:
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The Glowforge tube is custom made - it's 850mm and has improvements for longer lifetime and smaller spot size. It's rated for 2 years, and the tube is covered under the warranty. Out of warranty, we'll replace it and realign it for you for $499, including roundtrip shipping within the US. We'll also have a replacement tube parts package available for purchase. Note that these are sold as spare parts only; the replacement tube parts package does not come with instructions.
Just curious on the durability of the machines? We’re the problems parts related on software based. I,m retired Army just getting into laser stuff. Thanks for any words of help would be appreciated. New sub here for sure, Looks great and hope you keep on trucking with these 2.
Hey
Just used your link. Very interested in the leather patches for the hats we do. Any links to better understand the whole patch process?
Do you mind sharing who you use for hat supply? Thank you for the video.. Congrats on your success.
I've been watching a lot of videos on the GF. It was nice to see one in the setting of a "real" business...thanks. I'm really thinking of getting one for leather work as well. You mentioned Weaver Leather Supply...what type of leather are you demonstrating and what color!? It's beautiful. Also, do you know how long it takes if you needed to send the GF in to have the tube replaced for the $499?
Hey there and thanks for the comment! We use the Redrock from Weaver. We had to replace head roller on ours and it was here the next day. I don't know about the tube timeline but I would imagine those parts would be expedited.
Love the video! Where are you guys in Florida Im in Lakeland and I mainly embroider hats and want to start making leather patches.
Thanks! We are in Pensacola
I loved your video and I am encouraged now to try to start a business. Can I ask how to attach the patch to the hat? Do you sew it or attach it sometime of glue?
We have a leather adhesive but now also sewn on patches as a premium upgrade on orders.
Hey, PG. I just watched your video because I am a liquidator that ended up with 2 Glowforge Pro's and I had no idea what they were. Anyhow, it seems you're running an awesome business with these... if you need any more, I have two that are listed on ebay, brand new in the box. I also have boxes with other accessories... seems to be extra trays, extensions, and some kind of air filters. I will make you the deal of a lifetime if you're interested. No reasonable offer refused.
What's your GF settings to engrave on this leather? I'm surprised there's no burning. Congrats on your business!
I'm a little late, just now seeing your video. Terrific success to you and your family. I'm curious: are the patches glued or sewed to the hats? If glued, are you using any special type of glue? If sewn, is there a special sewing machine you are using? Thanks and here's to you continuing success.
Hey Rick thank you! We glue ours. There are many leather glues on the market. We just roll with the one that works best for us.
Was curious, would you share what you found is the most efficient process to placing the patch on the hat? Either sewn or glued?
How did the year end up for you on your sales goal? What was your COGS or your net margin? I'm an engineer as well so trying to understand if this can be a comparable home business. Thanks!
What kind of leather are you using for your projects? It seems to etch and cut pretty well without a lot of curling.
Nice! I have mine in garage as well. Curious what AC units you are using? Mine is a portable Whynter AC unit but with the power draw I can't run it at the same time asy Glowforge and can't exactly upgrade my wiring since I'm renting this house. Any tips on how you insulated your garage would be awesome.
Sweet! Our garage door was insulated when we built the house. Luckily that was something the manufacturer did when they construct their doors. We have the Hisense units BUT we definitely kick the breaker sometimes. I try and not run them both at the same time while we are running both lasers. Generally I will keep one on during the day then at night I will run them both so the garage is cool the next morning. One of them has a "dry" mode so at night I will run one on cool and one on dry so it pulls the moisture out and cools at the same time.
Beautiful job!!! Where do you purchase the hats wholesale? No answer for me me?? Why share so much but ignore me?
I'm glad I found your video, since I live in Florida too. I have a smaller room size in my condo, where the Glowforge will go (if I go with the Glowforge, I'm still researching other brands, but so far the easier is Glowforge) I see you have the extra filter. Do you have one for each Glowforge? Does really worth the extra $$$? And I can see you still have some house vent through your windows. Are they exhausting fumes form the Glowforge too? thanks for this great info! ...cheers to the $500,000 ;)
Yes the simplicity was one of the selling factors for us for sure. We have one filter with a custom T-connection setup I built that ties both machines to the single filter. I am in the garage with both of them running all day so the external filter is incredibly beneficial for us. We had it filtered through the window last year while we waited on the filter to arrive and you could still smell the fumes in the work area. The other hoses you see in the video are our floor AC units that are attached to the windows. They are pulling the warm air out while giving us a cool garage that is generally around 72 degrees in the middle of the summer. They also have a dry function that will pull the humidity out. You know how that FL humidity is!
