You need someone that has a laser engraver with a rotary attachment. Supply him with the artwork and few offcuts of the wood, so he can get the power settings right, without having to jeopardise your hard work. When I've had this dome in the past, I've found it beneficial to get them engraved after final sanding, but before finishing. Return them to the lathe after engraving to get rid of any "bleed" on the burn, then apply your finish.
While I agree with a rotary attachment being required, but it isn't always needed.
It all depends on how big the engraving is and if its "just name" in a line then it can be done without it.
I agree that laser engraving a clip will take off the coating and can be very expensive.
The question I would ask Bob is how much do they want to pay for a starter as laser engraving will entail a second person so increasing your costs. sadly it also means by getting them involved you have no control of the finished article.
Depending on what they need the engraving costs could be from a few pence to several £'s per pen, that's they are all the same style pens.
The second question is what do they want engraving on the pen? how many letters, what font or typeface?
The 3rd question would be is "do I really want to take this job on and is it within my capability?"
