If your business has made the decision to invest in promotional printed mugs as advertising, it's worth taking the time to determine the best one for a particular customer base. With so many models available, you will be sure to find more than one that meet your business and customer needs, as well as your budget.

Since your company name, logo or motto can be reproduced on almost any material chosen for your mug, the first factor to consider is the use of color. If your advertising relies on a specific color, choices will be limited to those that can best reflect it. Obviously, stainless steel or other metal finishes probably will not be the best choices, but plastic, acrylic or ceramic should accommodate true and vivid color reproduction.

Is your design simple or complex? There could be flaws and irregularities with mass-produced ceramic mugs, which may show more readily in a plain image. On the other hand, if your logo depends on sharp lines, remember that eventually paint wears from plastic surfaces, resulting in a compromised image. Acrylic is always a good choice, but eventually gets scratched. (If you are only going to have name branding on your printed mugs, however, this may be a good selection.)

Next comes the question of how the mugs will be used: Does your business want clients to have another mug for their daily coffee, for display or as a travel companion? Each type reaches a different audience.

For company promotion, mugs for clients? office, home and family use are quite practical and can achieve far-reaching results. Visitors, friends and other employees will notice, and the mug thus becomes a conversation piece, bringing potential word of mouth business. If the mugs will be displayed in a high traffic area, you can be sure of similar exposure, but if a steady stream of different folks won't see it, the advertising aspect is negligible. In this case, giving a printed display mug will be primarily a thank you or goodwill gesture. Mugs for on-the-go use should be a specific type and size; no one will transport a mug that is too large or awkward for standard cup holders. Keep in mind that this variety is usually insulated and includes lids, which add to the cost. Should your business promote activities that appeal to those who are also out and about (athletic, sporty, or travel, for example) this may be an excellent choice. It may not be the best use of your advertising dollars to choose this type, though, if there's a chance your client will keep it in his kitchen cabinet.

Should you want to offer something special to your most loyal clients, there are printed mugs for specific liquids. An example would be promotional beer-stein type mugs for customers who love their brews, or printed mugs designed just for coffee, tea or soup. (Many come with extras appropriate for their use.) You may also want to indulge in larger mugs filled with goodies such as small food items or certificates as holiday gifts for top clientele.

These are just some of the decisions a business should think about before choosing printed promotional mugs. Regardless which choice is made, everyone can always use an extra mug, and during the long life of its use, customers will remember your business fondly!