Custom Mugs Business: How to Make Your Own Personalized Mugs​​

Custom mugs have become one of the most stable and beginner-friendly sectors in the print-on-demand industry. Want to create your own personalized mugs and sell them online? This guide will walk you through the process of making and selling custom coffee mugs step-by-step. Whether you're looking to develop a side hustle or build an online brand, selling custom mugs is a great option.

5 Steps to make custom coffee mugs

Designing your own coffee mug isn't as difficult as you might think. If you'd like to try it yourself, you can easily make a meaningful coffee mug for yourself or your family using only a marker and an oven. There are many videos on YouTube that teach you how to DIY mugs at home.

However, if you're looking to build a profitable custom mug business, producing and shipping through an on-demand printing service like PeaPrint is the best option. Let's begin your mug design journey with five simple steps.

Step 1: Define your mug niche

While print on demand mugs are one of the most beginner-friendly categories in the POD industry, competition remains fierce. Therefore, it's crucial to define your target customer segment before you begin designing; a clear market niche can significantly reduce competition. Instead of targeting "coffee lovers," be more precise and target specific groups like "office workers needing motivation" or "pet lovers who enjoy coffee." The more precise your niche, the more your personalized mugs will resonate with customers, and the higher your chances of a sale.

To better research the market and select niches, you can use keyword research tools like Semrush or check Google Trends to see what people are interested in. You can also use AI tools like Chatgpt to brainstorm ideas.

The key to choosing a niche is to combine your creative ideas with market demand, so that the mugs you make are the products that customers truly want.

Step 2: Custom mug printing with Print on Demand

Print on demand is the best way to customize mugs and start a mug business. You can choose from a variety of different mug styles, then upload your design files and let a POD service provider handle printing and fulfillment. With POD, you can quickly test your business idea without equipment and inventory. You can start a business even if you don't have much start-up capital.

Pros: No inventory or equipment required, quickly test business ideas, low-risk entrepreneurship.

Cons: The fulfillment process cannot be controlled, which may lead to order delays.

If you're planning to start a business with custom mugs, this affordable, low-risk approach is perfect. Start designing your mug for free now!

Step 3: Pick your mugs

Mugs of different styles and materials vary in appearance, feel, and lifespan. How do you choose your mug? The key is to match it to your desired mug niche. Let's take a look at the styles and materials available for mugs.

Mug styles

Classic ceramic mug: This is undoubtedly the most popular choice for everyday use, and it works with almost any design, including text, photos, and logos.

Travel mugs: Those are perfect for busy working professionals to enjoy a drink anytime, anywhere on busy mornings. They can also be used outdoors and are usually made of stainless steel.

Color -changing mugs: These mugs change color when heated. When hot water is poured in, a pattern will appear, making them perfect for customers who like novelties.

Large capacity mugs: This is ideal for coffee lovers and office workers who want to reduce the number of refills.

Material

Ceramic mugs: The most common choice, offering good insulation and a smooth printing surface.

Enamel mugs: Lightweight and durable, perfect for camping or outdoor branding.

Stainless steel mugs: Durable, easy to carry, and suitable for outdoor or sports-related applications.

Glass mugs: Stylish and modern, often used in minimalist or artistic designs, but require careful handling.

Besides style and material, there are other factors to consider when choosing a custom mug. For example, capacity is generally more popular; 11-ounce mugs are often preferred, while 15-ounce mugs are better suited for latte enthusiasts or those who like large coffees. Also, not all mugs are dishwasher safe, which may affect a customer's purchasing decision. Therefore, choose carefully based on your needs and goals.

Step 4: Create the design

Design is at the heart of any custom mug business. Mugs are likely to be used every day, meaning your design must be both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. You can choose from a variety of approaches to designing your mugs, depending on your skills, time, and budget.

For beginners

For design beginners, Canva is the best design tool, allowing you to easily create personalized mugs even without experience. With their pre-made templates, you can upload images, add text, or add logos.

If you want to keep it even simpler, you can also use Midjourney or other AI design tools to get inspiration or generate designs directly.

In addition, hire freelance designers to design for you or collaborate with artists and share the profits. Remember: consistency in your style helps build a recognizable brand image over time.

