If you want to help to grow your brand, inspire your tribe, or create a celebration with your organization, you will want to include branded drinkware. It makes sense! A great coffee mug or tumbler can be used nearly every day. It’s a very intimate branded piece (I mean, you put it in your mouth!)…and you don’t have to worry about sizes. A great piece of branded drinkware fits everyone!
But how much does a branded coffee mug cost?
It’s a good question…but a tough one. As we mentioned in this blog post about how much a custom t-shirt costs, it’s a little like asking “how much does a car cost?” It’s a tough question to answer because it depends on a lot of factors. So today we will tackle many of those factors so you can be more knowledgeable when picking the branded coffee mug you put your brand on!
What Kind of Material?
The kind of branded coffee mug you want can play a huge role in the cost. It’s an important question for you to understand because it will ultimately play a big role in whether or not your recipients actually want to use the mug. As I say all of the time, “Most everyone has a favorite mug. But they will often set that aside if you give them one they like better.”
Ceramic
When people think of a traditional coffee mug, the first thing that comes to mind is often the white ceramic coffee mug. And while that is certainly still an option, there are plenty of styles and options around a ceramic piece. Why use ceramic? For many people, it comes down to flavor. Why? Because ceramic is a solid and neutral material, it neither absorbs nor imparts flavors, leaving the coffee to taste just as it should.
Plastic
To me, the reason to choose a plastic coffee mug or tumbler is simple…price. Price is an important consideration in any branding campaign. But it should not be the only consideration. If you are going to use a plastic coffee tumbler, make sure the piece is BPA-free (here’s why). The safety of your customers, employees, and team members need to be at the top of your priority list…so please consider that when choosing your option! As a positive, there are some great BPA-free options and some are actually Made In The USA.
Stainless or Metal
Stainless or metal coffee mugs have become more and more popular over the past 10 years. I love my stainless travel mugs…especially when I am on the road. In addition, stainless has a very high perceived value with your clients. This adds power to the “gift” when you provide it to your recipients. Any time your client thinks you spent $20 on an item you spent $15 on…you are on the right side of that equation! In addition, a stainless coffee mug or tumbler often offers some cool and creative decoration techniques (more on that later).
Finally, in recent years, the technology around stainless has evolved to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold for hours (think Yeti). This leads nicely to…
Single Versus Double Wall
For years, having a double-walled drinkware piece simply meant the mug would not “sweat.” But over the past 10 years, the technology of the Double-wall Vacuum Sealed Coffee Mugs has totally evolved. How does it work?
The key to this high-performance that keeps drinks cold (or hot) longer than traditional double-wall drinkware is a vacuum seal. This process essentially removes all air and other matter from between the interior and exterior walls of the tumbler. Creating a vacuum chamber in the middle of the tumbler stops all heat transfer by either conduction, convection, or radiation.
As you might expect, the double-walled vacuum sealed coffee mug is more expensive. But if you are looking for someone to connect with your brand for an extended period of time…it well might be worth it!
How Is It Being Decorated?
As you may or may not know, there are lots of ways to decorate a coffee mug. And depending on what way you go, it can have a huge impact on the cost of your project. I will go over a few of them here.
Silk Screening
I like to consider this the most standard decoration technique for coffee mugs. Silkscreen is a sophisticated stenciling technique for surface printing, in which a design is cut out of paper or another thin, strong material and then printed by rubbing, rolling, or spraying paint or ink through the cut-out areas. Most of your one or two color imprinting options can be well managed with this technique. This can be a very cost-effective way to imprint your coffee mugs, assuming you have enough quantity.
Pad Print
Pad printing can be a good technique for imprinting mugs when you only need a small quantity. It’s essentially the act of creating a die and “stamping” that imprint onto an item. It’s usually a process used to imprint items that are difficult to decorate using other techniques and is often done one at a time.
