How can I make my own run of Starbucks style "you are here" coffee mugs?

January 28, 2020 6:29 PM

Looking for places that do bulk orders of coffee mugs with wrap-around art... similar to the Starbucks "you are here" mugs.

Note: I've already done a general Google search for custom mugs, but everything I've found are companies that make promo items, either with single logos, or chintzy placements of photos that "kinda" wrap-around, but don't take up the full mug... like this here Starbucks mug. I'm looking to create and order 500+, so a small handmade shop won't work either...

posted by Unsomnambulist to Grab Bag (4 answers total)

I had great luck doing something similar with zazzle.com. Totally flexible wrap around design Which can consist of multiple images placed exactly as you like, and really nice quality. Zazzle is a serious site and the supplier definitely seemed capable of doing large orders, but I only ordered around 20 so can’t speak as to whether it’s an economical option for a 500+ run.
posted by exutima at 7:05 PM on January 28, 2020

There's a few here that allow for full including under-the-handle wrap:
https://www.imprintitems.com/custom/cat/topic-full-color-4cp-sublimation-mug - is that what you had in mind or do you want something 3D like that Starbucks mug appears to be?
posted by brainmouse at 7:08 PM on January 28, 2020 [1 favorite]

I did that with Zazzle as well. They print to within about 0.5 to 0.25" of the mug handle, and that area is blank (the area right around and under the handle). I laid out my design in Photoshop, and just uploaded it as one picture, so I can't speak to their layout tools. The mugs came out really nice and sharp, even the lettering.
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 9:36 PM on January 28, 2020

I think zazzle and many others use thermal printing that fades. The promotional shops have really cheesy sites, but you want custom printed wraparound 4 color mugs in bulk. Looks like an order of 500 will be about $5 each plus setup.

I'd chat with a couple companies and learn the terms so you get a quality product. imprintitems.com that brainmouse linked uses the term sublimation, says it's dish-washer safe. At 500 mugs, you can get a properly printed mug.
posted by theora55 at 7:31 AM on January 29, 2020