POD Tumblers: How To Maximize Sales (A Simple Guide)

Want to know a profitable business idea that requires low-cost investment, is easy to get started with (just with your creativity), and is highly demanding?

It’s POD tumblers!

A business can start from a website, and if done effectively, it can be highly profitable.

How? 

Read this article and find out the best answer for your future business.

The Market Demand For POD Tumblers

1. The Rise Of Tumblers Demand

The tumbler market has been growing steadily over the past few years and still hasn’t shown a sign of going. 

If you look at the analytics, in 2024, the market was valued at $7.88 billion, and now, it is expected to climb to $14.35 billion by 2034, growing at an average rate of 6.2% per year.

The market value of tumblers. Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review 

So, what is behind these booms?

The biggest reason is the change in using behavior. 

People are becoming more health-conscious and eco-friendly; they are aware of the dangers of single-use plastic. Therefore, instead of grabbing those bottles, many are choosing reusable tumblers to carry water, coffee, smoothies, and more. These tumblers are stylish, functional, and obviously better for the planet.

Moreover, the ongoing viral nature of the Stanley Cup contributes to the rise of tumble usage, especially in the United States. 

Stanley Cup is gaining massive attention through social media. Source: Future Vision Computer

These tumbler brands offer cool features like stainless steel insulation, BPA-free materials, built-in straws, and even fruit infusers. 

Let’s not forget how they market their products on social media through beautifully visual and attractive key messages to connect with young customers and encourage them to share on social media for better awareness. 

There’s also a big shift toward personalization, where people love tumblers that reflect their style, such as custom prints or influencer collaborations. Plus, with more people making fancy drinks at home (think iced lattes or protein shakes), there’s a growing need for reliable, on-the-go drinkware.

2. The Print-on-Demand Market 

The United States print-on-demand (POD) market is on a major growth streak, where its valued at nearly $1.9 billion in 2022 and expected to grow by 24.4% each year through 2030. 

The United States Print on Demand market. Source: Grand View Research

This boom mainly comes from the rise of users’ interest in personalized products and a wave of creative entrepreneurs using POD platforms to sell their designs. Why?

Simply explained, Print on Demand is a form of business requiring low startup costs, no inventory hassle, and endless customization, and it is easy to get started by any beginner.

Another key reason is the market split in software and services. 

In fact, the software is currently leading, especially integrated tools that work with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon. Meanwhile, services like printing, packaging, and shipping are the fastest-growing segment, making it even easier for sellers to manage their stores without handling logistics.

3. Why Are POD Tumblers Potential?

If you’re looking for a business idea that taps into two booming markets, POD tumblers might be your perfect sweet spot.

Here’s why:

First, the tumbler market is thriving. As mentioned, in 2024 alone, it was valued at over $7 billion, and consumers’ behavior is changing towards more health-conscious, eco-aware, and on-the-go product options than ever before. The reusable tumblers cover it all. 

Now, combine that with the print-on-demand (POD) market, which is also significantly increasing at a rapid 24.4% per year through 2030. 

This growth is driven by the shift of favoring personalized products and by digital creators who want low-risk ways to sell custom goods online.

Now that you are fully aware of the growth potential of these two markets, let’s see what happens when you put these two trends together:

You get POD tumblers, the custom, on-demand drinkware that lets customers express their personality, style, or brand without needing you to hold inventory or manage shipping.

POD tumblers require low investment costs with a high potential return on profit. Source: BurgerPrints

This is an efficient, fast, and easy-to-do business move because of the following: 

• Low upfront costs: No need to buy in bulk or store products.

• Customization is king: People love showing off their unique style, and custom tumblers let them do that every day.

• Eco-conscious customers are looking for reusable options: Your product fits right into their lifestyle.

• Works well on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, etc: With POD integrations, you can easily list and sell with minimal hassle.

• Great for gifting, events, or branded merch: Think birthdays, weddings, corporate swag, influencers, or fitness coaches.

Top Design Ideas For POD Tumblers

When it comes to designing your products, feel free to maximize your creativity. However, it is best to note that the main audiences would be young generations, it is best to add on some trending and attractive design elements. 

