Mug Moguls is an online course developed by Brock Hamilton that teaches how to sell custom print-on-demand mugs on Etsy. Hamilton’s course provides step-by-step instructions for starting a mug-selling business to help learners earn a consistent income of up to $1,500 - $2,500 per week. Potential students should carefully evaluate the claims of the course. Despite its potential, selling on Etsy comes with its own challenges, and achieving success may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Considering the growth of eCommerce, diving into a niche market like custom mugs on Etsy is timely. Reports show that Etsy had over 81 million active buyers in 2020, indicating a substantial market for unique products. Custom mugs have gained popularity among these buyers. However, selling on Etsy isn’t without challenges. With over 4.3 million sellers on the platform, standing out requires more than a good product. It’s about understanding Etsy’s algorithm, delivering quality consistently, and targeting the right audience.
This review will provide a detailed look at what Mug Moguls offers, its effectiveness, and whether it’s the right tool for those wanting to tap into the mug-selling market on Etsy. If you’re considering starting an eCommerce venture focused on mugs, this review will help determine if it’s a profitable choice in the current market.
Mug Moguls Review: Pros and cons
Pros
Step-by-step instructions
Taught by a proven Etsy-seller
Cost is affordable for most people
Lessons are beginner-friendly
Cons
Questionable marketing tactics
Doesn’t set practical expectations
The course doesn’t seem updated
Price
The Mug Moguls course initially costs $495, but they consistently run a promotional discount that offers it for $37. This fake discount suggests that $37 is the standard cost of the course.
Training
The training of Mug Moguls is self-paced. All 47 course videos can be anywhere at the student’s own time.
Group
The Mug Moguls course doesn’t have a Facebook group.
Refund Policy
Mug Moguls has no refund policy.
Origin
Mug Moguls was founded in 2017.
Reputation
The Mug Moguls Facebook page has 20,000 likes and followers. Brock Hamilton has 200 connections on LinkedIn.
What is Mug Moguls’ Etsy Strategy?
Mug Moguls’ Etsy strategy is using a print-on-demand model to sell mugs with customized designs. The course teaches students how to identify in-demand designs and leverage trends. One of the standout promises of the course is its ability to get your Etsy store up and running in just 24 hours. While it covers the foundational aspects like designing mugs and setting up an online store, it also goes into deeper topics like managing the business and promoting your products for maximum reach. The aim is to arm learners with the tools and knowledge to tap into the growing market on Etsy and generate consistent income of up to $2,500 a week.
What's included in Mug Moguls?
Mug Moguls contains 9 modules with a total of 47 videos. Each video runs around 6 to 10 minutes. Students also have the option to receive templates and done-for-you designs when they purchase the course.
Setting up your online business
This section teaches students how to set up their online store on Etsy. It explains how to open and register for an account on Etsy and Teelaunch. The module also shows students the importance of showcasing their mugs effectively and personalizing their online storefront to attract potential buyers.
Designing your mugs
Here, students learn how to design mugs that people will buy. It teaches competitor research to understand trends and consumer preferences. The module offers tutorials on design tools including Canva, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements. For those who prefer not to design themselves, the course provides resources on where to commission custom designs. There’s also a section that explains what to do when Etsy deactivates listings or shuts down accounts.
Creating your listings
The module breaks down the components of a successful Etsy listing. It guides students on writing product headlines and how to select product images. Students also learn to write detailed product descriptions that resonate with potential buyers. The course recommends using product tags for better search visibility. It also offers insights on managing sales so listings stay active and updated.
Managing your business
This section teaches students how to manage their online Etsy store by offering excellent customer service and handling customer interactions. It also guides students on how to offer custom mugs that aren’t on their listings. They also explain the methods of running promotions and sales and show strategies for offering free shipping without bearing the entire cost.
Promoting your mugs
In this section, students learn about effective marketing techniques for Etsy. They’re also introduced to the benefits of Etsy Offsite Ads and are given instructions on when to use it. This module aims to give students the strategies to increase their product reach and build a loyal customer base.
