1000 mug order: do it ourselves or source?

don't convert, buy a richo, especially if work is seasonal, - avoid cloggs (unless dutch)

I would convert if you have the printer there not being used. 7880 is a decent printer. If you buy cheap presses then don't expect to print like the best out there. This would largely depend on your designs as some are harder to get right in a press. Also, getting a mug you are happy with is again yrial and error. I know there are people on here who swear by certain mugs where I would consider them seconds. Getting colours spot on out of the printer is more fun to be had. Don't expect it to be plain sailing with no wastage to cost in to the scenario.

You will get plenty of advice on here but it will vary as different things work for different people. No set rules basically and you eventually find out for yourself what works.

Personally, I would sub contract initially and start learning the ropes yourself without the pressure of the big runs. Eventually you might then get to that level. Outsourcing you can get the mugs in the low £1.30's so you would still have plenty of margin to buy the set-up and make a profit.

Hi Postcard

I have PM'd you with a price as bulk dye sub mugs is what I spealise in. Extensive research tells me that I am the cheapest in the UK :-)

However I would like to share my thoughts on your initial request.

If you have the determination and think you can get repeat orders then it may be worth you trying to do it yourself. Do not mess around with cheap kit, go out and but decent kit especially if it could be seasonal. You will be so glad that you can turn on your Ricoh after a month left idle and it still works. Also purchasing a five in one mug press will speed up your production. Go for a press where you can turn the presses on and off so if you are only doing one mug you do not need to put four blanks in.

Lastly, buy good quality mugs!!!! As I print so many I purchase direct from China, this took over a year to source a good supplier but is worth it now, If I buy in the UK I have used BMS. There mugs and service has been excellent.

That said, the other way to look at it is if you out source to a good supplier who can give you a good trade price (hint hint :-)) then you are making money off them while you can concentrate on earning more on other items. Granted you may not make as much money, but then you do not have any of the problems either.