Sublimation
Using sublimation, you can create beautiful, full-color designs on a coffee mug. What is sublimation? Sublimation printing uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one. The process allows the ink to go from a solid to a gas without turning to liquid, a bit like dry ice. The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled by pressure. The upside is that, when done right, the images are beautiful and they are not going to come off. There is a downside though…most often, this can be a time-consuming and costly process.
Laser Etching
Laser etching can be a really cool-looking and elegant way to imprint a coffee mug or tumbler. Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. What is created is a light imprint or a tone-on-tone look that can look sharp without being completely “in your face” from a branding perspective.
Other Factors To Consider
Okay…so we have talked about the kind of coffee mug or tumbler and the way it might be decorated. But there are a few more things you want to consider (or questions you might want to ask) before you order your organization’s coffee mugs. Here are a few!
How Many Do You Need?
In nearly every area of life we understand that when we order more, we can often get a better price. That is true with coffee mugs as well. On the other hand, if you only need them for a small team, you might consider your decoration options above so you can get the number you actually need. For example, some people can pad print or sublimate just a few coffee mugs, while you usually need to silkscreen more.
Personalization
We have long known that personalization is a powerful tool. It’s simple. If you put my name on something (maybe in addition to your logo), then I am much more likely to keep it! That puts my name with your brand on a branded piece that I use all of the time. As I said…powerful. But recently the technology to personalize has improved. More and more branded items are allowing you to personalize your customer’s name on them. Combine that with a time (during the pandemic) when it was more important than ever that we do NOT get our coffee mugs mixed up…and the number of orders that include personalization has increased a ton. It’s a powerful tool to use when creating a branding campaign (especially for current customers), but it does usually add cost.
Where Are They Shipping From?
One factor that is often forgotten is shipping. When it comes to branded drinkware, the location the items are shipping from is very important. Coffee mugs are expensive to ship, so I highly recommend that you ask where the FOB point is. If you are in Ohio, and you need an order quickly, shipping 288 coffee mugs from California can become cost-prohibitive.
But How Much Do They Cost?
Yes. I realize that after all of that I have still not given you an answer. I think you may now know why! It’s even harder as I write this because current issues with the supply chain are wreaking havoc on pricing! But because I want to give you an idea, I will define the parameters and give you an idea of what you should be paying…regardless of who you buy custom coffee mugs from. Below I will define the parameters for each of the options below. It will not be a hard and fast quote (you can reach out and request that here), but it can at least give you an idea of where to start.
Traditional Coffee Mug with One Color Imprint
This is basic and cost-effective. You can do something like this for anywhere between $2.15 and $4.00 (depending on quantity). And as I mentioned above, there are plenty of other ceramic styles and options to choose from.
Basic White Coffee Mug with Full-Color Imprint
This is the basic mug option that allows you to provide full-color graphics. With an item like this, you will be looking at anywhere from $4.25 to $7.50.
Plastic Travel Coffee Mug with One Color Imprint
Above I mentioned some of the concerns with plastic coffee mugs, but there are plenty of great BPA-free options. When considering this option you might be looking at anywhere from $3.50 to $7.50.
Stainless Double-Walled Travel Mug with Full-Color Imprint
This is the most expensive option, but it’s also the one with the highest perceived value. The range is wide depending on the brand specificity. For this option, you can spend anywhere from $10.00 to $30.00. This is the reason I have said that you should never buy a Yeti-branded coffee mug. There are some amazing options for this style. If you need help selecting one, feel free to reach out and we can help.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider. My hope is this arms you with information on how to get the right coffee mug for the right budget for your brand. Good luck!
Stop me if you have heard this before. “I went to buy something (anything), and it was ‘out of stock’, ‘back-ordered,’ or ‘more expensive.'” Yeah…us too. The fact is, we are living through a trying time in our economy where supply chain issues and labor challenges are affecting nearly every sector. And the marketing and branding sector is no different. We have been talking about this since early this year.