What is Mug Moguls login?
The Mug Moguls login is the access portal for registered users of the Mug Moguls course. Through this login page, members can enter their email and password to access their accounts and course content. There are also options for users to sign in using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, and Apple. If a member forgets their password, there's an option to retrieve it. For those who haven't registered, there's a link to create a new account.
Who is Mug Moguls for?
Mug Moguls is for individuals at all stages of online selling, from beginners to experienced sellers. It’s especially suitable for those interested in Etsy print-on-demand and those looking to add a passive income stream. The course provides clear guidance for successfully selling mugs online.
Is Mug Moguls a Scam?
No, Mug Moguls is not a scam, but its marketing tactics can be questionable. It offers a fake discount from $495 to $37 to get students to sign up. Mug Moguls is still a real online course that provides guidance on selling custom mugs through Etsy.
Mug Moguls Course Review: What do students say?
Many students say they learned a lot from the course and it helped their business. They mention the course structure, easy-to-follow lessons, and practical insights into establishing an online store and marketing products.
Comments highlight students' success in starting sales, the value they've derived from the course's content, and appreciation for the help provided by the course creator.
For example, Chris T mentions how the course has covered everything he needed to know, and Bojanna M shares her experience of making steady sales since starting.
It's essential to note that most of these reviews are sourced directly from the Mug Moguls website, which makes it challenging to validate the outcomes or experiences shared by the students.
Here is another review from a former student that goes into the course’s content, claims, and supposed “flash sale” tactic. They found the $37 price point to be affordable and believed that there's potential to earn with the POD strategies.
The student however felt that the sales page is misleading and sets unrealistic expectations about the Etsy POD business model.
Mug Moguls Review Trustpilot
This Trustpilot review for Mug Moguls from 2021 is positive, giving the course a 5-star rating. The reviewer expresses Mug Moguls offers valuable training for those who are hesitant or intimidated about starting an online business.
This is the only review for the course on Trustpilot which may not reflect the full scope of student’s experiences and feedback.
Who is Brock Hamilton?
Brock Hamilton is an expert in website development and digital marketer with over 16 years of experience. He wrote the book “How To Create A Website: A Step By Step Guide” which is available on Amazon. Brock currently lives in Queensland, Australia.
Before venturing into his role as the founder of Webvertise.com.au Pty Ltd in 2007, Brock undertook roles in digital marketing. He started as an Online Marketing professional in 2006. By 2008, he had founded 101Ways, a website that he ranked for over 25,000 keywords and subsequently sold. Brock also led the web development at YourExportGrants.com.au in 2012.
Brock oversees diverse tasks at Webvertise.com.au Pty Ltd, from search engine optimization to spearheading affiliate marketing campaigns. Currently, Brock Hamilton has built multiple eCommerce stores in niches like outdoor furniture, travel, and print-on-demand. He has expanded his portfolio by managing online businesses in Australia and making them profitable. His Etsy store eCopious has sold over 11,563 print-on-demand mugs as this article is written.
What are Mug Mogul's claims?
Mug Moguls claims that the Etsy print-on-demand model for mugs can be set up and ready in just 24 hours. It also claims that students can start earning $1,500 to $2,500 per week using this model. However, the actual online selling environment on Etsy can pose various challenges. So students should manage their expectations when deciding to take the course.
5 Challenges of selling print on demand through Etsy that make Mug Mogul's claims difficult to achieve
Etsy is a popular eCommerce platform with over 4.3 million active sellers as of 2021. With such a vast number, niches like the custom mug market can be over-saturated. Breaking through the noise and establishing a unique presence can be challenging. Sellers often have to invest significantly in marketing and branding to stand out. And even then, there’s no guarantee of consistent sales due to the sheer volume of similar products available.
With print-on-demand, sellers rely on third-party providers to fulfill orders. This can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in product quality or delays in shipping. If a customer receives a subpar product, it reflects negatively on the seller, even if it’s the supplier’s fault.
