How To Make Money Selling Tumblers: A Comprehensive Guide

Reading Time: 15 minutes

In today’s eco-conscious world, tumblers have evolved from simple drinking vessels to fashionable, functional accessories. If you’re wondering how to make money selling tumblers online, you’ve come to the right place.

One of the golden tips to succeed in this business is to offer customization options right off the bat—people love items that are personalized to their taste.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to ensure that your tumbler business not only thrives but also stands out in a crowded market.

So let’s dive in and turn those cups into cash.

Quick Takeaways:

  1. Offer Customization: Personalized items are a hit; offer customization options from the get-go to grab your customers’ attention.
  2. Know the Trends: Keep an eye on popular styles, colors, and features to ensure your products align with market demand.
  3. Target Audience: Consider niching down, such as focusing on eco-friendly or customized tumblers, to stand out in the crowded market.
  4. Channel Selection: Utilize platforms like Etsy for showcasing creativity, or Shopify for a robust e-commerce setup.
  5. Service Models: Explore print-on-demand or dropshipping to operate with minimal upfront costs, ideal for digital nomads and solopreneurs.

Understanding the Tumbler Business

In the tumbler business, it’s crucial to stay on top of demand and trends for you to know how to make money selling tumblers. With new designs and materials constantly emerging, you should familiarize yourself with the current market preferences.

As you begin your tumbler-selling venture, make sure to research popular styles, colors, and features that customers are seeking. By staying informed about the latest trends, you can ensure that your products are appealing and will generate sales which can help you make money selling tumblers.

During the forecast period, certain trends may rise and fall in popularity. Keep in mind that seasonal fluctuations can also affect the demand for various tumbler styles and designs. Monitor your sales and adapt your offerings as needed to meet the ever-changing market demands and maintain your competitive edge in the industry.

Why Delve Into The Tumbler Business

A thorough market analysis is crucial for any successful tumbler business owner. This involves assessing the competition, identifying your target audience, and understanding the dynamics of the tumbler industry. Knowing your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses can guide your pricing and product differentiation strategies.

  • Competitive landscape: Evaluate the competitive landscape by identifying prominent tumbler brands and sellers, and compare their offerings to your products. Look at factors like price points, designs, materials, and customer reviews. This will help you identify potential gaps in the market that your products could fill.
  • Target audience: Determine your target audience based on factors such as demographics, preferences, and purchasing patterns. Consider focusing on a niche market, such as eco-friendly or customized tumblers. This is a key step when learning how to make money selling tumblers which can help you stand out from the competition and cater to a specific customer base.
  • Tumbler industry: Monitor the overall tumbler industry, including industry reports, sales data, and news updates to stay informed about any significant changes or events that might impact your business. Utilize this information to make informed decisions and adapt your strategy accordingly for optimal success.

By thoroughly understanding the tumbler business, including demand, trends, and market analysis, you can create a strong foundation for your venture and maximize the potential for success. Always stay informed and adaptive to ensure your offerings remain relevant and appealing to your target customers, You need to constantly find ways to make money selling tumblers.

how to make money selling tumblers

What Are the Different Types of Tumblers

1. Materials and Styles

When it comes to selecting the perfect tumbler, there are various materials and styles to choose from. Each type of tumbler offers unique benefits, and you’ll want to carefully consider your preferences and target audience.

  • Stainless steel tumblers: These sleek and durable tumblers are excellent for maintaining temperature, and keeping your hot drinks steaming and your cold drinks chilly for extended periods. While they’re a bit pricier than some other options, their high-quality build ensures that they’ll last for a long time, offering excellent value for your customers.
  • Plastic tumblers: If you’re after a more cost-effective option, plastic tumblers are a great choice. They’re lightweight, affordable, and available in various styles and thicknesses. However, keep in mind that they may not be as durable or temperature-efficient as stainless steel tumblers.
  • Acrylic tumblers: These tumblers strike a balance between the cost-effectiveness of plastic and the durability of stainless steel. They’re available in a range of colors and styles, and while not quite as strong as steel, they generally offer better insulation than basic plastic designs.
  • Glass tumblers: For a touch of elegance, glass tumblers are a beautiful option. They provide a premium feel and can elevate the presentation of your custom designs. Keep in mind, though, that they are more fragile than other materials, and their insulation properties may not be as impressive.
Different types of tumblers - how to make money selling tumblers

2. Customization Options

To make your tumblers stand out and catch the eye of potential customers, you’ll want to explore various customization options. This will add value to your products and give buyers the chance to find a tumbler that suits their personal style.

