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View entire thread: Cafepress Coffee Mugs

Posted by davidsbiscotti on 2008-02-06 07:32:45      Post Subject: Cafepress Coffee Mugs



I just started a merchandise store at Cafepressdotcom. They let you design your own coffee mugs, among other items. I purchased some mugs from them using my business designs and they came out great. I'd recommend them if you don't want to keep an inventory at your place of business. They design and ship to your customer. The store set up is free too.
http://a615.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/84/l_31ac041d1f8f4e3cdbab2e9fb20534be.jpgThis stein mug is great for beer or coffee!


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View entire thread: Doing a promotion with coffee mugs and sample packs

Posted by Titronics on 2008-07-08 13:08:41      Post Subject: Doing a promotion with coffee mugs and sample packs

Ok, here is what I''m looking for. I''ve spent a few hours googling now and haven''t really gotten any closer. We are currently running a promotion where we are sending out coffee mugs and we want to send out a higher line coffee with it. We just want enough to make about 6-8 cups. We haven''t found anything that is sample packaged like that just yet. We want to order 100-150 of these packs and any direction you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks


Chris Traeger
Titronics
www.titronics.com


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View entire thread: Two and a Half Men Coffee Mugs

Posted by task_6 on 2008-09-17 22:16:52      Post Subject: Two and a Half Men Coffee Mugs

Hello all, I watch the show for the laughs only, but a few months ago my GF started \"noticing\" the Coffee Mugs. I poked around and some found them for her and her crew, and now offer the rest to you.

You can find them on ebay under:

Entertainment Memorabilia > Television Memorabilia > Merchandise & Promotional > Mugs & Coasters > Two and a Half Men Coffee Mugs/Cups

Item number: 270277182621


http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr302/task_6/100_0972.jpg
http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr302/task_6/100_0973.jpg


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View entire thread: Coffee Mugs

Posted by athee on 2004-12-01 19:56:24      Post Subject: Coffee Mugs

Hello All,
Does anyone out their know where I can find already imprinted coffee mugs and displays for resale in my store. I don't care about a custom design, I just want a display stand and an assortment of mugs with anything and everything on them (nature, quotes, sports, etc.

Thanks

Athee :-)


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View entire thread: :?: What is your favorite coffee cup/mug? :?:

Posted by manual_drip on 2004-10-09 19:52:32      Post Subject:

I often buy coffee mugs on trips, it's a nice reminder of the places I've gone. I have at least 50 of them. The one I use most is a Lake Superior mug I got in 1997. The other ones I use most after that are the two others I have that are the exact same size, a Chicago one I got in 1996 and a Mammoth Cave one I got in 2001. It's easiest to always use the same size since I can more accurately measure the water out in the mug before heating it up.

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/3572mlhorseshoe0008.jpg

The ones I mentioned are the front row, the two on the right and the Chicago one with the double rim line.


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View entire thread: Coffee Mugs with nice and unique designs/shape?

Posted by Ongai on 2008-06-29 10:34:44      Post Subject: Coffee Mugs with nice and unique designs/shape?

I'm looking for new coffee mugs that are unique. Anyone who knows a link? I have a nice one (I think), which I will be posting in my blog in the next few days but I'd like to start my own coffee mug collection..Thanks! :-)

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View entire thread: Coffee Mugs with nice and unique designs/shape?

Posted by Ongai on 2008-07-02 05:45:59      Post Subject: My Coffee Mug

I have posted mine in my blog/site.. I just can't seem to find a link of it in the internet. Another thing, join my "Coffee Mug Tuesday" if you want to show off your coffee mugs and let's have the people vote who they think has the nicest..Thanks!

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View entire thread: Milk prices to reach 5$ per gallon

Posted by crema123 on 2007-07-27 21:43:16      Post Subject:

I read a stat in Fast Company the other day that said something to the effect of 10,000 people using their own coffee mugs instead of paper would eliminate 27 cars from the road per year. Don't quote me on that, the the emissions trucking all the packaging to coffee retailers is significant in itself (not to mention deforestization, etc).

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View entire thread: Bold Question

Posted by caffe biscotto on 2008-08-11 05:20:05      Post Subject:

Looks like the forum was busy over the weekend.

I'll refer back to this thread on occasion to debrief myself on all of your detailed coffee descriptions.

Thanks for all of your info guys!

