Mugs as a business?

[HayLou]

Hello, im new here, but i have been reading a far few threads and posts.

Im a designer and screen printer, but i wanted, or shall i say i hoped to bring in some mugs to the mix of stuff i offer (im only really starting out)

Now i know some people seem to run a "business" and i have heard a lot from Martin Butler on youtube about the mug press business etc... But my questions is... Can you really make a business printing and selling mugs?

Cold, hard, blunt truth would be nice. And im not saying make a business from useing the biggest and bestest equipment, but by the little A4 printer and the cheaper mug press (i was looking to buy the BMS DF1 +, but i will ask about that in another post), and xpress papers etc etc, i know the smaller scale equipment is always more expensive, but ones got to start somewhere?!

Anyway, any firm advice would be good, because im SO undecided i need help

[GoonerGary]

I've never looked at any Youtube videos, but yes you can make a business from selling mugs. As long as you have designs that people will want to buy. It's a saturated market, so it depends on how much profit you are willing to accept. Profit generally isn't that large once you include high postage costs. Where you are planning to sell will influence your profit margins. How many designs do you have? 10 - 1000? What market are you aiming at?

I have a number of presses and the £65 press works just as well as the £400 press. If something goes wrong I can buy another without any major investment. Stay away from cheap ebay mugs as you will find that these are rejects and will have all sorts of problems. Premium mugs can also have problems so it's all about finding a good straight mug to print on. Everyone will have their favourite mug and you will get ten different answers. Nothing wrong with A4 printers, I have an Epson 4015 office printer for smaller work. Good quality sublimation paper is also recommended, my preference is for Trupix but I have only tried two papers.

[HayLou]

Thanks GoonerGary

[Niki MM]

Last year was my first Christmas in sublimation. I only offered mugs at the time. It paid for our Christmas. It was a huge success. But like any business canvassing is key

[Martinx]

Bulk purchasing is key in my experience! Hit local businesses with a quirky marketing message on a mug with their branding.