The power of the promotional mug is tried, tested, and -- as for as long as people continue to enjoy coffee and tea -- this captivating power will continue to be truly awesome. Most people who get coffee on the go have a favorite place where they like to get their morning cup of coffee. Of the hundreds of thousands of people who stop at their favorite place on the way to work, most have a coffee mug -- travel or otherwise -- that displays the name and logo of said coffee shop. For all intentions and purposes, this mug is nothing more than a promotional, marketing tool; yet, these folks pay a premium to buy the advertisements of the business to which they feel most loyal. The attraction to coffee mug is just that strong.

Lets say a business gives away its promotional mugs for free. The mug is different from all the other promotional items a business can give away. The promotional mug will be a cherished, permanent fixture in the home or business of your potential customer. In the typical home, each member of the family usually has a mug that -- for whatever reason, be it shape, color, texture, or design -- they like to use better than the other mugs in the cupboard. Its a strange phenomenon, but true. If your mug is that mug for someone, you will present to that person your business advertisement almost every day of the year.

Pick a color or design for your mug that stands out, and that somehow speaks coffee house chic. Everyone wants to feel like their have their own little personal cafe at home. Get a design that is unique, something a little different that you might see in a plush, cozy cafe. These designs tend to stand out, and have been favored recently by large coffee chains for their desirability and sophistication. If you go with a travel mug, choose something that will fit in a car's cup-holder. A small or medium-size travel mug is better than an oversized one, which carries with it excessive, cheap connotations. Compact is chic. Four-liter is not.

When you plan to distribute your promotional mugs, don't assume that you're restricted to give them to customers who walk into your business place. See if you can strike up a deal with a new, independent caf? that could use the free coffee mugs. If they use your unique, promotional mugs exclusively, every customer who walks in for a cup of coffee will see your business advertisement.

Think of businesses in your area that have a coffee machine for employees. Can you supply them with a dozen mugs that they can place in the kitchen or next to the coffeemaker? If a local business has a coffee machine in their lobby -- think car dealerships, furniture stores, corporate offices -- ask if you can provide their coffee stand with mugs for their clients use. These clients will walk away happy with a free mug, which will benefit all businesses involved. The idea is to be creative and get your promotional mugs out there. They are a boon not only to you, but also to the other businesses that provide them and the customers who love a warm beverage.