Topher, I already ordered a couple of your coffees to try, they should be here on Wednesday,
along with one of those cool "Explorer" coffee mugs. Can't wait!

Thanks again to ElPugDiablo, John P, Alun Evans, ourcoffeebarn, roaster Dave & Topher.

You guys are the best!! :D


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View entire thread: T-shirts

Posted by topher on 2006-05-12 05:06:45      Post Subject:

sigh....I have to admit that I have at least 15 coffee related shirts...I dont really see someone who is not in the biz wearing a coffee shirt...I mean I have seen some people wearing those cheezy ones they sell in target...the people who wear those are the same ones with Garfield coffee mugs saying not a morning person :roll:

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View entire thread: Are American business people moralistic about profits?

Posted by caffe biscotto on 2008-06-26 15:53:39      Post Subject:

....As for customers, I think the yahoos are yahoos because we live in an unthinking society, where the emphasis is on making money and cheap thrills (work hard, play hard) and any intellectual ability that a person has is focused on money acquisition rather than on becoming a refined or wise person....

Var, I can appreciate that you're willing to share your experiences, whether good or bad, with the forum. As MilesT just mentioned, some of us just don't go to Starbucks and don't know what goes on there. Well, I've been there twice in my life. Once was drive-thru. The other time, I didn't know what I was doing there in the first place, so just ordered a mocha, browsed their museum of coffee mugs and cds, then hit the road, unfettered and unoffended. I enjoyed the mocha.

However, you've come accross as being bitter towards everyone and seem to be generalizing a whole race of people as being less than civilized or at least non-thinking and non-caring. I'm sure that was not your intention. You must know that in every profession, you will find varying levels of moral ethics, as well as work ethics. Funny thing is, those fast food employees actually work harder than say white collar employees and for bare bones minimum wage. Some of them don't see it as a stepping stone to better things and just think this is it man. This is my life. I say let them be pissy. I'm good with my life and simply wouldn't return there. There's better coffee at home anyway, right? :wink:


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View entire thread: Sales Projections or Am I Nuts?

Posted by Comfy Place on 2006-09-15 15:52:45      Post Subject: Sales Projections

I'm glad that I could be of some help. The profitability for any independant coffeehouse will, in my opinion and limited experience, take a while to achieve. No one should go into this industry with the expectation that they will have a very robust business in 4 months; it just won't happen. You will have to run your numbers again with revised projections/expectations to see if your intended location is still viable, or if you need to try to negotiate/re-negotiate the terms for the location. If it just won't work, I wouldn't give up on the idea, but it means that you may have to go after alternative locations to make it work, which of course means that you'll have to re-evaluate most of your numbers for the new location(s) you are looking at.

For a perspective on the shoestring budget avenue, let's look at what we did when we opened. We started with what I will call the absolute basics: espresso drinks, brewed coffee, cold drinks (frapps/blends/whatever), and just a few baked goods. Since that time 5 months ago, we have slowly added new items: focaccia sandwiches, T-shirts with our name on them, a couple of gift items, a couple of extra baked items that we are rotating in, and a few other small snack/food items (chocolate covered coffee beans, etc.), and whole bean coffee. We have future plans to add coffee mugs with our name on them to use and sell, adding gift packs using these mugs, expanding our whole bean selection, possibly adding a few other small gift items, and heavily evaluating adding wifi access. As we are getting established, we are adding more items that complement what we started with. In our business plan, we had marked specific items/groups of items that we eventually wanted to add, and that has helped.

Definitely try to stick with what you want for your coffee shop experience, but there might be ways to accomplish what you want in a different way that costs less. Keep asking around and looking around, and you're bound to find options that will work and cost less.


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View entire thread: what makes a coffee shop agreeable?

Posted by davidsbiscotti on 2008-01-09 16:53:57      Post Subject: coffee shop agreeable?

From a consumer point of view:

There’s value in the experience alone. There’s a small town diner I frequent for breakfast that really just offers plain old home cooking. Their pancakes, waffles and breads suck (I hope they don’t read this), but the cook makes a mean omelette and the service is friendly but not intrusive. It’s twenty minutes from home, but worth the ride.

If it’s a comfortable, warm environment, with friendly service, I’m more likely to stay awhile. If their espresso left much to be desired, I’d find something that I did like and stick to it. I’d ultimately invite others to join me there often.

As for vibe: warm, earthy colors, coffee industry art, coffee mugs for sale, lights not too bright and of course the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans.
No white laminate countertops, no visible stainless steel, no country music and no art deco!