For experts

If you possess various graphic editing skills, the possibilities are endless when using professional graphic design software like Photoshop and Illustrator. These tools are ideal for creating a wide range of print-on-demand designs. You can directly upload your design files to print-on-demand platforms like PeaPrint and apply them directly to product models using our mockup generators, allowing you to test their real-world effect.

Mockup generators are crucial for print-on-demand because some designs that look great on screen may not look as good on curved cups.

Related Resources : 12 Best Product Mockup Generator Websites

Step 5: Order your own mug or sell it online

If you customize mug with print-on-demand, once your design is complete, you can order for yourself, friends and family, or start selling them on your online store. Before you begin selling, be sure to order samples to check the product and print quality. If you're satisfied, you can sell your mugs through the following methods:

• Build your own e-commerce website through platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Sell through marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.
• Sell through mainstream social media stores such as TikTok Shop, Facebook Shops, or YouTube Shopping.

Upload your product, set the price, and once someone makes a purchase, let your print-on-demand supplier handle the printing, packaging, and shipping to the customer.

5 Methods for custom mug printing

There are many ways to print designs on mugs , and they are suitable for a variety of materials and surface finishes. Understanding these printing methods will help you choose the best option that balances quality, durability, and cost.

Dye sublimation printing

Dye sublimation printing is one of the most popular and widely used methods for custom coffee mugs . It works by using high temperature and pressure to convert solid dye ink into a gas, which then bonds directly to a specially coated ceramic mug. The ink no longer remains on the surface but becomes an integral part of the mug itself.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting prints
• Smooth finish with no texture or raised ink
• Excellent color vibrancy and photo-quality results
• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe when done correctly

Cons:

• Requires polyester-coated or specially treated mugs
• Works best on white or light-colored mugs

UV printing

UV printing is a modern technology that uses ultraviolet light to print ink directly onto the surface of a mug, instantly curing the ink during the printing process. Unlike thermal sublimation printing, UV ink simply adheres to the surface of the mug, rather than penetrating it. This allows UV ink to be printed on a wider range of materials, including ceramics, metals, glass, and even plastics.

Pros:

• High precision and sharp details
• Suitable for dark-colored mugs
• Works on multiple materials

Cons:

• Ink may be less resistant to long-term abrasion
• Not always dishwasher-safe unless treated
• Slightly raised texture may be noticeable

Digital printing

Digital printing uses a specialized inkjet printer designed for curved surfaces to spray ink directly onto the mug. After the ink dries or cures, the design remains on the mug's surface. This method is flexible and efficient, suitable for rapid production and small-batch orders .

Pros:

• Fast turnaround time
• Cost-effective for small quantities
• Capable of producing complex designs
• No setup required for each design

Cons:

• Colors may fade faster over time
• Often not dishwasher safe

Direct screen printing

Direct screen printing is a traditional printing method that works by transferring ink onto the surface of a cup through a screen template. This technology is highly efficient for large-volume orders with simple designs.

Pros:

• Excellent durability
• Strong, solid color coverage
• Very cost-effective for bulk orders

Cons:

• Limited number of colors
• Not suitable for photo or gradient designs
• High setup cost for small quantities

Transfer printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing a design onto special transfer paper, then using heat and pressure to transfer it onto the mug. This method is relatively simple and flexible, making it popular for small-scale customization. If you want to make personalized mugs at home, this method is suitable.

Pros:

• Works with a wide range of designs
• Compatible with various mug materials
• Low equipment cost

Cons:

• Lower durability compared to other methods
• Design may peel or crack over time
• Not ideal for mass production

How to customize mugs with PeaPrint

If you're looking for a reliable print-on-demand supplier for custom mugs, PeaPrint can meet all your customization needs. Our printing services ensure professional quality, a wide variety of exquisite products, fast worldwide shipping, and dedicated support. Whether you're designing a photo mug as a gift or planning to launch a complete line of custom mugs, we can handle everything from printing to delivery.

Sign up

Register for a free PeaPrint account to access our on-demand printing platform and easy-to-use design tools .

Pick a mug

Find the drinkware collection under the Home & Living category and choose your favorite mug style. In addition to coffee mugs, we also offer a variety of other beverage items, including travel mugs, wine glasses, and more.

