Whether you are distributing to retail stores or selling to customers, there are important steps you must take to start your mug business right. You have to know the aspects involved – your target market, the scope, and the chances of it being successful.
If you opt to create personalized mugs, you need to educate yourself more about it.
What are Personalized Mugs?
Personalized mugs are designed to fit the preference of your customers. They can request you to print their name, a quote, or a picture of their favorite dog on the mug they are purchasing from you. Unlike those generic printed mugs, every customer will have a unique design for their mugs.
What You Need to Start Your Customized Mug Business
First, you need initial capital to start your personalized mugs business. Then you have to buy the equipment needed – color printer, heat press machine, heat resistance tape, and sublimation transfer paper. There are other methods of making customized mugs, and it’s up to you what method suits you most.
Having a business plan is also crucial regardless of the size of your business. Here, you will include your marketing strategies and business goals. Yes, it does sound like a lot of work and will require investment. But hey, the same goes for starting every other kind of business. The important thing is, you have to be focused on your goals.
You also have to decide whether you’ll be doing the business part-time or full-time. Some prefer to do the business part-time first. Once they gain momentum and find the business profitable enough, then they switch to full-time. Some business owners loke to put everything they have and go full-time from the beginning. However, it’s still up to you to decide what makes a good fit.
Don’t forget to get your business registered. I know you can see some businesses that aren’t registered, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can find a more detailed guide about business license here.
Promoting your Mug Business
There are two ways you can promote your business: online and offline.
For offline promotion, you can start from the people in your neighborhood, your friends, and your family. You can also reach out to local retailers near you.
The best option nowadays is online promotion. It’s easier and you can reach anyone using the internet, especially online shoppers. Sell your products on online marketplaces such as Etsy. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