I love this topic and hope to read more of what others look for in their coffee shop experience.


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View entire thread: New Coffee Shop Planned

Posted by Carl_Livesay on 2004-01-28 13:20:54      Post Subject: Excellent Feedback

Thats exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. Thanks. What about the coffee mugs? Is it important to have them heated, what about throw aways for inside customers, what kind of decor is appealing? Carl

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View entire thread: Splendid Espresso Blend!!!

Posted by davidsbiscotti on 2008-03-26 06:14:35      Post Subject:

Hi Taylor, thanks for the pm.

There's an abundance of info on how to make espressos, complete with latte art and etching how-to's and contests and so on. There's the big coffee chain scene, the fancy terms we use and even the spiffy coffee mugs we collect. The romanticisms of the coffee roasting process has also been expressed by many and really is a world on its own. These things are fine and good for those of us who really enjoy a cup of good coffee.

But your site offers a different look into the world of coffee, the pure beginning stages of coffee that I don't think we get to see enough of. Thank you for your contribution, I will add your link to my blog for my customers to view as well.

Here's a link to some info and videos of the Ugandan coffee farmers who nurture and harvest the coffee we enjoy:
http://www.croptocup.com/farmer_regional_profiles.php


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View entire thread: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

Posted by Vars on 2008-07-20 17:24:04      Post Subject: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

One thing that has always irked me about Starbucks and other big corporate monoliths is that when they support local artists, it''s the exception rather than the rule.

As regards America at least, this is surely part of what leads to the impression that \"America has no substantial culture\" as I''ve heard people say. Because we''re a nation predominantly of corporate stores. (The same corporatization of culture is happening in many countries however.)

Anyway I am wondering if independent coffee shop owners like you''d see using this forum support local artists as a rule, or as an exception?

Do you put locally made painting on the walls?

Do you put locally made pottery on sale, such as coffee mugs?

Do you use locally made furniture?

Do you make any of these things yourself?

Do you permit local musicians to perform in your coffeehouse?

If not, why not?

Thanks.


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View entire thread: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

Posted by schmellen on 2008-07-26 21:42:32      Post Subject: uh oh, I must be way too correct...

We serve some free trade organic kumbaya coffee, and some locally roasted coffee to our locals and tourists. We have art hanging on our wall often made by artists from the whole Bay area, though we have had some national artists. Sometimes they are listening to local musicians, and sometimes they are listening to someone else's local... well, you know.
The artists become or are already customers, customers buy art, we take a cut, everyone wins. I think there is a sense that a coffee house functions not only as a member of the community, but as a builder of community. Not all of them do that, nor are meant to do that. Some are just there to provide a tasty shot of energy.
But on coffee mugs, plates, etc; no we don't get them locally They break too easily, and all the nice ones disappear. People are always bringing in mugs for us.
JoEllen


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View entire thread: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

Posted by caffe biscotto on 2008-07-24 09:06:19      Post Subject:

As much as I'm biting my lip to comment on the free wife thing.... :D

In Vars’ defense, I absolutely agree that small business as a whole would ultimately benefit by supporting other small businesses.

An example mentioned was coffee mugs… We have the option of purchasing mugs from a mass producer (big business), which offers a lower overall price per unit investment. Although this seems to be the wiser choice, ultimately we are perpetuating the growth of those corporate “monoliths” and leaving the small potter out of our investment decisions.
We are the small potters, the local artists, the small coffee shop owners, etc.

This forum is great because we learn about all of the independent roasters and coffee shops and are able to purchase quality coffees from them, versus having only the big mass producers of coffee on the supermarket shelves or the big chain coffee shops as our option.

I don’t agree that “local” is the key as much as “small business” is the key, but I get the point. To elaborate, if we live out in the mountains or desert areas, of course we’d have to seek out non-local ingredients and materials.

As a small bakery, I am able to get fresh butter and eggs delivered from local farms and coffee from a local roaster, which is great. I could easily add those items to my big distributor orders, but enjoy the camaraderie of dealing with the local small businesses, as much as possible.

I for one will be paying more attention to my purchases and will look for an independent potter for custom mugs. For now, CafePress is my fast food solution for mugs. Anyone know of a good pottery forum? :D

Vars, we see how important this is to you. Instead of just venting your frustrations, you’ve begun to offer helpful advice. I like that, keep it up.