Here are some ideas for designing POD tumblers you can refer to:

1. Personalized Names & Initialize

Personalized products can never go wrong in giving customers the feeling that they own something (physically, too)

Who doesn’t love seeing their name in print, right? That’s also the meaning of POD.

So, allow customers to add their name, initials, favorite colors, patterns, or even fun graphics to maximize the personalization of your tumbler. 

Personalized name tumblers. Source: Etsy

2. Abstract Art Designs

These designs turn your tumbler into a mini-masterpiece. 

Abstract art is all about letting color, shape, and movement speak for themselves. 

These could be swirls, bold brush strokes, or layered textures. These are simple yet can-never-go-wrong add-ons that customers will prefer. It is also great for anyone who loves design with personality.

Abstract art designed tumblers Source: Amazon.com

3. Wildlife Wonders

Why not print your favorite animals on your tumbler? Or even print your own pet image on it? 

This is perfect for animal lovers, adventurers, or anyone who just feels a connection to the wild. One tip for sellers is to offer earthy colors and bold illustration options, as these are the trending designs on tumbler at the current time. 

Animal tumblers. Source: Thirsty Eagle

4. Botanical Beauties

These designs bring plant life straight into your daily routine. 

They could be soft florals, leafy greens, or tropical prints that give nature vibes to your tumblers. It never goes out of style!

Botanical tumblers. Source: ANNEderful Creations

5. Minimalism

Less is more with these clean and modern designs. 

Minimalist tumblers are all about smooth lines, soft colors, and just the right touch of detail, like a tiny icon or a gentle fade of color. They’re perfect for anyone who prefers a simple style or for those who want to design their POD tumblers later on.

Minimalism tumblers. Source: Ugmonk

6. Quote-Worthy

By adding a quote to a tumbler, this allows your customers to turn their tumbler into their daily motivation. 

It could be a powerful quote, a funny saying, or something sweet and simple, letting the tumblers speak your personality. Don’t forget to customize different fonts, colors, and text styles to create unique designs. 

Quote on tumblers. Source: YouCustomizeIt

7. Seasonal Designs

Celebrate the season in style! 

Bright florals for spring, sunshine and waves for summer, warm tones for fall, and snowflakes or sparkle for winter, these tumblers match the mood of the moment. They’re perfect for seasonal gifts or just switching things up as the year goes on.

Seasonal design on tumblers. Source: TopFreeDesigns

How To Sell POD Tumblers

As mentioned, POD is a form of business anyone can get started with. Here is how you can do it: 

Step 1: Create an Online Store on Shopify Using GemPages

The first thing to do in a POD business, whether for tumblers or any products, is to set up an online store. Luckily for you, Shopify makes that super easy!

Go to Shopify to sign up for a store account. You’ll enter your store name, contact info, and a few business details.

Once that’s done, install GemPages from the Shopify App Store. 

GemPages on Shopify. Source: GemPages

GemPages is a drag-and-drop page builder that lets you create beautiful, high-converting product pages, landing pages, and homepages with no coding experience required. 

Now that you have a beautifully designed website, let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Choose Your POD Supplier

Now, you need a POD partner that offers tumblers. The two common suppliers most POD businesses are partnering with are: 

• TeeLaunch offers wine tumblers, travel mugs, boho designs, and more.

• Printify gives you options for all-over prints, which are perfect for bold patterns and color-heavy artwork.

Both suppliers integrate directly with Shopify, which means that when someone buys from your store, the order automatically gets sent to your supplier for printing and fulfillment.

To get started with this, browse their catalogs and compare prices, shipping times, and styles. You might even order a sample or two to check the print quality before selling to customers.

Step 3: Design Your Tumblers

This is where creativity comes in! Tumblers are often best with simple, bold designs that are easy to read and visually appealing.

You can refer to some unique designs mentioned above, such as personalized names, abstract art, minimalism, seasonal designs, etc.

Yet, there are some key suggestions when it comes to adding personalized designs to your tumblers:

• Keep it simple. A clean, minimal design often looks better than something too detailed or complex, especially on curved surfaces like tumblers.

• Outsource a designing expert: Not a designer? No problem! You can hire someone on Fiverr or Upwork or use tools like Canva or Adobe Express to make your own.