Etsy charges listing and transaction fees. These can eat into profit margins, especially for sellers who aren’t moving a large volume of products. As of 2022, Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for each item and takes a 6.5% transaction fee on the sale price. When combined with the 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee, it’s clear that sellers need a good volume of sales to maintain profitability.
Coffee mugs online cost between $10 to $20 per piece, but after accounting for production costs, shipping, and Etsy fees, sellers might see a profit of only $3 to $6 per mug. To achieve a target of $2,500 per week claimed by the Mug Moguls course, a seller needs to move between 417 to 833 mugs weekly. This isn’t a realistic number especially for beginner Etsy sellers.
With the saturation of products, many sellers resort to Etsy’s promoted listings or other forms of paid advertising to gain visibility. This adds another layer of costs, which can eat into profits. Newer sellers or those with tighter budgets might struggle to compete with established stores.
How does print-on-demand work?
Print-on-demand lets sellers offer products without keeping an inventory. When a customer orders, the product is created and shipped by a third-party supplier. This Etsy dropshipping model eliminates the need for upfront investment in stock, reducing financial risk for the seller. It’s especially popular for custom or personalized items, as products are produced individually with each order. The seller’s primary responsibilities are designing the product, setting up an online store, and marketing, while the supplier handles production and fulfillment.
What are the best print-on-demand suppliers for mugs?
Printful - offers a wide range of print-on-demand products, including mugs in different styles and sizes. They provide integrations with popular eCommerce platforms, making it easier for sellers to automate order processing.
Printify - Printify connects you with various print providers, giving you options for pricing, production time, and shipping locations. Their mug selection is diverse and can be customized as per your designs.
AOP+ (All Over Print) - Specializing in all-over print products, AOP+ also offers custom mug printing. They focus on sustainable and eco-friendly printing practices.
T-Pop - Based in Europe, T-Pop is an eco-friendly print-on-demand platform. They have a sustainable approach to printing and packaging, which can be a selling point for eco-conscious brands.
SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand) - With fast production times and a wide range of customizable products, SPOD is a reliable option for many eCommerce sellers. They offer various mugs in different styles, sizes, and colors.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace that sells handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Sellers on Etsy offer a range of products including jewelry, clothing, home decor, art, and craft supplies. The platform emphasizes individual craftsmanship, allowing artisans and creators to set up their own storefronts and sell directly to buyers. Founded in 2005, Etsy has become a popular destination for shoppers seeking distinctive items that can’t be found in mainstream stores.
Related articles on Etsy Dropshipping
- ECom Family Academy teaches you how to start a dropshipping business. It has modules on finding trending products, creating effective Facebook ads, using funnels, email marketing, and designing a Shopify store to sell e-commerce products to paid-ad traffic.
- Suzi Whitford's Printables by Number teaches you how to generate passive income by creating and selling digital printables. The course provides step-by-step guidance on creating quality printables, setting up an online store, and scaling the business.
- Top-rated Etsy Dropshipping Courses highlight the best dropshipping courses of 2023, ranging from expensive to affordable options. It explains the pros and cons of each course and if dropshipping is still worth it as a business model.
Conclusion: Is POD the best way to make money online?
Print-on-demand is not the best way to make money online for several reasons. First, while the business model is accessible, it’s saturated. Many sellers vying for the attention of a limited number of buyers. Over 3 million active sellers are on Etsy alone. Second, profit margins can be slim due to competition, platform fees, and advertising costs. Lastly, the reliance on third-party providers for production can lead to inconsistencies in quality and fulfillment delays.
A more lucrative alternative is the lead generation business model. With lead generation, businesses can earn on average $50 to $400 per qualified lead, depending on the industry. This model involves attracting potential customers and directing them to businesses willing to pay for these leads. It offers scalability, consistent demand, and higher profit margins than print-on-demand. Investing time in understanding and mastering lead generation can provide a more sustainable and profitable online venture. If you’re looking for a more lucrative source of online income, consider diving into the lead generation.