  • Custom tumblers: By adding your own unique designs to the tumblers, you can create a range of exclusive products. Consider using eye-catching colors, patterns, or even personalized text to make a statement.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl wraps are an excellent way to add intricate detailing or bright, vibrant colors to your tumblers. They’re long-lasting and can provide a professional finish, perfect for showcasing your creative skills.
  • Glitter tumblers: To appeal to the glamorous or those who love a little sparkle, consider creating glitter tumblers. They add a shimmering effect to your designs, instantly making them more captivating and eye-catching. You can experiment with different glitters, techniques, and finishes to achieve different levels of shine.
  • 20-ounce tumbler: This size is popular for tumblers since it’s a comfortable, everyday option with a decent capacity. By offering your custom designs on 20-ounce tumblers, you’ll cater to a broad audience of potential customers.

Remember, when selling your custom tumblers, it’s essential to strike the right balance between offering a variety of materials, styles, and customization options while maintaining a focus on producing durable, high-quality items that people will be proud to use and show off to others.

How To Set Up Your Online Tumbler Business

The demand for customized tumblers has been growing exponentially in recent years. These popular drink containers can be personalized with names, graphics, or branding, making them ideal gifts or promotional items. For digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs who are always on the go, setting up an online tumbler business could be an attractive venture. Here are some ways to make money selling tumblers.

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – Services to Consider

1. Print on Demand

Print-on-demand is ideal for digital nomads, as it requires minimal upfront investment and lets you operate from anywhere. Companies like Printify, Printful, and Teespring handle the printing and shipping for you.

2. Warehousing and Fulfillment Centers

Consider third-party fulfillment centers if you plan to stock up on pre-printed designs. This approach allows you to benefit from bulk purchasing prices without having to worry about storage or shipping.

3. Dropshipping

If you want to offer a broader range of products without holding any inventory, dropshipping could be for you. Just make sure the dropshipping company offers quality products and reliable shipping.

4. Wholesale

Buying products in bulk to save on per-item costs is also an option. However, this involves higher upfront costs and may require storage space, making it less ideal for the nomadic entrepreneur.

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – Channels to Consider

1. Etsy

Perfect for creative entrepreneurs, Etsy allows you to showcase your unique tumbler designs.

2. Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, known for its user-friendly interface and vast app ecosystem.

3. Amazon

The massive audience is a big plus, but remember that competition is fierce, and Amazon takes a significant cut of your profits.

4. Facebook Marketplace

Great for tapping into local and international markets. Facebook ads can also be highly targeted.

5. TikTok and Instagram

Ideal for showing off your Tumbler designs in a dynamic, visual format. These platforms are where you can build a brand personality and connect with younger audiences.

6. eBay

eBay is one of the longest-standing online marketplaces where you can sell practically anything, including customized tumblers.

7. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual platform that many users turn to for inspiration, including shopping ideas.

Post high-quality images of your tumblers and link them directly to your product pages.

8. Your Own E-Commerce Website

Having your own website gives you full control over your brand, customer experience, and profits. Use website builders like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Squarespace to set up your online store.

9. Twitter

Twitter can serve as a supplemental channel for customer engagement and sales, especially when you leverage Twitter Chats or trending topics.

10. LinkedIn

While it may seem unconventional to sell tumblers, LinkedIn can be a valuable channel if your tumblers are suitable for corporate gifts or branding to attract potential B2B customers.

11. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that transforms a WordPress website into a fully functional e-commerce store.

12. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another comprehensive e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of built-in features and integrations.

