A service providing a promotional gift for fund raising efforts, corporate gifts, and any other special occasion can be done simply, with a cup or plate. How does one offer such a service?

A decorative cup is a easy and affordable gift to offer for any occasion and available all around us. We can fill it with candy, a tie, or any other suitably sized, extra goody then wrap it in eco-friendly wrapping paper, colorful bow and present it as a gift. Offer the service of designing their own personalized mug or plate, will deserve attention.

Creating personalized gifts on plates and mugs is no longer just the domain of promotional retailers alone. Thermal mug and plate presses are available to the public and can be found sold as home business kits or direct from manufacturers. I’ve seen these services offered at fair grounds with long lines of people.

As mentioned in a few other articles, we must start with a viable business plan. This information can be easily found at the library, book stores, small business development offices, and even the internet can provide business plan templates and free samples. Your local small business development office can provide assistance in developing your business plan and they can also help with free business mentoring from a local S.C.O.R.E. counselor. Take a look online or the telephone book for your nearest office.

Owning such a press gives you the opportunity to offer personalized mugs or plates to other retailers, the public, church functions, school events, etc. Designs can be done with use of their logo’s but highly recommend getting a signed letter of permission. Always protect yourself with knowledge of your business legal liabilities and responsibilities.

Offer your services through home parties, private group demonstrations, internet store, mail order, fund raising events, flea markets, and craft fairs to name a few starting points. Display previous customer orders or self- created designs to generate direct sales and orders. An affordable yet competitive price to cover your own business expenses while gaining a profit will ensure a small home business success story of your own.

Personalized mugs and plates can be done easily with a photograph, free clip art and graphics or personal art designs. Scanned into a computer and printed with sublimation ink and paper specific to the thermal mug press. Purchase of the various equipment and components plus mug and plate supplies will cost but the long term benefits, of a being a small home business entrepreneur, will prove to be well worth the investment. Accompanied with a strong business plan will help gain small business funding.

Read related —> here and there.

Gift Shopping —> here.

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Article(C)2009 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.