Cup Recommendations for Coffee Shops Just Starting Out (Complete by Cup Type)
Newly started coffee shops often make the wrong choice: they focus too much on design, forgetting about function and cost. However, in the early stages, the choice of cup type can determine operational efficiency and business margins. This article discusses the most sensible cup types for a new coffee shop, including when to use them, their advantages, and why they're suitable for the early stages of a business.
1. PET Cup — for Cold & Visual Menus
Suitable for:
Iced coffee with milk
Cold brew
Ice based drinks
Characteristics:
Clear, transparent
The appearance of the drink is clear
Light & practical
Why is it suitable for a new coffee shop?
Drink visuals become a selling point
Prices are relatively affordable
Easy to combine with simple stickers or screen printing
Vital Records:
PET not suitable for hot drinks. Focus only on cold menus.
2. SJP Cup (Single Wall Paper Cup) — The Safest Choice
Suitable for:
Hot coffee
Hot tea
Daily standard menu
Characteristics:
Single wall paper cup
Generally coated with PE on the inside
Most used by beginner coffee shops
Why should you use SJP in the beginning?
Most efficient pricing
Minimum orders are more flexible
Easy to screen print 1 color
This is the most realistic cup for the initial phase sebelum naik level.
3. Poly Cup — A Cost-Effective Solution for Quick Meals
Suitable for:
Quick take away menu
Events, bazaars, pop-up booths
Characteristics:
Plastic (PP)
Thicker than PET
Not transparent
Why are poly cups still relevant?
Economical price
Resilient
Suitable for high sales volume
Notes:
Less suitable for brands that want to appear premium, but very cost-efficient.
4. PUSPAN Cup — Thicker & More Comfortable Paper Cup
Suitable for:
Hot drinks at high temperatures
Coffee shop that starts to maintain experience
Characteristics:
Paper cups with thicker grammage
More comfortable to hold
More sturdy appearance
Why are serious new coffee shops starting to take notice?
Doesn't get hot quickly in the hands
Gives a more professional impression
Suitable for simple but neat branding
Usually used when sales start to stabilize.
5. STARINDO Cup — Quality Improves, Image Improves
Suitable for:
Coffee shop that wants to upgrade
A brand that is starting to become known
Characteristics:
Material standards are more consistent
Suitable for neat screen printing & printing
Used by many medium brands
Why is it used in the early–middle stages?
Quality is more stable
More professional appearance
Ready for long term consistency
This is not a “try-it-out” cup, but level up preparation cup.
Quick Summary (So You Don't Get Confused)
Business Stage | Cup Type | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|
Just starting | SJP | Safe, economical, flexible |
Cold menu | PET | Strong visuals |
High volume | Poly | Economical |
Starting to stabilize | PUSPAN | More comfortable |
Ready to level up | STARINDO | Consistent & professional |
