Coffee Mug Buying Guide

With custom promotional items, businesses can put their brand names out to the world in a fun, creative way — and coffee mugs are an effective way to get started. Consider the fact that 62% of adults in the United States drink coffee every day. When you have a daily habit, it’s cheaper to brew your own coffee. It doesn’t end there — most people have an emotional attachment to their favorite mug, making it even more pleasant to enjoy a cup at home each morning.

All that considered, it’s easy to see why using coffee mugs for advertisement purposes is such a savvy idea. Here are several helpful tips to guide you in choosing the perfect promotional mugs for your business.

Selecting the Mug’s Material

Not all coffee mugs are created equal. While one mug may be microwave-safe, another may be strictly handwash-only. It’s important to select the right material when deciding on the perfect mug. The material affects a mug’s overall functionality and durability, so you’ll want to consider it as you choose. Additionally, some styles may only be available in certain materials.

Ceramic

These mugs have a traditional look and can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. From classic to unique styles, promotional ceramic coffee mugs have endless possibilities. Additionally, they’re cost-effective, can retain heat and are easy to clean. A custom ceramic mug also presents a suitable surface for many brand designs.

However, even though they’re heavier, they do break more easily than mugs made of plastic or stainless steel. Because of their somewhat fragile nature, ceramic mugs aren’t the best mug option for traveling.

Glass

A branded glass mug will offer a unique look that makes a lasting impression on customers and colleagues alike. Perfect for iced coffees and other cold beverages, they’re non-permeable and last for a long time with proper handling.

That said, they’re fragile, so they don’t travel well. These mugs have a limited range of colors and styles to choose from.

Plastic

The affordability of plastic coffee mugs makes them one of the best options around for customizing mugs on a tight budget. These mugs are lightweight and can often be found in recyclable options, making even the plastic versions eco-friendly. Although they can be customized in a wide range of sizes and colors, they don’t retain heat as well as other materials.

Stainless Steel

If you’re more interested in promotional travel mugs, stainless steel is the perfect option. These mugs are durable, and because of their longevity and reusability, are also eco-friendly. Plus, stainless steel mugs retain beverage temperatures better than any other material and come in many styles. Most stainless steel mugs come with leak-proof lids, making them ideal for people on the go.

While they can be customized with various colors for company branding, stainless steel mugs also come at a higher cost.

Choosing the Mug’s Style

There are many design options to consider to find the best promotional coffee mugs. Whether you want a modern look or something more functional, the perfect style is waiting for your promotional branding.

When considering which style would be ideal, think about tailoring a mug that matches your business. A brand’s promotional coffee mugs should be a reflection of the company they represent. Refer to this list of the most popular types of coffee mugs and their characteristics to help you decide on the perfect design.

Diner and Restaurant Mugs

These types of mugs are perfect for bringing about that classic diner feeling. Although shiny white is the perfect option for a nostalgic look, they come in a variety of colors and styles. These mugs are typically made of ceramic with a thicker body and handle. Plus, they can retain the temperatures of hot beverages much longer due to their thickness.

Travel Mugs and Tumblers

For coffee on the go, most people prefer travel coffee mugs and tumblers. These are the most functional and portable options for making and taking coffee anywhere, available in materials such as plastic and stainless steel. Many are designed with spill-free lids and offer insulation features to keep beverages at the perfect temperature for hours on end. Also, custom tumblers can be found in eco-friendly options.

Offered in sizes from 10 ounces to 52 ounces, travel mugs or tumblers are an excellent option for adding your brand.

Tumblers With Handles

Traveling with tumblers is simple and efficient. These insulated models keep beverages warm or cold for long periods. If you’re always on the move, a promotional handled tumbler is perfect for your applications. Ordering new handled tumbler products makes it easy to enjoy your favorite beverages year-round. Your customers and employees will enjoy the convenience of a portable tumbler with an ergonomic handle.

Our portable tumblers make it easy to take a comfortable, temperature-controlled mug everywhere. Users can carry liquids seamlessly while keeping the stainless steel container level. Similar to standard tumblers, you can design these products with different colors, patterns and images. Whether you are hosting a company party or plan on doing giveaways, tumblers with handles are versatile for any occasion and help users instantly recall your brand.

Promotional handled tumblers are ideal for long commutes. Drink coffee, tea, water and other beverages on the road with ease. These accessories fit in most vehicle cup holders, and the handles make it simple to find the lid opening between sips. Bring tumblers with handles anywhere from the office to a classroom without missing a step. Minimize spills when you equip orders with specialty lids that reduce leaks.

Our tumbler products are made to the highest quality standards. Exterior handles keep their shape and stay in place since most are designed with premium plastic materials. Choose from comfortable C-shape and D-shape handle configurations so you can forget about accidental drops. You can browse new handled tumbler offerings in practical sizes. Everyone attending your next event will remember your brand with a quality travel mug.

Camper Mugs

This style of mug boasts details of a classic camping mug. These mugs have a wide diameter and are usually made out of ceramic or stainless steel. Some of them even offer an enamel coating with a classic speckled pattern. A camper mug’s sturdy design makes it nearly unbreakable, yet they’re lightweight and easy to carry. Furthermore, camper mugs are typically low-cost.

Bistro Mugs

Available in a variety of colors and sizes, bistro mugs boast a stylish rounded design. Most suitable for rounded logos, they can convey all the charms of a quaint coffee shop or bistro with personality and flair. These mugs are available in eco-friendly options and are often found in ceramic or glass.