13. Wix eCommerce

Wix is primarily known for website building, but its e-commerce capabilities are increasingly robust and user-friendly.

Different channels to sell online - how to make money selling tumblers

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – Setting Up and Getting Started

1. Picking Your Sales Platform

For digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs, picking the right sales platform is crucial. It needs to be robust, mobile-friendly, and easy to manage. Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce are popular choices, offering a range of apps and integrations that can help automate various aspects of the business.

2. Choosing Your POD Software

Your POD software should offer high-quality printing, reliable shipping, and an easy-to-use design interface. Printful and Teespring are popular choices. They also offer integration with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Here are several POD software options;

  • Printful: Offers a wide variety of products, including drinkware like tumblers. It seamlessly integrates with most e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, making it easy to set up and manage your store from anywhere.
  • Teespring: Teespring has recently expanded its range of customizable items to include home and living products like tumblers. The platform itself allows you to create and sell without the need for an external store, which can be useful for newcomers.
  • AOP+ (All Over Print): AOP+ specializes in unique, all-over-print products, including tumblers. It’s ideal for sellers looking for more creative and artistic printing options. They also provide eco-friendly options, which can be a selling point for your business.
  • Printify: They offer a good range of drinkware products and integrate easily with platforms like Shopify. It allows you to choose between different print providers based on location, pricing, and quality, giving you added flexibility.
  • T-Pop: This European-based POD service focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable practices. If your brand emphasizes sustainability, T-Pop could be a good match. They offer a limited range of drinkware, including tumblers.
  • SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand): Known for its quick turnaround times, SPOD offers a simple and efficient solution for custom merchandise, including tumblers. They also boast a high rate of customer satisfaction.
  • Scalable Press: They offer various customization options for tumblers, from engraving to full-color imprint. They also offer warehousing and fulfillment services, which can simplify logistics as you scale your business.
  • Apliiq: While primarily focused on apparel, Apliiq offers a unique twist to POD with fabric applications. They’ve expanded to include other products like tumblers. Their service allows for highly unique and differentiating designs.
  • Lulu xPress: Although better known for book publishing, Lulu xPress has a range of customizable products, including drinkware. They offer global shipping and distribution, making it easy to sell your products worldwide.
  • Zazzle: They offer a wide variety of customization options, including embossing and engraving on tumblers. While not primarily a POD service for sellers, their marketplace is vast, and they offer a “Design Your Own” feature that you can use to sell custom tumblers.

3. Creating Your Tumbler Designs

When it comes to the creative side of things, you have several options. Software like Adobe Illustrator is great for those with design skills, but free alternatives like Canva work well too. If design isn’t your strong suit, you can turn to platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, where you’ll find freelancers eager to create custom designs for you.

If you’re wondering how to make money selling tumblers, remember that the key is to have designs that resonate with your target audience and make you stand out from the competition.

Here are several designing software to consider;

  • Adobe Illustrator: A professional vector graphics editor that’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. Ideal for detailed and complex designs, Adobe Illustrator offers precision and a range of advanced features. It’s the go-to software for many graphic designers and provides the highest quality for print and digital formats.
  • Canva: A user-friendly online design tool with a variety of free and paid templates. Perfect for beginners or those without a design background, Canva offers easy drag-and-drop functionality. While it may not be as detailed as Adobe Illustrator, it provides a straightforward way to create visually appealing designs quickly.
  • CorelDRAW: A vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator but available as a one-time purchase. CorelDRAW is a powerful alternative to Illustrator, offering extensive customization options and tools for intricate designs. It is also less subscription-reliant, which some users prefer.
  • Gravit Designer: A free vector graphic design app that works on all platforms. Gravit Designer is a good option for those on a budget or those who use multiple operating systems. It offers many of the features of more advanced programs but is accessible and free to use.
  • Inkscape: An open-source vector graphics editor. Inkscape offers a range of features similar to Adobe Illustrator and is free to use. It’s ideal for those who want to create detailed and scalable graphics without a hefty price tag.
  • Crello: An online design tool similar to Canva, offering free and premium templates. Crello provides easy-to-use design features and a variety of templates. It’s perfect for quick designs and offers a decent free plan.
  • Snappa: An online graphics editor specifically designed for digital marketing. Snappa focuses on easy design for social media, blogs, and other digital platforms. While not specialized in product design, it’s a good tool for creating promotional images for your tumblers.
  • DesignWizard: Another online graphic design software offering a range of free and licensed images and templates. This is a straightforward tool for creating quick designs. It also offers some unique features like color matching from an uploaded image, which can be useful for branding.
  • PicMonkey: An online photo editing and design service. While primarily a photo editor, PicMonkey offers some design capabilities that can be useful for simple tumbler designs. It’s straightforward and intuitive to use.
  • RelayThat: An online design tool aimed at brand consistency across multiple platforms.