One more question - many designs on the app do not cut out all the way! Why could that be? Like a few mm that don’t cut? When the whole line should be cut! What can I do to correct this problem? And where can I get files??
I just got my pro and need help! I was a teacher for 25 years until a very bad accident made me retire early! Want to start a business but really need help! Is there any way I could get you guys to mentor me at starting a business???
May I ask what kind of glue you use for your hat patches?
You've convinced me to buy a Glowforge.... I have a question about engraving on Leather. Do you treat it with something so the char from engraving cleans off easily? Any tips in that regard?
Depends on the type leather. We have a veg tanned leather that doesn't leave a char. Chrome tanned seems to char more and we seal those.
I love the yellow green blue and orange hats what brands are those?! Would love to buy some!
They are Richardson brand
Ok you have convinced me about my retirement project. Do you make the Hats or only the decals? will be looking for a Hat Supplier. Will start formalizing my plans very soon.
We do not make the physical hat. Only the patches then apply them.
What type of leather are you using for leather patch ?
thanks for taking the time with the previous answers. I really appreciate it. another one, can you only cut vegan leather with the glowforge? or any leather from the weaver leather supply? I've been told that you can only cut vegan leather and i don't see any on their site. thanks in advance.
Thanks for watching! Yes you can cut different types of leather. Just be careful with the thickness. I like to stay no thicker than 4 oz.
@@PGHATCO thanks a lot.
This is amazing, I have been trying, but i cannot figure out how to put the patch on the hat so it would stay. They keep peeling off. What is it you use for them to stay on? Do you also use a hat press?
There are a lot of leather glue's on the market that work well. We use products from our leather vendor.
May I ask what your turnaround time is for orders? I have a small business and getting orders out in a timely manner us something I struggle with. I thought your presentation was great, BTW
It varies. Sometimes 1 to 2 weeks. Holiday's up 4 to 6 weeks. Some orders are 500 pieces so those take longer. We produce a lot each week so it really just depends on our workload. And thanks ✌
How do you apply the patch to the cap? Do you put glue on the back of the patch and use a heat press to apply, or do you sew it on the cap?
We use a leather bond and apply by hand. No heat.
500 hats a week!?! dayyumm, how are you attaching the leather to the hats? sewing or some sort of glue?
I was thinking of getting a second one also....I haven't touched my pro in few mos smh.....I'm a driver mainly and I'm always gone.....id love to be home more playing and making things but I don't have steady income to actually be on my glowforge 😭😢
We didn't and still don't have a steady income LOL! Each day is different.
@@PGHATCO right.....I feel that....thanks for replying
Hello! Been looking into a GF for years now and may finally get the pro. Do you have a link for the external filter you use? Is it meant for the GF or did you need to do something fancy to hook it all up correctly?
Hey! The filter is on the Glowforge site and is GF brand. We just got our new replacement drop in filter because ours was nasty.
thxs for the info. hey can you tell us vendor for hats if you dont mind. i was checking the leather hide.
We use several that we have accounts with. Best option is just to search the web for Richardson hats and do your best on finding someone with them in stock. It is a nightmare right now.
Hey great video, what are you using to keep your garage cool?
Thanks Deanna. We have 2 floor units made by Hisense that vent out through the window. Kind of like a modern version of the old school window units but much nicer and sleek.
@@PGHATCO Cool, and I love you T vent for the glowforge, good idea!
@@DeannaMaurice Thank you!
What kind of uptick in your utility bill did you see with all of the equipment and A/C in the garage?
The lasers don't really make a difference but the AC units do. I'd say there's about a $150-$200 increase during the brutal parts of summer. That's usually in July and August here when it's 100+ degrees outside with 100% humidity. It'll stay about 72-75 in the garage.
What is the name of that metal stand thing on your table that I assume is for holding the hats while you press on the leather patch?
It is an antique shoe cobbler
I’m curious what your margins are for this business.
I wonder, how do you attach the patch to the hat, please?
Glue
What adhesives are you using to heat seal the leather to the caps?
Not heat sealed. Leather glue.
I wonder how long these machine last, and the amount of maintenance as well?
Ours is several years old now. We hammered it hard. Just keep it clean. I know tubes need to be replaced when they wear out but we have yet to do that.
If I'm not mistaken that leather you mentioned is chrome tanned? Does it not cause problems? I heard they supposedly release harmful chemicals
We read the same thing. We have started transitioning to veg tanned.
Curious what kind of marketing you’ve done for your business to make this level of sales?
We've done zero marketing. Just stay true to our brand and push a quality product. We let our customers do the marketing for us.
