How to Start a Mug Printing Business in 7 Steps

Do you want to start a mug printing business? Find here a detailed mug printing business plan guide with cost, equipment, and process.

Actually, a custom mug business is quite different than a basic mug printing business. You may consider providing both the services or only a single one. However, for a custom mug business, you must have a website where customers can upload their photos.

Generally, starting a mug printing business from home is an absolutely fun way of making money. In addition to that, you can operate the business on a part-time basis along with your day job. Even, if you have a photo printing business, then this is an obvious extension of your present business.

The business demands a small startup capital. The business is perfect for women entrepreneurs.

Why You Must Consider to Start a Mug printing Business?

• First of all, you can start the business home-based. So it helps to reduce your time and money for going to the workplace from home and returning.
• Secondly, you can start the business with small capital. So, it allows you to initiate a business by taking a minimum risk.
• You can start the business on a part-time basis also. So, you don’t need to comprise your present job if you already have one.
• The business doesn’t demand any type of educational background or technical skill. However, you must know the photoshop for creating beautiful pictures.
• As you operate the business online, practically, you can reach a wide market in your mug printing business.

Is Mug Printing Business Profitable?

The personalized gift industry is growing rapidly. Because of the technological up-gradation, most people can afford to buy a personalized custom gifts for their friends and relatives. In addition to that, the custom mug is an essential item in corporate gifting. Almost every business house gifts custom items to the employees, customers, and shareholders.

Read: Most Profitable Printing Business Ideas

In the entire customized gift industry, the coffee mug holds a major share. Basically, the mugs are functional items. Additionally, it comes in several varieties and price ranges. So, the demand for custom mugs is increasing. And definitely, the business is financially profitable.

Here are the 7 Steps to Start Mug Printing Business

1. Learn the Different Types Mugs

a) Coffee Mugs

Generally, different types of coffee mugs come in different sizes, patterns, and designs. And the coffee mug holds the first position in the entire custom mug industry.

b) Ceramic Mugs

There are different types of ceramic mugs that are printable. So, you can use ceramic mugs widely for your mug printing business.

c) Transparent Mugs

Generally, people who like innovative items prefer transparent mugs. Also, it comes in different sizes and designs.

d) Pottery Mugs

People who like handcrafted items often look for different types of pottery mugs. Generally, pottery mugs come at a low cost. And these mugs are really beautiful and are widely accepted by customers.

e) Sports Mugs

Actually, sports-themed mugs have a high demand in the games and sports industry. Different domestic and national level sports teams and clubs gift sports mugs to the patrons and players.

f) Stainless Steel Mugs

Definitely, steel coffee mugs are durable. Additionally, these mugs are low-weight. And these mugs are getting huge popularity these days.

g) Travel Mugs

People use these specific types of mugs during the time of travel. Basically, travel mugs come with a sealing option. One can carry hot liquids safely.

2. Create a Business Plan

Regardless of the size of your business, you must craft a business plan. And the most important aspect is the financial analysis that you must include. In addition to that, you must include your business goal and marketing strategy.

3. Registration & License

You need to get your business registered. This is mandatory for any type of business operation. And if you want to have a retail setup then check the licensing requirement in your state. Additionally, select a name for your business. Furthermore, you can protect the brand name by registering it.

Do not forget to apply for a GST registration number as it is mandatory for running commercial activities in the country.

4. Buy Mug Printing Equipment

You need some simple equipment for starting this business. Some of the basic equipment required for printing mugs  are the following:

• Photo mug heat press machine
• Transfer paper
• Sublimation printer
• A computer for drawing designs
• Readymade Mugs for printing
• Photo programming software solutions like Corel Draw, and Photoshop.
• Heat resistance tape

Always procure good-quality mugs from reputed suppliers. And you must buy the product at wholesale prices. Additionally, you must find a wholesaler who deals with multiple different types of mugs. Finally, you will need packing items. You will need to send the mugs with great packaging to your customers.

5. Cost of Starting Mug Printing Company

The major investment in starting this business is the cost of the printing machine. However, the overall approximate cost to start a mug printing business will be around Rs. 1.5 Lacs to Rs. 2.5 Lacs on a small scale.

6. Set up Your Mug Printing Unit

Setting up the business model is absolutely important in this business. Definitely, you can set up a workspace at home. Generally, a tablespace is enough for the printing and packaging operation. And you will need to have more space for keeping raw materials and finished items. Finally, you have to create selling avenues.

7. Promote Mug Printing Business

Broadly, you can promote the business in two ways. Offline and online. For offline promotion, contacting the local retailers is the best option. You can also contact the local gift shops and sell the mugs at the wholesale rate. Additionally, you can meet the corporates and business houses to get the institutional sale.

Simply, if you want to sell the mugs from home, then you will need a business website with an online shop. And you will need to have a contract with a reputed courier company. Mention clearly the specific area you want to cater to. Additionally, make a photo gallery of your products with rates.

Nowadays, online promotion is highly important. And social media like Facebook, Whatsapp, and Pinterest play an important role in promoting this type of lifestyle product. Also, you can consider selling your mugs from online marketplaces like Amazon. Literally, there are numerous ways you can promote your mug printing business globally.