Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a profitable business to launch? If you’re a fan of coffee, why not consider starting your own coffee mug business? With promising growth and relatively low start-up costs, selling coffee mugs can provide a steady trickle of income for your budding business, as long as you understand the ins and outs of the craft. Read on to learn more about starting a coffee mug business, from the basic equipment needed to running a profitable venture.
Is Selling Coffee Mugs Profitable?
In short, yes! The sale of mugs has been a thriving niche for years, with many shops specializing exclusively in mugs and other ceramic collectibles. Coffee selections from Starbucks and other brands on store shelves are keeping mug trends alive, while the increasing number of subscription services subscribing patrons to a new mug every month are driving demand. Plus, mugs are attractive and useful – it’s easy to imagine a consumer wanting to show off a glossy, beautiful tradition mug that reflects their personal style, particularly if it’s been made with quality materials and craftsmanship.
Carolyn Padula, of the popular Learn2Ceramics website, says:
“It is fun to make homemade gifts and home decor. A handmade ceramic mug is a great way to show a customer or friend that you put thought and effort into selecting a one-of-a-kind gift.”
In essence, selling coffee mugs capitalizes on the consumer demand for a unique look and feel for their kitchen and their morning cup of joe. It’s no surprise that there is genuine monetary value to be had in the business of mug making.
Is Mug Making Profitable?
Whether or not mug making can be profitable depends on your definition of profit. If you’re expecting to make a full-time living off the sale of mugs alone, that may be more difficult unless you set yourself up with an eCommerce shop, or become a designer for a mug company. However, if you’re looking to supplement your income or gain experience in the craft of mug making, you can definitely make a profit.
You’ll need to be prepared to put in the work to establish yourself, including marketing and research, honing your craft to make the very best product you can, and reaching out to clients with an eye towards up-selling and opportunities for repeat business. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with careful planning and dedication, the profits can be sure to follow.
How Do I Start Selling Coffee Mugs?
The first steps of starting a coffee mug business include a few basics, like choosing a business name, setting up a logo, deciding what type of materials you’ll use, and determining your budget.
After getting organized, and before investing in high-end equipment or investing in bulk supplies of materials, it is recommended to get a feel for how well your mugs will be received by the marketplace. The best way to do this is to set up a modest shopfront with a handful of mugs and a payment processor, like PayPal. Once you’re verified, you’re ready to start exhibiting your work and collecting feedback from self-selecting buyers.
Marcus Sweeney, of marketing firm Sweeney Industries, explains:
“One way to test how profitable your coffee mug business can be is to design and sell a few mugs upfront and use the proceeds to invest in expanding your product line. Take the time to see what sells, who your best customers are, and what feedback you are receiving. You can adjust your designs over a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to find the perfect combination for a successful small business.”
In other words, it pays to invest significant energy in planning and research before making any purchases. Don’t jump in blindly!
What Do I Need To Start A Mug Business?
Every business is different, but the basic items necessary for a successful mug business include:
- A steady supply of high-quality materials, such as ceramic, stoneware, and bisque.
- A kiln or a trusted, dedicated heat source for firing your mugs.
- An online presence, either in the form of a website or an online marketplace.
- Access to a variety of payment processing options.
- A portfolio of mug designs to show potential customers.
- Funds to reinvest in new equipment, supplies and overhead costs.
For more specialised materials and equipment, like heat-resistant paint, specialized tools, and airbrushing tools, be prepared to invest some money. Thoroughly research the tools you’ll need before purchasing them to make sure you’re getting quality components that will last.
Conclusion
Mug making is a profitable trade, with opportunity to excel existing in both small scale mug production and large-scale manufacturing. While the costs of starting a mug business may seem prohibitive at first glance, the rewards can be substantial if managed effectively. Make sure to plan, research, and reinvest in your venture to make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to run a successful coffee mug business.
References
- (Carolyn Padula, “Handmade Ceramic Mug Ideas for Home Decor and Gifts,”Learn2Ceramics, Accessed 8/25/20)
- (Marcus Sweeney, “Mug Making Business Options,” Sweeney Industries, Accessed 8/25/20)