Photo Mug Example: Gifts for Car Service Clients

This is a concrete photo mug example: for a car service in Riga, we produced 60 white ceramic mugs, 330 ml, with full-colour sublimation printing on both sides — a team photo in the workshop on one side, and a logo with the service's contact details on the other. The job took 5 business days from artwork approval to delivery, with a price of roughly from EUR 4.60 per mug excl. VAT. Before publishing this, we agreed with the client on using both the company name and the photos, so we only show specific visuals with permission.

The task

The car service was preparing to mark its 10th anniversary and wanted a gift for regular clients — something that stays in the office or kitchen, not in a drawer. The initial idea was pens, but after discussing the budget (around EUR 300) and the goal, we settled on mugs: a larger printing area, a longer lifespan, and room for both a photo and text.

We also added 10 thermal mugs to the order for the team itself — the kind where the image appears once you pour in a hot drink. A photo of the mechanics on a black mug that "reveals itself" with coffee was the client's idea, and it worked really well.

How we prepared the quote

Before printing, we sent the client a written quote with three options, so they could see how the price changes depending on the mug type and quantity. In every quote, we specify:

• the mug type, volume and material;
• the printing method and area (how many sides);
• the quantity and price per piece excl. VAT;
• the production time from artwork approval;
• artwork preparation costs, if any apply.

The client chose the middle option. We prepared the quote on the same day we received the request.

Artwork preparation: photos, text and technical limits

This stage usually involves the most work. The client sent seven photos from their phone — only two of them were usable. The rest were either too dark or had too low a resolution.

File requirements

• Photos: at least 300 dpi at print size, which in practice means at least 2400 px in width.
• Logo: in vector format (.ai, .eps, .pdf), not as a .jpg taken from the website.
• Colours: CMYK. In sublimation, bright orange and dark blue shades can differ by a shade from what you see on screen.

Printing area

For a standard 330 ml mug, the printing area is approximately 20 × 8 cm, and you need to leave at least 1.5–2 cm clearance from the handle on each side. In this job, we placed the photo as a continuous band around the mug, while the text — logo and phone number — went on the other side, so it wouldn't overlap with the darker areas of the image.

We edited the photos: corrected the white balance, slightly increased the contrast, and removed a cardboard box visible in the background. We sent the artwork as a PDF with a 3D visualisation, and the client approved it on the second version.

Printing and timelines

The ceramic mugs were printed using sublimation: the image is printed on special paper and then heat-pressed into the mug's coating at 180–200 °C. The result is resistant to dishwashers if you use the gentle cycle, and it won't scrub off with a sponge.

In total, this order took 5 business days. For larger volumes (300+ pcs), allow 7–10 business days. For promotional products with printing, you should generally allow 5–10 business days from artwork approval; we assess urgent jobs on a case-by-case basis.

Costs: an approximate price example

Prices are shown excl. VAT and are approximate — the final amount depends on the quantity, mug type and number of printed sides.

Artwork preparation from the client's materials is usually included in the price. If more extensive photo editing or illustration work is needed, we charge for it separately, roughly from EUR 25–40 per job.

What other businesses can take from this example

A car service, a hair salon, a café or a sports club — the principle is the same. A few takeaways from this job:

1. Take photos with a proper camera. An hour with a photographer costs less than an unusable order.
2. Don't put everything on the mug. Logo, one contact detail and an image. Address, website, social media and a slogan all together end up looking like text squeezed into a leaflet.
3. Order with a margin. 60 mugs was exactly the right amount, and a month later the client ordered another 30 — a repeated small order costs more per piece.
4. Think about packaging. If the mug is given as a gift to a client, a simple white box for EUR 0.80 changes the perception.

You can browse the full range of mugs and printing options in the mugs and thermal mugs section. If you also need something extra for the gift — a notebook, a pen or a tote bag — check out the promotional products catalogue, and for service cards and voucher printing, see the business cards section.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a single mug with a photo?

Yes, we also work with single pieces. For one photo mug, the price is approximately from EUR 8–10 excl. VAT, since the artwork and setup work is the same as for a larger order. From 25 pieces, the price per unit drops noticeably.

Will the printing survive a dishwasher?

Sublimation printing on a quality ceramic coating withstands dishwasher washing on a gentle cycle up to 60 °C. For a longer lifespan, we recommend hand washing. Thermal mugs with a colour-changing effect should only be hand washed.

How good does the photo need to be?

At least 2400 px in width, sharp and sufficiently bright. Phone photos work fine if taken in good lighting. Images from social media or websites usually can't be used — they're compressed and look blurry on a mug.

How quickly can I get 100 mugs?

Approximately 5–10 business days from artwork approval. If you need a shorter timeline, get in touch with us — we'll assess the options, though the shortest realistic timeline is usually 5 business days.

Do you prepare the artwork?

Yes. If you have a logo in vector format and photos, we prepare the artwork and send it for approval with a visualisation. Two rounds of revisions are included in the price.

If you'd like a similar solution for your business, send us your logo, the approximate quantity and the desired timeline at info@attaprint.lv, call +371 25776699, or message us on WhatsApp at the same number. We prepare quotes within one business day. We're located at Kandavas iela 29A, Riga.