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View entire thread: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2008-07-21 12:06:18      Post Subject: Re: Do you support local artists and craftspeople?

One thing that has always irked me about Starbucks and other big corporate monoliths is that when they support local artists, it''s the exception rather than the rule.

As regards America at least, this is surely part of what leads to the impression that "America has no substantial culture" as I''ve heard people say. Because we''re a nation predominantly of corporate stores. (The same corporatization of culture is happening in many countries however.)
I will tell you why Starbucks does not act locally. If some "local artists" managed to get their works into Starbucks and made it big, you will have some jerks accusing them of selling out. That is why Starbucks don't support the local artists. They don't want to corrupt the purity of these starving artists with their evil greenback.

As far as America has no substantial culture, I have no idea where you get that from. The US is in the forefront of every art medium and movement. You are sadly buying into this we are inferior in every way apologist attitude. The irony of course is van Gogh can't sell a painting to save his life. How's that for substantial culture in the old country?

Do you put locally made painting on the walls?

Do you put locally made pottery on sale, such as coffee mugs?Nope. I run a coffeehouse not an art gallery. I know a bit about coffee but nothing about art. Many of the coffee shops that do have local works no thing about coffee AND nothing about art.

And another thing, a friend specially created a space just to put local art works. He gets decent traffic coming in to see the stuff. I was at one of his opening, decent amount of people, but most of them don't buy anything, so what is the point?
Do you use locally made furniture?Nope. They are way expensive and are not commercial sturdy quality.

Do you make any of these things yourself?Nope. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.

Do you permit local musicians to perform in your coffeehouse?Nope. Just like art work, it needs a lot of planning and hard work, and not enough monetary return.

I will tell you what I buy locally though. I used to buy local farm dairy. Great milk. I stopped buying from them because they missed their delivery 30% of the time. No cappuccino and no latte for my customers. No money for me to pay my local employees.


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View entire thread: Looking to network with other coffee website owners...

Posted by randerin on 2007-03-30 06:36:19      Post Subject: Looking to network with other coffee website owners...

Greetings. I have started development of a new website for coffee and chocolate lovers. The site is entitled Beloved Beans, which encompasses both of these endorphin releasing wonder beans.

The site carries CafePress affiliate member''s designs on a large variety of t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.

I am interested in feedback on my site, as well as opportunities to \"link up\" with other sites that are very similar in theme.

Also, let''s brainstorm for a moment. What types of merchandise, other than coffee, would coffee lovers be most likely add to their \"most wanted\" gift list?


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View entire thread: Alien Abduction - A javahead serial ...

Posted by caffe biscotto on 2008-05-10 05:53:01      Post Subject:

Hang in there Mako, there is much work to be done here and I can’t do it alone. I need you to resist the green ooze, to deny it the satisfaction of cloning yet another coffee enthusiast.

Indeed, Forrest Gump’s post regarding black coffee could have been a call out to all those who have not yet been assimilated. Oh beware, you few innocent black coffee drinkers who would come to the aid of a newbie asking for help. Just think to yourself, why would people look at him as though he were an alien, if he is but a human like we?

Our efforts to bring them out from where they hide will be resisted by great forces, but we must forge on with coffee mugs in hand and victory in our minds.

Begun… the coffee alien clone wars have………


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View entire thread: How many cups of coffee you Drink

Posted by Craiger on 2007-03-05 13:08:28      Post Subject:

I get up rather early....usually sometime between 4:00 and 5:00am. If I'm getting ready for work, I'll fix enough drip coffee for a cup before leaving and a 20 oz. mug on the way (I drive 40-50 minutes to work). I usually don't drink it all before getting there, but have been known to. On a normal workday, that's all I'll have.

Right now, I'm recovering from back surgery and have only had two cups of coffee since last Monday. For whatever reason, I've had flu-like symptoms since and can hardly get a cup down.

Before going in, I'd easily drink 6 to 8 cups in the morning. Now, this is 8 oz. cups. If we're counting coffee mugs or cups of coffee, then consider it 2 or 3. I like my mugs on the bigger side. I might drink a couple more throughout the day.

I used to drink much more than I do these days.....about 2 pots a day. I had to cut back for medical reasons.

Right now, I'm wishing I could have a cup.....but it just doesn't sound good. So I'm not craving it in the least. For my caffein fix, I'm relying on tea and an occasional Mountain Dew.

This is a great topic. :D


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