Is the software you use located on the cloud or do you open a link when you need service?
The Glowforge software is cloud based. There is a link/login we open each day that accesses the software and all of our saved work.
I see you use the filter how long does it last? also do you use chrome tanned leather? i can get a straight answer if it safe. Thank you in advance
Thanks for watching Edith! We run our single filter through both lasers that literally run 8+ hours a day and replace it every few months. There is a dial on the outside of the filter unit that you can start turning up once it starts getting filled up. When we can start to smell the char we will adjust the airflow setting knob. All material is different though so I cannot say exactly how long the filter would last for someone that say cuts wood or acrylic all day vs leather all day.
We use both veg and chrome tanned. Without a filter I would say that anything you breathe in would be unsafe. Before the external filter it was awful but we had to vent through window while the filter was on backorder. 100% difference once that got up and running.
@@PGHATCO Thank you for responding, it now seems like a low price for the benefit it has specially to allow you to run extensive hours and the smell not get overwhelming. Thanks again! your input means a lot.
@@edithrocha8875 we appreciate you taking the time to watch 😎
What do you put on the front of the patch after you engrave the patch
Hey Stuart. We have a secret sauce we use ;)
would you recommend starting with a pro or would the basic machine be ok?
Just depends on what you are making and future projects. Both are great. Pro has a slightly stronger laser with better cooling so jobs don't pause for cool down. We just didn't want to regret not getting a Pro. But again whatever fits your budget and project 😎
Nice I still don’t know what to do?
This is an older video but how do you tax the 500 USD that you get back from Glowforge?
We will get a tax form at the end of the year from Glowforge to file.
Have you ever engraved on a firearm? And if so, how did it work out?
Yes we engraved on a piece from an AR. It engraved the black coating off making the engraving silver/gray
Is there a change to the affiliate link? When I used it and went to check-out with the Pro, there wasn't a discount applied. Thanks!
Try this glowforge.us/f/HCHSCYCV
@@PGHATCO Looks like that one will work. I will be ordering shortly!
@@dr.carmendoerr-nauth1344 thanks so much and thanks for bringing that to my attention. We had to update the links 🤘
How do you attach the patches to the hats?
Leather glue
Exactly what kind of leather do you use for the patches????
We get all of our leather from Weaver leather supply.
Can you use lightburn on glowforge
I am not familiar with the lightburn software but you can import .svg files and .pdf files into the Glowforge software to work with. We use Illustrator for all of our design work and save everything as .svg or .pdf and import into the cloud based Glowforge interface.
Hi. How do you get your hats? Are you an authorized Richardson dealer?
We order through our distributors we have accounts with. We do not have an account direct with Richardson.
do you have any issues with cooling or overheating
The Pro model has a better cooling system than the other models. That being said...running all day inside of our garage in FL we have only had one of them take a cool down break. We were running a job heavy wood project and it would take a short break to cool down then restart on it's own. But never any overheating problems since it has it's own cooling system that will recognize if it is getting too hot.
Are the patches also cut using the GF?
Yes
How are the patches attached to the hats?
They are glued.
What kind of leather are you using.
We get everything from Weaver Leather
How do you stick the leather to the hat?
Leather glue
How do you market your product? Just curious.
No marketing. I let our product do the marketing for us.
@@PGHATCO nice if you can. But where did your first business come from?
@@kenlane6655 I started with making decals for a Ford Mustang club I started in 2006.
Hello, what do you have for health insurance? That's my biggest worry.
We pay out of pocket.
@@PGHATCO that's the expensive part for me. Wife pays $750 per month to cover 4 of us. Basically she could retire even though she's not even 48 years old because she's maxed out on her income and we worry about the health insurance because I have quite a bit of health issues going on but we're trying to figure this out. Can't get by with out of pocket when you have kids also which is another additional concern of ours.
@@TedH71 we have 2 kids.
do you or how do you mask your leather? if you don't mind sharing?
I do not mask anything. That just creates more work.
@@PGHATCO thanks for the answer. so you have no burn issues on your leather?
@@abdulsalaam4262 I don't
Your GF seems very quiet. In others’ videos it is very loud and I’ve read this on reviews also. Maybe it’s the pro vs plus or vs basic. Any idea if the pro is quieter than the others?
If you use the internal fan to vent through a window or outside it is very loud. The fan. The The actual laser. If you have the external filter like we do, you disable the internal fan and let the filter do the work. It is about half the amount of air noise
Where do you buy your hats?
Everywhere since hats are a rarity right now 🤣
What would you use to cut the leather after it prints it
The Glowforge cuts it after it engraves.