While you can still get some amazing branded items for your organization, it’s more important than ever that you plan ahead. That is why at Hasseman Marketing, we are making a fairly bold recommendation. It’s July as I write this…but it’s not too early.
You should start thinking about your 4th quarter gifts now.
Don’t get me wrong. This is not some crazy upsell. I am not suggesting you should buy more than normal. No one is trying to trick you. But in case you haven’t noticed, the past 18 months have been a bit different. If you are planning to do year-end gifts this year, you need to get the ball rolling.
Here are two quick tips on buying 4th quarter gifts in 2021.
Order Way Early
If we have said it once, we have said it 20 times…plan way early this year. If you normally plan to order items 4 weeks in advance, plan 12. Seriously. Can you get things faster than that? Yes…sometimes. But more often than not, we are seeing clients have to scramble to get items in time…or not get them at all. That adds a ton of stress to you and your organization. If you know an event is coming, do yourself a favor and order early. Update: We have created this shop based on items with deep inventory. Check it out.
Select More Than One Option
As you are going through your ideas for branded merchandise, we recommend you have a plan A, B, and C! Yes we will work to check stock in advance, but things are changing quickly. One day an item may have “plenty” of stock, but then a big order comes in and it disappears. While you are doing the research, just pick a few backup options that are in the same price range. This will keep you from having to start over if you run into challenges.
There are plenty of things we cannot control in today’s economy. So many things seem to be in flux. That’s why it’s so important to control what we can. And while it might seem crazy to think about ordering year-end gifts now, we can assure you it’s not. If you want to discuss your year-end options, please contact your Hasseman Marketing Account Executive. If you don’t have one, click here to set up a time to chat with one!
It has been a long 18 months of zoom calls, online interviews, and isolation. But now the time has come where in-person events are on the rise again! Most of us are very excited for these events to be back and we have a couple of helpful hints on preparing for these larger in-person events, once again.
1. Wash Your Hands
We might be mostly past the virus (hopefully), but it always good to make washing your hands a routine no matter what! We hope this is one of the habits we can hang onto moving into the future!
2. Check Your Display Inventory
It’s been a full year and a half since most of us have looked at our organization’s display, or even thought about needing them! Well, we are here to tell you, this is the time!
If your backdrops, table covers, and marketing materials have been in storage over that time, a lot of things can happen. You might have a new logo. The company might have updated its messaging. We’ve heard stories of mice getting into boxes and chewing holes backdrops. That is not what we call #marketingjoy! And you don’t want to learn that the day before the event. So, now is the perfect time to check inventory for event display items, or whatever other items you may need.
If you open them up and realized it’s time for a refresh…we got you. We have listed several different displays and options that will help you promote your brand at the next in-person event.
Why? The GeoMetric Display gives you the flexibility to create specific campaigns for your desired audience. Use each panel to tell your story through the combination of pictures, graphics, or text. It’s easy to change the panels allowing you to purchase additional panels for new products, services, or info.
Why? Unlimited design options from simple & clean on one side to intricate graphics on the other side. Also, you can create a great backdrop for photo opportunities.
Why? One less detail to worry about. You don’t have to stress about whether you have a 6-foot table or an 8-foot setup…you have both covered! It also looks classy, is durable, and easy to take care of.
Why? Capture brand awareness or communicate info from on-site events to use back in your office lobby. Easy to break down and set up. Foundation piece for any marketing campaign.
Why? We have been trained over the last year to go “stand on the mark”. Use this as a focal point inside an (open) display or help direct foot traffic your way. This is also a great place to market to those looking down at their phone!
Why? Not a necessity, but a professional and better-organized option than fanned out over a tabletop. Set up as help yourself or use as a tool in your presentation to reinforce the message. Like the retractor, displays can also be used in office lobbies.
So much has changed over the past year. We get that. But now that in-person events are making a comeback, you still want your brand to look sharp and professional. These display options will help ensure your organization is ready to rock when you get to see your customers face to face!
