Tea mugs question
I recently discovered a local craftsman who makes amazing one-of-a-kind stoneware items. You guys know we don’t really offer any of that sort of frou-frou stuff on our website—largely because I don’t want to be stuck with a lot of inventory of knickknacks and I like to be able to offer things that not everyone else has and lastly, I’m kind of clumsy and I break stuff.
But I’ve been thinking (and talking to this craftsman) about featuring a few pieces of his work on our website to sell on commission—I would forward the buyers’ shipping information to him so he could pack and ship the piece(s). (That way they wouldn’t arrive in pieces.)
Anyway, he’s now asking me what size mugs our customers might like for a tea mug, and I thought I would ask you all. If you had your choice, what size mug would you prefer for your tea (in ounces)? My first thought was BIG, but that’s just me. What do you think?
Edit: How about for teapots?
10 – 12 oz. mug
20 – 24 oz. teapot (enough for two mugs of tea)
I prefer no handles, but, as Uniquity said, only if it means I won’t get burned. I really love the yunomi tea cups that have the indentations on the side to help grip the cup.
The mugs I usually use are 12 oz…and that’s sort of a minimum preferred size for me. I’ve noticed most beautiful stoneware and hand-made mugs I have run across tend to be in the 4 to 6 oz range though, which always makes me a bit sad.
I really like no handle on handmade mugs BUT only if I won’t burn my hand holding it. It’s tricky. It sort of also depends on the shape (squat vs traditional coffee mug vs traditional teacup shape, etc). Do you have any particular thoughts about the style already, or does he only do certain shapes? Do you happen to have a price range in mind? Those sorts of things temper my earlier suggestion of volume, if that makes sense.
Might I suggest ‘mini’ mugs?
I know that doesn’t go as well with large cups of hot, delicious coconut cheesecake tea, nor does it go well with the idea of a nice big glass of iced tea for the summer.
HOWEVER, if you sold a mug-shaped (with handle) cup that was 2-6 oz, it would have the ‘mini’ look and you might find a lot more buyers because, well, not very many people have such small cups. If they are looking a mug that’s a normal size they will compare it with what they have and could think ‘eh, I don’t need yet another mug.’
However, if they see these cut, hand-made, mini-mugs, they will think, ‘Oh, how cute, I don’t have anything like that! And it would be perfect for the kids!’
Just an idea, and obviously there are many good reasons to have big mugs for big cups of tea. But if it looks just like a mug (handle and all) you might get the ‘mini’ look and that could certainly draw a crowd of its own. So you’d be able to sell it on the novelty and the fact that it is hand-made.
It’s true! I was just searching online today for usable tea cups for my kids.
I like a mug that holds b/t 8oz to 12oz of tea and has an infuser that I can easily drop in to steep and remove when done. Handles are a must for me. Makes me feel classy even when I’m stuck at work.
I love stoneware and would be happy to see 10 to 12 oz mugs. A nice handle less one would be great, for my cooler teas (greens and oolongs). Taller than squat, preferably.
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