How to Make Money Online Selling Mugs – Beginner’s Guide

Do you want to learn how to make money online selling mugs? If you are searching for a fun and profitable way to make some cash online this may be a fantastic idea for you.

In this blog post, I am going to show you how to earn money selling mugs on Etsy using the print-on-demand model.

I recently came across this amazing success story of an Etsy store called “MugMania” (I have changed the name here) that sold over 100 mugs in just one week, and I thought I’d share the process with you, step by step.

Ready to jump in?

Let’s do this!

What is a Print on Demand Business Model?

First, let me explain what the print-on-demand model is all about.

Imagine wanting to sell your own line of quirky t-shirts but not having to worry about buying hundreds of shirts, stocking them in your garage, and dealing with all the shipping hassles. Sounds fantastic, right?

Well, that’s where print-on-demand comes in.

All you need to do is create a unique design, upload it to a print-on-demand platform, and voila! The platform takes care of everything else for you – printing, packing, and shipping – whenever someone orders your product. It’s that simple!

This model is super versatile and works perfectly for a whole range of products, like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and even home décor items. Plus, you can offer loads of customization options, making your products even more unique and appealing.

For instance, imagine selling your own customized “coffee lover” mugs without needing to store hundreds of them in your garage.

All you need to do is create a design, upload it to a print-on-demand platform, and you’re good to go! When someone orders your product, the platform handles the printing and shipping for you.

Selling mugs on Etsy is perfect for this model since you can create custom designs without worrying about managing orders and inventory yourself.

Now, let me walk you through the process, using the successful “MugMania” Etsy store as our example:

Step 1: Time for Some Research

Before anything else, you need to understand what’s popular on Etsy. What types of mugs are selling like hotcakes? Look for mugs with loads of sales and positive reviews.

For example, I found that mugs with funny quotes like “I’m not a morning person” or cute illustrations of animals sipping coffee tend to be quite popular. Make a note of any recurring themes or designs that catch your eye.

Making Money Selling Mugs Online: Types of Mugs that Sell Well

Funny and Witty Quotes

Mugs with hilarious quotes or puns are a huge hit on Etsy. People love to start their day with a chuckle, so a mug that brings a smile to their face is always in demand.

For example, mugs with sayings like “I like my coffee like I like my mornings – dark and bitter” or “I’m silently judging your coffee choice” are quite popular.

Inspirational and Motivational Messages Mugs

Mugs that inspire or motivate people are also big sellers. Think of quotes that help kickstart someone’s day on a positive note or keep them going through a tough afternoon.

This may include mugs with phrases like “Believe in yourself” or “You’ve got this!” These mugs make great gifts for friends, family, or coworkers who could use a little boost.

Pop Culture References and Fandom Mugs

There’s a massive audience out there for mugs featuring pop culture references or designs related to their favorite movies, TV shows, books, or games.

For instance, mugs with quotes from popular TV series like “Game of Thrones” or iconic movie lines like “May the froth be with you” from Star Wars are always in demand.

Personalized and Customizable Mugs

Many people love the idea of having a mug that’s uniquely theirs, and that’s where personalized mugs come into play. You’ll find mugs on Etsy that allow customers to add their names, initials, or even their own photos.

For example, a mug that says “World’s Best Mom, [Name]” or one with a pet’s photo can be a big hit.

Cute and Adorable Illustrations

Mugs with adorable illustrations, such as animals, flowers, or food, are another popular choice. These designs are usually simple yet charming, making them an excellent gift option or a delightful addition to someone’s mug collection. Some ideas may include mugs with cute sloths hanging from branches or whimsical teacups filled with blooming flowers.

Minimalistic and Abstract Designs

For those who prefer a more sophisticated look, minimalistic and abstract designs are also in demand. These mugs often feature clean lines, geometric patterns, or subtle color schemes, making them a chic and stylish choice. For instance, a mug with a sleek black-and-white marble pattern or a design featuring simple geometric shapes can be quite popular.

Step 2: Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Once you have a feel for the market, it’s time to design your own unique mug. I personally love using Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create eye-catching, one-of-a-kind designs that’ll make your mug stand out from the crowd.

For instance, you could create a mug with a hilarious pun like “Espresso yourself!” or a beautiful hand-drawn illustration of a sleepy cat wrapped around the mug.

Step 3: Choose Your Print-on-Demand Partner

Now that you have your design ready, you’ll need to pick a print-on-demand platform. I’ve heard great things about Printful and Teespring, which both work well with mugs.

Make sure to choose a platform that integrates easily with Etsy, so listing your product will be a breeze. For example, Printful seamlessly connects with your Etsy store, making it simple to manage your products and orders.

Step 4: Make Your Product Shine on Etsy

With your design and print-on-demand platform sorted, it’s time to showcase your mug on Etsy.

I always recommend creating an eye-catching title like “Witty Coffee Lover’s Mug” or “Adorable Cat Cuddle Mug,” a detailed description that highlights the unique aspects of your design, and using high-quality images for your listing.

Don’t forget to use the keywords you identified during your research to make sure your mug pops up in Etsy search results!

Step 5: Spread the Word

And finally, you need to get people talking about your awesome mug! For this, you can use social media, email marketing, or even paid advertising to reach your target audience – people who appreciate unique mugs and are known to shop on Etsy.

For example, you could share your mug on Instagram or Facebook using some engaging captions like “Are you a proud coffee lover? Check out our hilarious new mug!” and relevant hashtags, such as #coffeemug or #catlovers.

By following these steps, you can make money selling mugs on Etsy using the print-on-demand model, provided you out in the required hard work.

Important Things To Remember When Selling Mugs on Etsy

• Keep your mug designs simple and easy to read. For example, a short, witty quote like “Caffeine and kindness” is more likely to catch a customer’s eye than a long, complex one.
• Offer a variety of mug designs to appeal to a broader audience. Some people might prefer minimalistic designs, like a sleek black mug with a subtle coffee bean illustration, while others might love vibrant, colorful patterns, such as a tropical-themed mug with bright flowers and birds.
• Use high-quality images in your product listings to show off your mug in the best light. Consider hiring a professional photographer or investing in a good camera to capture stunning photos of your mugs. You can also create mockups using tools like Placeit to showcase your designs in a realistic setting.
• Price your products competitively. Look at similar products on Etsy and make sure your price is in line with the competition. For example, if most mugs in your niche are priced between $15 and $20, you could price yours at $18 to stay competitive while still making a profit.
• Always provide top-notch customer service. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and address any concerns or issues they might have. A happy customer is more likely to leave a positive review, which in turn can attract more buyers to your store.

Concluding Thoughts

Making money online by selling mugs on Etsy using the print-on-demand model is an exciting and profitable way to start an online business.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, inspired by the success of the “MugMania” Etsy store, you can set up your own thriving Etsy store and generate sales.

Just remember to research your market, create attention-grabbing designs, and actively promote your products to drive traffic to your store.

So, what are you waiting for? Start designing your own amazing mugs today!