Customize the design

using PeaPrint 's design tools and instantly preview lifelike models. You can customize individual mugs for personal use, purchase in bulk for events, or connect to your online store to start selling globally.

4 Trending mug design ideas

Whether you're customizing mugs for your store or making gifts for family , staying on top of design trends will make your creations stand out. Here are four of the hottest mug design ideas:

Custom mugs with logo

Put your brand directly into customers' daily routines. Custom logo mugs are a powerful branding tool because they combine practicality with long-term visibility. Every time someone enjoys their morning coffee or afternoon tea, your brand stays front and center.

These mugs are widely used for:

• Cafes, studios, and retail stores
• Corporate gifts and onboarding kits
• Trade shows, conferences, and promotional events

You can customize logo mugs with your brand colors, slogans, or minimalist designs to create cohesive merchandise that feels professional rather than promotional.

Personalized photo mugs

Transform meaningful moments into something you can hold. Personalized photo mugs remain one of the best-selling custom mug categories because they are deeply emotional and highly personal. From pet portraits and family photos to travel memories and special occasions, photo mugs turn everyday drinkware into keepsakes.

Popular customization options include:

• Multiple photo layouts
• Names, dates, or short messages
• Seasonal or holiday-themed frames

These mugs are especially popular as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and holidays, making them a reliable year-round seller.

Custom mugs with funny memes

Start the day with a laugh before the first sip. Funny meme mugs tap into humor, internet culture, and shared experiences. Whether it is a clever one-liner, a relatable joke, or a trending meme, humor-driven designs often perform well on social media and impulse-buy channels. Keeping designs timely, original, and easy to read ensures your funny mugs stay relevant and avoid copyright issues.

Custom mugs with art

Art mugs allow creators and brands to express individuality through illustration, typography, and color. Artists, designers, and creative brands often use mugs as a way to monetize artwork while offering customers a functional product.

Art-based mug designs are ideal for:

• Original illustrations and hand-drawn designs
• Abstract patterns and modern typography
• Limited-edition or collectible collections

With high-resolution printing, even the smallest details remain sharp and vibrant, making art mugs feel premium and unique rather than mass-produced.

Why sell customized mugs?

According to the latest market research, the global mug market is projected to reach $580.5 billion by 2032. As people's demand for personalized products increases, customized mugs are becoming increasingly popular. Customized mugs not only serve as a promotional tool but also fulfill people's gift-giving needs.

Therefore, mugs are one of the most ideal customized products, representing a huge market opportunity. Join this multi-billion dollar customization market now through PeaPrint POD, sell your personalized mugs, and earn substantial profits!

FAQs

Are custom printed mugs profitable?

Yes, custom mugs can be highly profitable when produced and sold with the right strategy. Their production cost is relatively low, especially when using print-on-demand services, while their perceived value is much higher due to personalization and everyday usefulness. Custom mugs also benefit from consistent year-round demand, unlike seasonal products. Sellers can further increase profit margins by targeting specific niches, offering personalized options, or selling in bundles for gifts and corporate orders.

Do custom mugs sell well online?

Custom mugs sell exceptionally well online because they are easy to understand, visually appealing, and suitable for a wide range of buyers. They perform strongly on e-commerce websites, online marketplaces, and social media platforms where customers frequently look for gifts or personalized items. Mugs are lightweight, easy to ship, and familiar to consumers, which reduces purchase hesitation. Additionally, search demand for personalized mugs, photo mugs, and logo mugs remains consistently high, making them a reliable product category for long-term online sales.

Can I make mugs without design experience?

Absolutely. You do not need professional design experience to start making and selling custom mugs. Many print-on-demand platforms provide user-friendly design tools, templates, and mockups that allow beginners to create polished designs in minutes. You can also work with freelance designers, use licensed artwork, or focus on text-based and minimalist designs that require little technical skill.

Conclusion

The custom mugs business is a perfect blend of creativity and commerce. With low barriers to entry, flexible production models, and endless design possibilities, it offers a scalable opportunity for entrepreneurs, artists, and online sellers.

By defining a clear niche, choosing the right printing method, and partnering with PeaPrint , you can create personalized mugs that customers love and use every day.