Your Clients Think Your Mugs Are Shit (And They Might Be Right)

A few months ago, I ventured to Bradford — the jewel of West Yorkshire — to inspect what I was told was the future of drinkware printing technology.

Now, getting me out of the factory is like coaxing a hermit crab from its shell. It takes something special.

This machine sounded special.

Full-colour designs printed directly onto the mug surface.

Swap between mug styles, bottles, and drinkware in moments.

UV technology that would supposedly slash electricity costs.

(And don’t get me started on the astronomical quotes I’ve been getting for our new electricity contract — that’s a horror story for another day.)

On paper, this was the pinnacle of modern mug printing.

But what I discovered should concern anyone buying promotional mugs in 2026.

The Rise of “Quick Print” Promotional Mugs

The machine was impressive to watch.

Flashes of UV light danced across the mug surface. Designs appeared like magic. It was fast. It was slick.

I’ll admit it — I was geeking out.

This is the kind of technology that distributors get excited about:

• Faster turnaround

• Lower energy usage

• Full colour flexibility

• No screens or transfers

For anyone selling branded mugs, it looks like a dream.

Until you ask the right question.

The 300 Wash Problem

I asked about ink cohesion.

(I speak fluent mug jargon.)

The technician puffed out his chest and proudly declared:

“The design will last approximately 300 dishwasher cycles.”

I nodded politely.

Inside, I was screaming.

300 washes?

That’s not durability. That’s temporary branding.

If you’re not a mug-maniac like me, let me translate:

Saying a printed mug lasts 300 washes is like saying your brand new Nike running shoes are good for 17 miles.

Technically usable. Practically disappointing.

Durable Promotional Mugs vs Disposable Branding

Your clients don’t want:

• Logos fading after 10 months

• Colours dulling within a year

• Complaints from staff or customers

• A phone call that starts with:
  “The logos are washing off our mugs…”

Because when that happens, the mug doesn’t just look cheap.

Your client looks cheap.

Right now, there are distributors promising “dishwasher safe promotional mugs” while unknowingly sourcing from suppliers using these quick-fade UV technologies.

It’s like everything else in this country at the moment – promising the world and delivering disappointment.

We’ve got a Prime Minister who doesn’t know what he stands for. He declares he wants growth while taxing businesses to death, energy bills that would make your eyes water, and now printing technology that’s going backwards.

Is this really the “change” we were promised?

Why Ceramic Inks Still Win (After 50 Years)

At Prince William Pottery, we still use ceramic inks and fire them at extremely high temperatures.

The process hasn’t really changed in 50 years.

And there’s a reason for that.

Because it works.

Ceramic inks don’t sit on top of the mug.

They bond at a molecular level with the glaze.They become part of the surface.

That’s why our printed mugs last thousands of dishwasher cycles, not hundreds.

That’s why they still look crisp and professional after YEARS of daily use.

Not months.

Why This Matters for Your Reputation

If you’re a distributor, your reputation is attached to every promotional mug that leaves our factory.

If you’re a marketing manager, your brand sits on that desk every single morning.

Promotional mugs aren’t throwaway items.

They are:

• Daily use branding tools

• Long-term brand reminders

• Cost-per-impression machines

A mug that lasts 5+ years delivers exponentially better ROI than one that fades in 10 months.

Durability isn’t old fashioned.

It’s professional.

Sometimes the Old Way Is the Right Way

I’m tired of change for the sake of change.

Technology should make products better — not cheaper, weaker, and shorter lived.

While other suppliers chase the latest gimmicks, we’re focused on what actually works.

Because promotional mugs should promote for YEARS.

Not months.

If you want mugs that still look sharp long after the political slogans of today are forgotten, give us a call on 0151 259 1221.

Or email and tell me about your next mug project.