• Ensure its quality: Your design file must meet your supplier’s specs (usually something like 1000px x 750px, 300 DPI), especially high resolution is key for clean, crisp prints.

Beautifully design your tumblers. Source: Custom Branding

Step 4: Create Your Product in Shopify

Once your design is ready, go into your POD supplier’s dashboard and create your product, following this tutorial on your Shopify store website:

• Choose a tumbler model (e.g., 20oz travel tumbler).

• Upload your design.

• Adjust the placement to make sure it looks good in the preview.

• Set your product name, price, and description.

• Publish it to your Shopify store.

Most suppliers also generate mockup images that you can use on your product pages. These are super helpful for showing customers what the product will look like in real life.

Step 5: Customize Website with GemPages

Now, head back to GemPages and give your product page a personal touch. Pick a theme out of 300+ templates available that best fits your branding style. 

Be aware that a well-designed page makes a big difference in converting visitors into buyers.

During this step, you can utilize this tool to:

• Add lifestyle photos (like someone holding the tumbler).

• Highlight key features: BPA-free, double-wall insulation, dishwasher safe.

• Include testimonials or reviews.

• Show different design options (e.g., font choices, color schemes).

• Add a countdown timer or a “Limited Edition” tag for urgency.

And remember, you don’t need to be a designer for a professional website. Landing page builder tools like GemPages make it drag-and-drop easy to build a page that looks professional.

Step 6: Promote Your POD Tumblers Online

If you’re selling custom tumblers, social media is your best friend. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest are full of people who love cute, funny, or inspirational drinkware.

Number one, use hashtags.

Hashtags are like little labels that help people find your posts. If you're sharing a picture of a funny coffee tumbler, you might use hashtags like #CoffeeLovers, #TumblerAddict, #CustomTumblers, and #PODLife.

Viral social media content promoting Stanley content. Source: FOX6 News Milwaukee

Remember, keep them relevant, don’t overdo it (5–10 is plenty), and try mixing popular tags with some niche ones so your posts get seen by the right crowd.

Number two, actively engage with the audience!

Don’t just post and leave it for nothing.

If someone leaves a comment like “I love this!” – reply with a thank you. If someone messages you asking about shipping or colors, answer quickly. 

Engaging with your followers builds trust, and trust turns into sales!

It can be something as simple as personalized questions, such as:

• “Which design do you like best?”

• “Hot coffee or iced coffee in your tumbler?” 

This makes people feel like they are part of your process.

Or, if you’ve got a bit of a budget to spend, paid ads can help you reach more people – especially if you're just starting out or want to boost sales fast.

Start simple with Facebook & Instagram Ads.

These are great for showing off your tumblers to specific types of people – like dog moms, teachers, nurses, or coffee lovers. You can target based on:

• Age

• Interests (like “coffee” or “Etsy shopping”)

• Behavior (like online shopping habits)

Ads can show up in their feeds and stories with a clear message like “Custom Tumblers – Free Shipping This Week!”

Then, move on to Pinterest Ads.

This is perfect for visual shoppers. 

People go on Pinterest to get inspired, plan gifts, or find cute things to buy – so your tumblers fit right in. You can try promoting pins with lifestyle shots (like a tumbler on a cozy desk or in a gym bag).

Don’t overlook TikTok Ads, especially when targeting the young generation for your POD tumblers. 

You can test viral, funny, trendy, or super aesthetic content, as these are topics that TikTok audiences mainly watch. 

Short, fun videos can go viral fast. Just make sure your target customer is actually on TikTok (mostly under 30 seconds).

Lastly, invest in Google Ads.

These show up when someone types something like “funny custom tumblers” into Google. 

Although, yes, you can reach the audiences organically on Google. However, if you want to get people who are actively searching for what you sell, Google Ads can help bring them straight to your store.

Conclusion

In short, POD tumblers are high potential due to the rise in product demand, which is a tumbler and the business idea, Print on demand. 

It is a low-cost investment, yet it is perfect as a start-up idea, especially for the young generation. 

Follow this guide and try yours now. Don’t forget to thank GemPages later. Good luck!