Coffee Takeaway Cup: How to Trial and Switch Cups

To switch to a new coffee takeaway cup without waste, trial it against your current cup on real orders before you commit to full cartons: check lid fit, how it feels in the hand with a hot drink, how it stacks at the bar and how it looks, then run your old stock down before the changeover.

Key takeaways

• Test the cup and lid together on real hot drinks, not just on the shelf.
• Compare single wall and double wall on hand feel, and keep a carry tray in the trial.
• Plan the changeover so old cartons are used up before the new cup goes into service.
• If you want to check whether a trial quantity is possible, ask us through contact.

What should I test before switching takeaway cups?

Test four things: lid fit, hand comfort with a hot drink, stacking at the bar and overall look.

• Lid fit. Put the lid you plan to use on every size you are trialling. Press it on as a busy barista would and check the seal. Our cups list a rim size in some product names, such as the 80mm and 90mm options, so match lids to those. Two of our 8oz cups carry "One Lid Fits All" in their names; if you use one lid across sizes, test it on each cup anyway. For more on choosing lids, see our guide to takeaway coffee cup lids.
• Hand comfort. Fill the cup with a freshly made drink and hold it for as long as a customer walking to the car would. Compare single wall and double wall cups side by side.
• Stacking at the bar. Load a full sleeve into your usual spot. Check that cups separate cleanly and fit next to the machine.
• Look. Hold the cup next to your counter, signage and food packaging.

Single wall or double wall: which should I trial?

Trial both if hot drinks are most of your takeaway trade, because hand feel is the question you can only answer by holding them. In our range, single wall cups come in cartons of 1000 and double wall in cartons of 500.

For example, the 12oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Single Wall Art Print 90mm (Carton of 1000) and the 12oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print 90mm (Carton of 500) are the same size and finish, so they make a fair side-by-side test. If you are still narrowing the field, our best takeaway coffee cup guide covers the wider choice.

How do I compare the cups on price?

Compare on price per item as well as carton price, because carton sizes differ between single wall and double wall. Here are common options, using the carton and per-item prices shown on each product page.

Read the per-item column against your menu prices for your most popular size.

How do I get useful feedback from staff and customers?

Ask specific questions, and ask the people who handle the cup most.

For staff, keep a short sheet by the machine: did the lid go on first time, did cups separate cleanly, and would you use this cup on a rush? Ask your runners or delivery staff how the cups sit in the Coffee Cups – 4 Egg Board Carry Tray (Carton of 300) if you use one.

For customers, ask regulars directly when you hand the drink over: does the cup feel comfortable to hold, and has the lid stayed put on the way to the car or office? Write down what you hear the same day.

How do I run down old cup stock before changing over?

Count what you have left of each size and time your new order to arrive as old stock runs low. Delivery takes 3–5 business days to capital cities and 4–6 business days regional, so allow for that when you place the order.

A few practical points:

• Change over one size at a time if your old cups are running down unevenly.
• Keep old and new lids apart during the changeover if the rim sizes differ.
• Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost).
• Do not order a large stock of new cups until the trial is finished and staff agree.

Which one should I buy?

Choose by venue and drink mix.

• Espresso-led café with small serves: the 6oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Single Wall Art Print 80mm (Carton of 1000) for piccolos and macchiatos, paired with an 8oz for flat whites.
• Busy takeaway counter wanting one lid across cups: the 8oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print One Lid Fits All (Carton of 500) or its single wall partner, the 8oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Single Wall Art Print One Lid Fits All (Carton of 1000). Trial the lid on each before you commit.
• Café that sells mostly 12oz hot drinks: trial the 12oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print 90mm (Carton of 500) against the single wall version.
• Venue that wants a natural brown look: the 12oz Kraft Coffee Cups – Lined SW Print 90mm (Carton of 1000), made from PLA-lined paper.
• Venue planning a branded cup: a plain white cup such as the 12oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – White DW (Carton of 500). Custom printing with your logo is available on selected products; see custom print.
• Large-serve drinks: the 16oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print (Carton of 500).

Browse every size and finish on our coffee cups page.

Ordering

There is no minimum order, so you can buy a single carton of the cup you want to trial. Delivery is a flat fee set by your postcode, and free once an order passes a set amount; checkout shows the exact cost, and today's rates are on the shipping page. All orders are prepaid online. Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost). When ready, add your cups through quick order, or contact us to ask about trial options before you buy.

See also: coffee cups with lids: which lid fits which cup size, priced per cup + lid.

Setting up or restocking your packaging?

Send us your list for a trade quote, or price it yourself in the cost calculator.

No minimum order · free delivery over $750 (metro) / $1000 (regional) · damaged items replaced free · Delivery details