If you’re selling your tumblers on multiple channels, RelayThat can help ensure that all your designs remain consistent. It’s less about detailed design work and more about brand coherence.

4. Including Customization Options

Personalized products often yield higher profit margins. Allow customers to include their names, pick colors, or even upload their designs. Most POD software allows for some level of customization, enhancing your product’s appeal.

5. Setting Up Your Store

Your online store should be easy to navigate, and most importantly, mobile-responsive. For payment gateways, options like Stripe and PayPal are both secure and widely used.

Setting up your online store

6. Taking Photos

High-quality photos are crucial for online sales. Investing in a good camera and learning the basics of product photography can significantly impact your sales. Alternatively, many POD services offer mockup generators.

7. Optimizing Listings

Your product descriptions should be detailed and engaging. They also need to include relevant keywords for SEO purposes. Use Google’s Keyword Planner for research and incorporate those terms naturally within your descriptions.

8. Promoting Your Tumblers

For digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs, time is truly a precious commodity. To make the most of it, automate your social media posts with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite. Setting up a basic email funnel can also be a powerful strategy for nurturing leads and converting them into customers.

If you’re looking into how to make money selling tumblers, paid ads on platforms like Facebook or Google can specifically target interested buyers and boost your sales. When executed well, these ads can be remarkably effective in growing your business.

9. Pricing Strategy

To remain competitive, your pricing should be based not just on production costs but also on perceived value. Apps like Profit Margin Calculator can help you set prices that are both attractive to customers and profitable for you.

10. Customer Service

Automate responses for common queries using chatbots or auto-responders. However, some level of human interaction is always good for business. Virtual assistants can be an asset here, especially if you’re moving around a lot.

11. Inventory Management

Choose a sales platform that provides robust inventory management features. Automated alerts for low stock levels and integration with your POD service can simplify this aspect of the business.

12. Shipping and Logistics

Most POD companies offer worldwide shipping, which you can mark up for profit. Consider offering free shipping and incorporating that cost into the product price, as many customers find “Free Shipping” to be an attractive option.

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – Scaling Your Business

After reaching a certain level of success, you’ll want to scale your operations. Automated email campaigns, retargeting ads, and SEO can help increase your customer base. Consider adding more products or entering new markets to expand your reach. As your business grows, you might find the need to hire freelancers for roles such as customer service, content creation, and even managerial tasks.

By understanding your target audience of digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs, and tailoring your online Tumbler business to their needs and lifestyles, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

How To Grow Your Tumbler Business

1. Building a Strong Brand

If you want to strengthen your campaigns on how to make money selling tumblers, it’s essential to build a strong brand. Your brand identity will set you apart from competitors and attract a loyal following.

First, start by selecting a compelling name, logo, and color scheme for your business. These elements should be consistent across your online presence, including your website and social media profiles.

Connect with your audience through engaging content such as blog posts, newsletters, and social media updates. As your following grows, consider partnering with influencers who align with your brand to further raise awareness.

Participating in events and craft fairs can also introduce your products to a wider audience, helping boost your brand’s visibility.

2. Expanding Your Offerings

Expanding your product range is an excellent strategy for boosting revenue and outpacing competitors. To get the most out of this approach, stay in tune with market trends and listen to what your customers are saying. This will help you discover opportunities for new products.

