Stop Being A Cheap Bastard (Your Clients Notice)

A few months back, my wife decided she needed some well-earned rest from me and the boys.

So she took herself off to a spa.

It was a Sunday, so I decided to take my two sons to Hawksmoor in Liverpool.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the roast beef and yorkshire pudding delicious and the boys behaved well. (Apart from a minor altercation about which Hot Wheels cars they both wanted next to them as we ate.)

Oh, and my youngest thought it a good idea to try and grab at all the glasses on the table when we arrived. Making quite the entrance!

Just me and the lads having a proper Sunday out.

Then came dessert time. Without looking at the menu I ordered two scoops of chocolate ice cream for me, one each for the boys. Simple enough.

Until I saw the bill.

£4 per scoop. £16 for ice cream.

Sixteen quid!

I could’ve bought four tubs of Häagen-Dazs for that.

The 50p Mistake

Last Sunday the lads were let out on our own again and it was unanimous that we wanted roast beef and Yorkshire pudding at Hawksmoor.

But this time I was smarter. “No ice cream there boys. We’ll find somewhere cheaper after lunch.” I told them.

And we did. A trendy dessert place down the road. £3.50 per scoop. Victory, right?

Wrong.

I’ve got to be honest, this was NOT my kind of place.

The floors were sticky.

The lighting was harsh.

And the whole place just screamed “Instagram influencer”

The ice cream arrived in bowls that looked like they came from a pound shop and the ice cream tasted cheap.The sort that feels a little gritty in your mouth.

Sitting there, watching my boys poke at their disappointing ice cream, it hit me.

I might’ve saved 50p per scoop… But I’d put a downer on our Sunday out.

The atmosphere was gone. The quality was gone. The experience was… cheap.

And suddenly, £16 for ice cream — ice cream we’d have enjoyed, in a restaurant that didn’t feel like the floors had been covered in PVA glue — felt like a bargain.

The Same Mistake Happens with Promotional Mugs Every Day

I see distributors making the same poor choice as I did to try and save a few quid, every day.

A client needs 500 promotional mugs. You’ve got two quotes on your desk.

Supplier A: Uses premium ceramic inks, meets your deadline guaranteed.

Supplier B: “Same quality,” but uses organic inks saving you 5p per mug.

You go with Supplier B. You save £25. Your profit margins are healthier. You look like a hero.

Fast forward three months. Your phone rings –  It’s that same client, and they’re furious. The mugs you sold them? The printing is washing off. Their logo looks like it’s been through a blender.

Now you’re not just dealing with 500 useless mugs. You’re dealing with a client who questions every recommendation you make.

That sick feeling in your gut when a cheap supplier lets you down? That’s the same feeling I had watching my boys push away their disappointing ice cream.

You chose cheap and got exactly what you paid for. Just like I did.

Here’s what I learned on Sunday, and what you already know but maybe need reminding of:

Cheap isn’t cheap when it costs you everything else.

Why Cheap Branded Mugs Destroy Your Reputation

When it comes to corporate mugs and promotional drinkware, quality matters more than margin.

At Prince William Pottery, are we the cheapest? Not all the time.

Do we use premium ceramic inks when others cut corners with cheap alternatives? Every single time.

Do we hit deadlines while others scramble with excuses? It’s what we’re known for.

Do we send samples so you know exactly what you’re getting? Always.

Because we learned something a long time ago: Your reputation is worth more than our margin.

When you put our printed mugs in your client’s hands, they’re not thinking about the 5p you could have saved per mug. They’re thinking about quality. Reliability. The fact that you delivered exactly what you promised, exactly when you promised it.

That’s the difference between a supplier and a partner.

You can roll the dice with the cheap supplier and pray they don’t let you down.

Or you can sleep soundly knowing your order’s in safe hands.

Looking for High-Quality Promotional Mugs in the UK?

Call me on 0151 259 1221 or email. Let’s talk about how to never have that sick-stomach feeling again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Promotional Mugs

Why do some promotional mugs fade in the dishwasher?

Lower-quality ceramic inks or incorrect kiln firing can cause printed designs to fade, scratch or wash off over time. Premium ceramic inks properly fired at high temperatures bond permanently to the glaze.

Are all branded mugs the same quality?

No. The ceramic base, printing process, ink quality and firing standards all affect durability. Two mugs can look identical on day one but perform very differently after repeated washing.

Is it worth paying more for premium promotional mugs?

If your client’s logo represents their brand, then yes. A fading logo damages credibility far more than saving a few pence per unit improves margins.

How can I make sure my promotional mugs are dishwasher safe?

Ask your supplier what ceramic inks they use, how the mugs are fired, and whether they offer printed samples before full production.

What should I look for in a UK promotional mug supplier?

Look for guaranteed deadlines, consistent print quality, premium materials, real customer reviews, and the ability to supply samples before committing to bulk orders.