@PG HAT CO ohhh so it can cut and engrave the leather? I thought it would just do the engraving I'm going to purchase mine in the next upcoming weeks will sure use your code so you can get that extra commission
@@eddielazo4367 yup it does the full job for you. Cuts wood also for different projects
@PG HAT CO man thanks so much for you're feedback I'm getting ready to order mine
Where do you sell your items at
Our website pghatco.com
Where do you get your hats from.
Any of the online distributors you find online.
How are they vented?
External filter setup under the counter.
Gotta take out a loan to buy one of these lol
That's with most stuff these days right 🤣 But our paid for itself quick! And our second one paid for itself quicker.
@@PGHATCO That's great. I have a small leather business where I make things like wallets, belts, padfolios, etc. Hopefully I can get a glowforge one day to help with that.
@@heathalbritton would love to have more time to dabble in other leather work but the hats keep us tied down. We do make a wallet that we cut on the Glowforge then stitch with our old school shoe cobbler sewing machine.
If your machine is having problems, you can never get any customer support. No matter what you try. Email leaving messages or even on social media. They just do not respond no matter if you need support for your machine or an order. They just do not respond.
We have been able to call and talk directly with their reps with the number on their site. We have used the online chat feature and submitted tickets with zero problems with customer support.
@@PGHATCO Well I have been trying to get in touch with them for over 2 weeks now. What do you think I should do? I have emailed called left messages and sent messages from the web site.
@@lynnreynolds905 That seems weird. We have a ticket in with them to remove one of our old machines from our dropdown menu. Submitted it yesterday. I did try and call the number just now and it is a recorded message. Last time we were connected directly to a sales rep.
@@PGHATCO Yep all I wanted to do was exchange some wood for larger pieces and I am getting no response. I am in tears over this I do like my machine and would just love it if they would at least say something other than what is your name and email address in an email. I am looking in to selling this and going with an Aeon machine.
@@lynnreynolds905 they resolved our support ticket in less than 24 hours. Got an email follow up yesterday.
Man child?! I'm 30-something and I race BMX. How dare you downplay a very skilled hobby 😂
😆😆✌
Oh man that GlowForge is slow! For the price of two GF you could have bought an Epilog that is 10x faster (literally). GlowForge is a craft hag toy, not for production.
Understandable but those lasers are huge in comparison to these. The Glowforge works for us. We have made over 50,000 pieces on it so for something not for production is has suited us just fine. Maybe one day if we get a large workshop space we could see getting larger and faster equipment.
You spend the whole time talking and taking bs without any reviewing it. Such a waste of time
Pretty sure it was a video of me reviewing our experience with the Glowforge and how it has changed our business after a year.
GF infomercial all BS
👍
🤣🤣🤣
Simple overpriced laser cutter/engraver made in China 💁🏿♂️
I'm sure you're here for a negative reaction from us. Tell me what you've done with your business to be successful.
@@donniesalter5077 Not at all. Just randomly saw one video about it among the 3d printers. Googled, saw the prices, searched on utube and a lot of utubers are using and promoting it, which is not a bad thing. But your business is successful bcs of u and ur ideas. This tool has nothing to do with it.
What caught my attention the most was the pretence on their website, and I hate that thing. So full of 💩
"Every Glowforge unit is manufactured by Flex, one of the best-respected manufacturers in the world, in a facility used for producing Fortune-500 consumer electronics products." - so, basically - China 🤣🤣
"How is Glowforge different from a 3D printer? - Glowforge uses subtractive manufacturing while traditional 3D printers use additive manufacturing." - so every time you cut bread in the kitchen - you are using a "subtractive manufacturing". How fancy 🤣🤣
And so on..
Every Glowforge unit is manufactured by Flex, one of the best-respected manufacturers in the world, in a facility used for producing Fortune-500 consumer electronics products. They are designed in Seattle and parts are sourced from around the world. Some units are assembled at Flex's U.S. facility and some are produced at their facility in Mexico.
@@donniesalter5077 Exactly my point 🙂
1. "a facility used for producing Fortune-500 consumer electronics products" - those consumer electronics devices are produced in China, bcs corporations care only about revenue. And now, bcs of their greed, the whole world is a hostage of chinese manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure. Chip shortage is a great example.
2. Only SOME units are ASSEMBLED in US. If you import a whole machine, screw in one extra knob - you can already state that it was assembled in whatever country that last step was done 🤣
Anyways, I honestly don't care, I'm totally not in this topic, randomly saw it and this brand is so obviously bull💩. That doesn't mean it is bad. Just ridiculous pretense.
How do you secure the patches to the hats?
Glue