For example, you might notice a rising demand for tumblers adorned with popular characters or seasonal themes. This trend can be a valuable indicator of how to make money selling tumblers, as you can then adjust your inventory to meet this growing need.

But why stop at tumblers? Think about introducing related items like reusable straws, coaster sets, or insulated containers. Incorporating these complementary products not only reels in new customers but also gives your existing clientele a reason to come back and explore your latest offerings.

Build brand and make new offers

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – Summary

If you want to boost your revenues and strategize how to make money selling tumblers online, remember that it requires meticulous planning, quality assurance, effective marketing, and exceptional customer service. From the initial stages of market research and niche selection to the complexities of branding and customer retention, each step plays a crucial role in the success of your venture, which is critical to ensuring how to make money selling tumblers online.

Remember, customization is more than just a selling point; it’s a way to build a community around your brand. Ensuring quality, focusing on advertising and marketing, and leveraging social media are other key takeaways that can’t be overlooked.

If you’ve found this guide on how to make money selling tumblers insightful, you’ll also benefit from our other posts, such as;

Growing your tumbler business requires time and dedication. Keep evolving and collaborate with a talented team to bring your innovative ideas to life.

Enjoy the journey of creating a profitable tumbler business!

How To Make Money Selling Tumblers – FAQs

Is selling custom tumblers profitable?

Yes, selling custom tumblers can be profitable if executed well. The market for customized and eco-friendly products is growing, and tumblers fit well into this trend. Offering unique designs or personalization can help you command higher prices and attract a dedicated customer base.

How do I promote my tumbler business?

Promoting your Tumbler business can be done in various ways, including social media marketing, SEO optimization, influencer partnerships, and even through offline methods like trade shows and local markets. The key is to identify your target audience and tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively.

What do you need for a tumbler business?

To start a tumbler business, you’ll need a reliable supplier for high-quality tumblers or the materials to make them yourself. You’ll also need equipment for customization, an online platform to sell your products, a branding strategy, and a marketing plan. Budgeting for these expenses is crucial to launching a successful tumbler business. Quality is vital if you want to actualize your goals on how to make money selling tumblers.

Why do people buy tumblers?

People buy tumblers for various reasons, including eco-consciousness, functionality, and aesthetics. Some may buy them to reduce their use of disposable cups, while others may be looking for an insulated option to keep their drinks hot or cold. Personalized tumblers also make popular gifts.

How do I set up an online store for my Tumbler business?

There are multiple platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or Amazon where you can set up your online store. Each platform has its advantages and costs, so it’s important to research which one best suits your business needs. Alternatively, you can build a website from scratch if you have the technical skills or budget for a developer.

What are the shipping considerations for a tumbler business?

It’s essential to offer secure, reliable, and cost-effective shipping options. Consider offering free shipping as an incentive or including it in the product cost. Additionally, the packaging should be robust enough to ensure that the tumblers arrive in perfect condition but also align with your brand’s ethos—especially if you’re promoting eco-friendly products.

Should I offer discounts and promotions?

Yes, offering discounts and promotions can be a great strategy on how to make money selling tumblers. This can help you attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Consider bundle deals, holiday discounts, or a loyalty program as part of your sales strategy.

How do I ensure quality in my Tumbler products?

Quality control is vital for the long-term success of your tumbler business if you want to realize how to make money selling tumblers. Make sure to partner with reliable suppliers and conduct random checks on received goods. If you’re making the tumblers yourself, follow strict quality guidelines during production.

What is the best way to handle customer service?

Excellent customer service can set your Tumbler business apart from competitors. Ensure you have a system for promptly responding to queries and resolving issues. Consider implementing chat support on your website and providing a detailed FAQ section to assist customers.

How do I manage inventory for my Tumbler business?

Inventory management is crucial if you need to establish how to make money selling tumblers by ensuring you have enough stock to meet demand without tying up too much capital in unsold goods. Utilize inventory management software or platforms that offer these services as part of their package to keep track of sales, returns, and stock levels.

About the author

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