If you like any of these ideas, and/or have other ideas, please contact us at 740-622-7429 or at hassemanmarketing.com and we will be happy to help! And, to never miss another one of these (hopefully) helpful articles, sign up here!
It’s a tradition like no other. For over 15 years, Hasseman Marketing has hosted an “End User” trade show and has invited our customers. It’s evolved and grown over the years and we are quite proud of it. This year’s event will be Thursday, October 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at Coshocton County’s Lake Park! And since we missed hosting the event last year, we are ready to get back after it!
But why should you come? We want this event to be fun AND add a ton of value. Here are 6 reasons to attend The Hasseman Marketing Trade Show.
Incredible Product Access
We invite some of our top (and favorite) supplier reps to showcase their lines at the show. I like to say “There is no way I could fit all of this in my trunk.” You get to see and touch and feel the product and see what it’s really like. We all know that many products look the same online or in a catalog. But when you get them up close you can really see a difference. This is the perfect place to make sure your brand materials are on point.
Idea Generation
As you walk around and see the latest and greatest in Promo, you will come up with some great ideas for upcoming projects. The reality is, the show is at a great time of year for year-end gifts for your team or customers. But some of our best customers come every year and start to plan their marketing for the next year and beyond.
Great SWAG
Nobody leaves empty-handed! We put on a fun event where (with the help of our suppliers) we invest in putting some really cool SWAG in your hands. In addition, we build the event around a theme so you can see how we use a bunch of different items around a theme!
Additional Services
You may think you know all that we do at Hasseman Marketing, but we find that most people discover some new ways to promote their organization! Having all of the ideas in one place can be very illuminating! For example, did you know we do website development or in-house print services? We do. And you can find more about them at the event.
Tasty Food
You have to eat right? We have food and drinks as well. Each year we get compliments about the tasty treats and we know this year will be no different. The event this year is on Thursday, October 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Lake Park Pavilion (in Coshocton). Our goal is to create an event that provides value and fun…and you never want to miss.
Things Have Changed
I am not sure if you heard about it, but a lot has changed since we were able to do this event last! And while we are excited to get back together to get back to normal, there are some real business reasons you should attend. Your organization might have changed logos, brand messaging, go-to-market strategies, where people work, and so much more. Or, like some of our clients, you might just need to update your materials because it’s been 18 months since you’ve needed them!
The County Fair comes around each year, and people come out from all around in order to attend and get that “fair” experience. The animals, the food, the games, the rides, the agriculture, the projects, and even the crowds…it’s all a part of the experience.
For many people, the fair is their favorite time of year, and so your brand has the chance to make them feel special. One way you can stand out is by handing out fun, memorable promotional products they can use. Not only does it make people feel appreciated, but it also is a great marketing opportunity for a potential customer in the future.
It’s a win-win situation!
But County Fairs can really draw a crowd! You don’t want to break your marketing budget. So here are a few affordable, useful promotional products that would be perfect to market your brand at the County Fair!
Who doesn’t need a Fly Swatter? This is an inexpensive, taper-shaped 16-inch fly swatter with an easy, clear place to put your logo. In addition, while you are spending time at the County Fair, you will be reminded that, sometimes, pesky insects can be a bother. So your customers and prospects will line up to get theirs. Perfect giveaway choice! Check it out here.
This is not your average drinking cup, it includes the lid and straw, which also have color-changing capabilities. If you put in cold liquid, the cups change color! Super fun for kids of all ages! This 12 oz Mood Changing cup set has lots of different color options to choose from and are dishwasher safe to ensure the best product for you and your customer! Check it out here.
The Yardstick is light, handy, and a great way to get your name out there! A Yardstick can be the perfect gift at the County Fair. Why? They are functional with a large imprint area, and can be seen all of the fairgrounds! This is an item that will draw people to your booth…and they will keep it long after the fair is over. Check it out here.
