[Archaga]

I'm in the process of buying quite a few different things in preparation to start sublimating. Since apparently mugs are a bit tricky to fully figure out, I thought buying a case would be a good way to start out. From what I gather, most mugs are either from China, Thailand, or USA in increasing quality order. Seems many use Coastal's mugs, but I'd like to know where they are made. But more importantly, how's the quality? I'm looking for a consistent, straight, and smooth surface. I wouldn't mind paying extra for USA made mugs found on Conde, but I've heard they can be quite unreliable since they don't tell you if an item's in stock or not (which is a very big deal for me). Do you consider Coastal mugs to be good quality or do you recommend a different supplier. I'm willing to give Conde a try if you guys believe their USA mugs are a definite improvement.

On a different note. I'll be using mug wraps. Any particular toaster oven I should get?

 

[DKgrafix]

I believe that is the only "base white" mug they now offer.
I printed on a few of them, it is OK, I believe that I like mugs with Orca coating a bit better

 

[jpkevin]

Hamilton Beach model #31103 is a pretty inexpensive and proven oven for mugs. You should be able to find them for around $100-$120. They are higher so you can do pretty much any of the items in them.

We have a Thailand Mug available.

 

[rini]

We sell a lot of the Coastal mugs, both their white and color change black mugs. Very good quality, haven't had a problem with them at all.

 

[djque]

I used conde basic mug 11 I did like them.next I week try the made in the usa.

 

[Archaga]

I guess I'll give Coastal a try then. Sounds like my worst case scenario is that they'll come out well rather than great.

 

[MonicaM]

I'd like to learn more about the quality of Coastal mugs too. And exactly what is Orca coating and what is the alternative? How are they compared to Conde's Thailand mugs? That's what I've been using so far.

I've been happy with Conde mugs but live close enough to coastal to pick them up in person. I'd prefer to do that to save on shipping but also don't want a lot of boxes delivered here all the time.

I've heard they get them from China. If I understood right, 4 years ago when I first started sublimating the general thought was that the ones from China aren't as good. If that's still the case, in what way are they not as good? Quality of the imprinting on them? Durability?

And has anyone used Coastal's latte/funnel mugs? I was told that Conde wasn't going to sell them anymore but I seem to sell more of those. Coastal's web site only shows solid white ones while conde had the black rim and handle ones and now the black interior ones.

And I wonder if Conde's latte wraps will fit ok on Coastal's? I like Conde's wraps better.

 

[coastalbusiness]

Our mugs are from China (as is Orca coating). Though they're not Orca, our mugs do have a AAA rated JS coating which is similar, if not better, than the Orca coating. We currently only offer the small and large white latte mugs, but are always open to new products if there is customer interest.

 

[MonicaM]

Thanks! Didn't really know much about different kinds of coating.