C-Handle Mugs

One of the more common styles of mugs, the classic c-handle is seen in homes and offices worldwide. Offered at an extremely low cost and a wide selection, c-handle mugs make a fantastic choice for company coffee mugs. These mugs are generally made of glass or ceramic and come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an ideal way to promote your business brand.

Cafe Mugs

Often seen with a more modern design, cafe mugs are tall and sleek. These can be found in sizes ranging from 9 ounces to 18 ounces, holding much more than the average-sized coffee mug. Most cafe mugs are created with ceramic or glass. Suitable for any modest budget, cafe mugs can be customized in a wide range of colors and make for an effective canvas as a custom promotional product.

Screen Printing vs. Full-Color Printing

After you’ve selected the kind of mug you’d like to use for promoting your business, it’s time to decide on customization. There are two options to choose from regarding coffee mug customization — screen printing and full-color printing. Be sure to understand the differences between the two, as they can impact the design of your company mugs and how much you spend on them.

See what makes screen printing and full-color printing different so you can choose the color printing option that’s best suited for your promotional needs:

Screen Printing

As the most popular method for branding customizable promotional products, screen printing is a good option for businesses on a limited budget. This is an effective choice for a business that wants to opt for something simplistic, as it’s recommended you use only one color for screen printing. However, the result is a crystal-clear business name or logo at an affordable price.

If you like the idea of having more than one color but only want to use the screen printing option, there’s a way to get it accomplished. Look for mugs that already feature a splash of color — you can sometimes find mugs with colorful interiors, handles and bases. These features can be excellent to work with in addition to using screen printing.

Full-Color Printing

When you’re interested in more than one color, full-color printing is the next and best option. Images with an array of colors, such as photographs and multi-colored logos, are printed onto customizable mugs. This method of printing works well for eye-catching and creative designs. While it does cost a bit more than the screen printing method, it can upgrade branded mugs from ordinary to extraordinary.

How to Create an Eye-Catching Branded Coffee Mug

Throughout the design process, one of the most important points to keep in mind is that you want your promotional products to stand out for the world to see. There are many ways to draw attention to your company’s coffee mugs. Using color, shape and size, you can create something truly unique and personalized for your business. A positive lasting impression can pique the interest of new clientele and serve as a reminder for current customers.

Make Your Colors Known

Every business has representative colors. Be sure to use them on your mugs. If your company logo has blue, make sure either the mug itself or the print on the mug is that shade of blue. If your brand has multiple colors, you could use one as a background while the other could be printed as a design. No matter how it’s done, make sure your colors are well-represented. Remember, the mugs you customize should be a reflection of your business.

Pick Unique Styles

Consider that the more unique the shape of a mug is, the more eye-catching it’ll be. When company mugs are interesting and exciting enough, they’re more apt to be shared online through photos on social media. Once the word gets out about how wonderful your company mugs look, your company may see an uptick in social media followers or website visits. Plus, your employees’ or clients’ families and friends may even want one!

Add Some Personality

When customizing a branded mug, it’s not a requirement to stick solely to the company name or logo. Try adding other components, such as illustrations or slogans, for a touch of personality. Sometimes, a positive message or a simple pun can help brighten someone’s day — and creating a positive connection between the company and the consumer is always a good thing. Use coffee mug customization as an opportunity to make such a connection.

Invest in Sustainability

Investing in reusable, promotional coffee cups is an excellent way to spread the word about your business while helping protect the environment. Choose dishwasher-safe options for an added bonus to help users conserve water. Pick durable materials such as stainless steel for products that will last for years before ending up in a landfill. Even some plastic mugs can be designed with recyclable materials.

Keep Functional Features in Mind

Ensuring your coffee mugs offer function is key. Consider microwave-safe mugs for when you or others need to reheat drinks throughout the workday. Alternatively, coffee mugs that come with matching spoons make a charming combination for those who take sugar or cream with their beverages. Similarly, lids with straws will prove to be helpful for people who take their iced coffee with them on the road.

Additionally, you’ll want to think about the size of your branded coffee mugs — the larger the cup, the more it’ll hold. In some cases, bigger is better, especially when it comes to a travel cup. However, smaller options can also be just as useful, such as cups that are perfect for espresso shots in the office or at home.

Uses for Promotional Mugs

There are many ways to implement promotional mugs for the benefit of your company. Specifically, coffee mugs make ideal promotional products because they’re something functional enough to use every single day. When you’re getting ready to pass out customized mugs, keep your audience in mind and consider ways to extend the brand’s reach.

Giving mugs away as gifts to new or repeat customers can be a great way to keep your brand name fresh in their minds. Adding brands to coffee cups in bistros, bars and restaurants will remind people of where they’re enjoying their delicious meal or refreshing drink. Handing them out at special events such as business conferences can also be a great way to engage the interest of potential consumers.

As you can see, you can use promotional mugs for more than just business — they can also make great souvenirs for birthday parties, family reunions and summer camps.

Find Top Custom Promotional Products at ePromos

Are you looking for top promotional products for your business? Offering numerous options for coffee mugs —— ePromos is dedicated to providing you with the best promotional products available to make your business stand out from the rest. Whether you know what you’re looking for or need some extra help, our brand consultants are ready to help you find the ideal products to meet your needs.

If you’re seeking promotional products, allow us to help you. Call us today at (855) 240-7275.

Additional Drinkware Resources:

• Coffee Fun Facts
• The Ultimate Guide to Promotional Drinkware