One of the questions we get most from established workshops is not how to sublimate better, but what else can I add to my catalogue to earn more without working twice as hard? The answer always comes down to identifying products with high perceived value and a low blank cost. Here are three concrete options with real CLP figures.
1. Magic Mug — When the visual effect justifies charging triple
The magic mug (XY-ms-043, $2,150 CLP per blank) has the same format as an 11 oz mug, but with a thermosensitive coating that makes it appear dark when cold and reveals the sublimated design when hot liquid is added. The sublimation process is virtually the same as a standard mug — with a slightly lower temperature — and the additional production time is minimal.
What does change is the selling price. A standard sublimated 11 oz mug sells in Chile for $5,000–$8,000 CLP. A magic mug with the same design sells for $10,000–$15,000 CLP. The customer pays for the experience, the surprise, something they can show off on social media.
| Standard 11 oz mug (BY-CM01) | Magic mug 11 oz (XY-ms-043) | |
|---|---|---|
| Blank cost (Ferru SpA) | $840 CLP | $2,150 CLP |
| Suggested retail price | $6,000–$8,000 CLP | $10,000–$15,000 CLP |
| Estimated profit per unit | ~$5,500 CLP | ~$10,000 CLP |
Sublimation parameters: 185–195°C, 120–150 sec, medium-low pressure. Do not cool in water — air cool only. The thermosensitive coating is more delicate than that of a standard mug.
Works especially well for birthday gifts, Valentine's Day, corporate surprise orders, and any customer looking for something they cannot find at every workshop.
2. 40 oz Auto Thermal Tumbler — High ticket, solid margin
The auto thermal tumbler market is growing fast in Chile, driven by gym culture, mate drinking, and the Stanley effect that is here to stay. The 40 oz format (1.18 litres) is the most in-demand, and the sublimable substrate available at Ferru SpA — in pink (MY-AA-VFS065, $11,400 CLP) and white (MY-AA-VFS065-W, $10,200 CLP) — allows 360° personalisation with spectacular results.
The large surface area allows more elaborate designs, which justifies higher selling prices and differentiates your offer from the mass mug market. The format also fits standard car cup holders, adding real utility to the product.
| 40 oz auto tumbler white | 40 oz auto tumbler pink | |
|---|---|---|
| Blank cost (Ferru SpA) | $10,200 CLP | $11,400 CLP |
| Suggested retail price | $28,000–$38,000 CLP | $30,000–$40,000 CLP |
| Estimated profit per unit | $18,000–$28,000 CLP | $19,000–$29,000 CLP |
Machine required: XY-012K1 or the bottle module of the 8-in-1 machine (XY-008-8).
Sublimation parameters: 200–210°C, 200–240 sec, medium-high pressure. Due to the larger surface, check the bottom zone of the design — heat may distribute unevenly if the attachment is not properly fitted.
Market opportunity: there are still very few workshops in Chile offering this product at professional quality. Entering now means capturing customers before it becomes mainstream.
3. 750 ml Metal Bottles — The corporate product everyone asks for
Sublimable aluminium bottles are the favourite corporate gift: functional, visible, with a large surface area to display a logo or design. At Ferru SpA we carry two models: the standard bottle (BY-A-AS001, $2,200 CLP) and the bottle with lid and handle (BY-A-AS002, $2,400 CLP).
The B2B market — companies, schools, sports clubs, events — typically orders in batches of 30, 50, or 100 units. Those orders are the ones that truly move the revenue needle in a workshop.
| Standard 750ml bottle | 750ml bottle with handle | |
|---|---|---|
| Blank cost (Ferru SpA) | $2,200 CLP | $2,400 CLP |
| Suggested retail price | $8,000–$12,000 CLP | $9,000–$13,000 CLP |
| Suggested B2B price (+50 units) | $6,000–$8,000 CLP | $7,000–$9,000 CLP |
| Estimated gross margin | 72–82% | 70–81% |
Key to selling to companies: offer the complete service. Not just the sublimated bottle — offer design included, individual packaging, and coordinated delivery. That full package justifies charging more and means the client does not have to manage anything themselves.
Sublimation parameters: 200–210°C, 180–210 sec, medium-high pressure. Use high-temperature tape (BY-GWJD) on all four edges of the paper, especially at the top and bottom ends.
The order we recommend for adding these products
If you had to prioritise, the order would be:
- Magic mug: minimal investment, same machine, immediate return. The visual effect sells itself on social media.
- 750ml bottles: they open the door to the B2B market. A single corporate order of 50 bottles can generate more than a full week of retail mug orders.
- 40 oz auto tumbler: requires confirming whether your attachment covers the format. If you already have the right machine, the margin per unit is the highest of the three.
All three products are available in stock at Ferru SpA, with shipping across Chile.