You’ve decided to buy custom mugs great move.
But here’s the real question:
👉 What should you actually consider before buying custom mugs?
Here’s the twist
Most business owners think only about the design.
But what most people don’t realise is that quality, durability, cost and audience matter just as much if not more.
Choose the wrong mug and your brand could end up with faded prints, disappointed customers, or wasted budget.
Let’s break down the key things to consider before you buy.
1. Purpose: Why Are You Buying Custom Mugs?
Before anything else, ask:
✔ Is it for gifting?
✔ For promotional giveaways?
✔ Sold in your shop?
✔ Part of a corporate event?
Your purpose determines:
- Quantity needed
- Printing method
- Quality level
- Budget
If you wait to decide this later, you’ll waste time and money.
2. Material: What the Mug Is Made Of
Mugs come in different materials:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Classic feel, great print surface | Can chip |
| Stoneware | Heavier, premium look | Slightly more expensive |
| Glass | Sleek, modern | Fragile |
| Stainless steel (travel mugs) | Durable, insulated | Printing requires special process |
Ceramic is the most common and versatile but your audience might prefer travel mugs for commuting.
3. Printing Method: Quality & Durability
Here’s what most business owners don’t realise
Not all mug printing is equal.
Top methods include:
- Sublimation (best for full-colour vibrant, long-lasting prints)
- Screen printing (great for simple logos)
- Pad printing (fine detail)
- Laser etching (premium, minimalist look)
👉 Sublimation is usually the best balance for long-lasting branded mugs.
4. Design Quality: Size & Resolution
Your logo or artwork needs:
✔ High-resolution (300 DPI+)
✔ Correct dimensions
✔ CMYK colour format
Low-res designs lead to:
❌ Blurry prints
❌ Washed-out colours
❌ Brand inconsistency
Most printing issues stem from poor artwork not the mug itself.
5. Dishwasher & Microwave Safety
Check labels!
Not all custom mugs are dishwasher or microwave safe.
This matters especially if your audience uses mugs every day.
A dishwasher-safe mug stays vibrant longer — and that means longer brand visibility.
6. Quantity & Bulk Discounts
Ordering more mugs usually lowers unit cost.
Here’s a rough UK pricing snapshot (example):
| Quantity | Approx Price Per Mug |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | £8 – £15 |
| 11–49 | £6 – £10 |
| 50+ | £4 – £7 |
If you buy too few, you lose bulk pricing savings.
7. Budget: Balancing Cost & Quality
The cheapest mugs may seem tempting but they often come with:
❌ Weak prints
❌ Fading after washes
❌ Poor feel
You want quality that represents your brand, not cheap merch that disappears.
Think value over lowest price.
8. Delivery Time & Deadlines
Ask:
✔ What’s the turnaround time?
✔ Is express available?
✔ What affects delivery?
Most mug suppliers factor in:
- Artwork approval time
- Production queue
- Courier schedules
The #1 mistake? Waiting until the deadline week.
Scarcity warning: Peak seasons like Christmas fill production slots fast.
5 Benefits of Considering These Things
- Better brand impression → avoids cheap look
- Longer lasting mugs → avoids early fading
- Cost savings in bulk → avoids high unit prices
- Appropriate material choice → avoids wrong product fit
- Timely delivery → avoids last-minute stress
Loss aversion principle: missing your launch event because mugs arrived late costs more than you think.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Custom Mugs
❌ Choosing solely on price
❌ Using low-quality artwork
❌ Ignoring printing method
❌ Forgetting dishwasher safety
❌ Not checking bulk pricing terms
Authority tip: Always get sample proofs before full production.
How to Choose the Best Custom Mugs for Your Brand
Here’s a simple checklist:
☑ Know your purpose
☑ Choose the right mug material
☑ Decide on printing method
☑ Prepare high-quality artwork
☑ Check dishwasher/microwave safety
☑ Compare bulk pricing
☑ Confirm delivery times
☑ Ask for proofs
And if you’re planning a coordinated marketing campaign, consider combining mugs with other branded materials for example:
👉Branded Merchandise Boosts Local Marketing
👉Professional Leaflet Printing Services
Because mugs are one touchpoint your brand should be consistent everywhere.
Final Thoughts + Psychological CTA
Buying custom mugs isn’t just about a logo on ceramics.
It’s about representing your brand with quality, durability and purpose.
👉 Ready to choose the best custom mugs for your business or event? Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.