If you have ever opened a bag of chips and not finished them, you might feel like a quitter! Just kidding! But when you make that healthy choice, you still want to keep the chips fresh for next time. The round bag clip is perfect to help you do just that. Oh…and with a magnet on the back, you will always know where to find it! Check it out here.
Koozie’s are such a fun giveaway for many reasons and so easy to take with you wherever you go! They collapse into as small as you need them, to fit in your pocket, purse, etc. And, there are so many color options to choose from! This is a great, low-cost item to promote your brand at the County Fair. Check it out here.
The original mood cup has been a winner for years. Why? Because it works. It’s fun and functional. This 17 oz color-changing cup comes in a large variety of colors to choose from, for the perfect marketing tool. We recommend getting them in an assorted color range so that each cup is a small surprise for your prospect or customer! Check it out here.
Any of these products would be a good choice to continue to promote your brand and market yourself effectively. And County Fair time would be the perfect time to do so, with so many new and old faces visiting your area, seeking a great experience, why not be a part of that? Enjoying the County Fair, supporting the community, and creating new business relationships…sounds like a perfect marketing situation to me!
For more affordable County Fair marketing ideas, let’s talk. We can help you create the perfect marketing plan for any event on your calendar. Oh…and never miss an update, sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
The weather is officially making the transition from spring to summer in many parts of the country. The temperature is warming up and so is the desire to get together. People are hungry to have real contact again, and we predict that will lead to some amazing opportunities for outdoor events. This creates some cool opportunities for you and your brand. With more organized events, you can use some great summer swag to recognize employees, appreciate customers and even create awareness with your prospects.
Here are a few pieces of summer swag that are sure to delight the masses.
Sunscreen
Over the course of the past year, hand sanitizer has been a “go-to” promotional product that says “I care.” And it still should be. (We still want to stay clean and safe, right?). But during this season, Sunscreen is the perfect product that sends that same message. This is a super functional piece of branded merchandise that shows you care. If you are having a summer employee event, a golf outing, or are excited to sponsor an outdoor festival, these can be perfect. You can find a few options here.
Beach Towel
When you think of summer, what is better than a beach towel? The answer…not much. We talk about the “worst thing that can happen to a branded beach towel here. They have a huge imprint area, are incredibly functional and the average lifespan of a beach towel is 7 years! How about that for bang for your branded buck? This towel is sand-proof and quick-dry. It’s different and is sure to turn heads. Learn more here.
Vacuum Drinkware
When most people think of summer, we think of sitting on our deck (or by the pool, lake, beach, etc) with a warm breeze in our face and a cool drink in our hand. Right? The right drinkware piece has become essential for enjoying summertime to the fullest. The right vacuum drinkware can keep the hot drinks hot and the cold drinks cold. So if you can provide your employees, customers, and prospects their favorite new drinkware piece, you are going to have a special place in their heart (and on their deck). Here are two drinkware pieces that are sure to delight. And since you can imprint with full color, you can have all kinds of fun with branding too!
Wearables
There are so many items that can fall under branded “wearables,” so let me narrow it down here. I am thinking of t-shirts, sunglasses and branded caps! These are quintessential summer ware! But we are t-shirt snobs. We can tell you all you ever wanted to know about them here. You can’t just hand out some cheap, scratchy shirts if you want your folks to wear them. If you want a summer shirt, think performance, wicking, and soft!
And the same is true for a summer hat! You want to give something to your tribe that they will want to wear. Oh…and don’t be afraid to get creative with your decoration. You don’t just have to splash your logo on the front. You can…no problem. But what about creating a meaningful saying or slogan on the front with your logo on the back? Consider creating a movement with your merch! Yes…we have wearables on our store here too.
Cheers! Here’s to a fun and productive summer with your team and your tribe. If you want to talk about other fun summer ideas, click here to set up a chat! We would love to help. Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
