Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Focused niches allow you to market smarter and build domain expertise. Examples include:

• Construction: As-built scans, progress documentation
• Architecture: Interior layout scans, façade documentation
• Manufacturing: Part inspection, reverse engineering
• Heritage preservation: Museums, monuments, cultural sites
• Facility management: Scanning for digital twins or asset tagging

Step 2: Select the Right Equipment

The right scanner depends on your target industry and budget. Consider:

• Tripod scanners (e.g., Leica BLK360, Trimble X7) – for architectural and site work
• Handheld scanners (e.g., Artec Eva, Peel 3.CAD) – for part scanning and inspection
• Drone LiDAR – for terrain and large outdoor environments

Also factor in software (e.g., ReCap, FARO SCENE, Cyclone) and file compatibility with client systems.

Step 3: Create a Business Model

Decide whether to:

• Offer scanning only (clients handle data processing)
• Deliver full-service modeling (scan + CAD/BIM/inspection report)
• Operate as a subcontractor to engineering firms or general contractors

Your pricing should reflect your service scope, travel time, and output complexity. For help, see our 3D scanning pricing guide.

Step 4: Build Your Portfolio and Website

Showcase your capabilities with:

• Sample scans or mesh previews (with client permission)
• Before/after design renderings
• Videos of scanning workflows
• Case studies or testimonials

Your site should explain the value of 3D scanning to your target customer, not just the tech specs.

Step 5: Market Your Services

• List on local construction or engineering directories
• Join BIM, architecture, and surveying forums
• Network with civil engineers, contractors, and architects
• Share educational blog content to boost SEO

LinkedIn is especially powerful for B2B outreach. Cold email campaigns to firms with outdated as-builts also perform well.

Step 6: Expand and Upsell

As you grow:

• Offer additional outputs like 2D drawings, Revit models, or inspection reports
• Invest in software licenses and automation to handle bigger jobs
• Hire data processors or partner with modeling freelancers
• Package your services for recurring clients (e.g., facility scans every 6 months)

Conclusion

Launching a 3D scanning business is one of the most promising service ventures in the tech-enabled construction and manufacturing industries. With the right gear, niche focus, and business model, you can build a highly profitable, low-overhead company that scales over time.

Need help selecting your first scanner or service package? Browse our starter kits or reach out via our business launch support.