Free Might Be the Most Expensive: Use Brand Gift Cups with Caution (Part 1)

There are stories in cups, and warmth in life. Hello everyone, "Dong Dong's Cup Talk" is here. Recently, I've received many private messages and comments on Xiaohongshu from friends with questions about their insulated cups. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlSome involve newly purchased cups, while others are gift cups—especially the latter, which seem to raise many concerns. Today, I'd like to share some "insights" I’ve gathered about these cups. The following content reflects my personal views only, is not targeted at any specific party, and is not intended as advice. Please use your own judgment based on your experience—those who understand, understand.

When you joyfully receive a cup as a gift from a brand you love, is this "free surprise" truly safe and worry-free? I strongly advise you to stay vigilant and think twice before using such gift cups for daily drinking. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlThis is not alarmist but a rational consideration based on reality, market dynamics, and cost factors.

1.Objective Reality: Gift Items ≠ Guaranteed High Quality

From an objective standpoint, the core purpose of a gift cup is to serve as a "marketing tool." Its primary goals are to control costs and encourage you to complete a purchase. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlAs a result, its quality standards often differ from those of branded cups purchased through regular channels.

Recommendation:

Prioritize products that come with gift cups from well-known brands (such as Thermos, Tiger, or Zojirushi). (Let me clarify: I have not received any advertising fees, nor do I have any relationship with these brands. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlAdditionally, the cup factory I work with does not collaborate with these brands.) These brands tend to maintain some level of quality control for their promotional items to protect their reputation. However, even with gift cups from reputable brands, it’s essential to inspect them carefully before use.

Critical Warning:

Avoid using gift cups that are unbranded, poorly crafted, made of thin or flimsy materials, or have unusual odors!

Key Point to Note:

Material symbols such as "PP," "Tritan," "304," or "316" marked on the cup cannot be fully relied upon as proof of safety. Some unscrupulous manufacturers may falsely label their products. The real indicators of safety are whether the product manual or packaging clearly states nationally recognized testing standards, product batch numbers, https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmland certification codes from authoritative testing agencies. Without this explicit information, the safety of the materials remains questionable.