Save Money on Your Custom Labels with These Quick Tips
So, you’ve put some love and time into your label vision but with the growing economic cost, you might want to implement some of these tips to save money for reinvesting into your business in other areas.
Making some smart label changes will reduce your cost and increase your performance!
Matchy-Matchy
Matching the material to the application is a hugely important process to implement. Instead of focusing solely on price you need to be thinking do I have the best material that will hold up to the job in all the environmental factors and rigorous usage and exposure it needs to endure.
(For example; will this material hold up in harsh environments like a freezer or thermal or will it crumble and become obscured.)
Do you need tamper-evident labels or maybe you need film labels to withstand punishing conditions and rough treatments, for example, alcohol labels or shipment labels.
Focus on the need of your label and what it needs to endure rather than the expense and in the long run you won’t need to constantly issue replacements or the expense of trialling different types as you will have already done your research!
Don’t Be a Doormat Re-Think Your Format
Roll labels are almost always more affordable and effective in increasing efficiency and reducing waste if properly managed.
(For example; the roll position and where your label is oriented on the roll)
However, roll labels may not be suitable for your business use, it is always worth a conversation with your custom label vendor to see what available options you have open to you that might help reduce costs.
Adapting your label size to reduce unused space without affecting readability and legal sizing, helps you save resources and reduce wastage as a business becoming more economical.
(Note: This sometimes can’t be achieved as some label sizes are legally locked in as standard.)
Check and Check Again
Going back to choosing based on functional need rather than price, you need to check you are then using the correct printing method and settings. Unfortunately, not all printers and materials go together.
If you have looked into your label material for function you’ve done most of the research already woohoo!
That means that you will already know if you have thermal material or inkjet etc. so it won’t take long to search for a suitable printing method with suitable durability for your usage. Some label vendors like us, not only have a wealth of knowledge and advice to help you but also have connections and partner with some of the best in the industry to get you great prices.
Some methods cost less than other for example digital printing and direct thermal printing require fewer components and can produce results in-house and on-demand giving your business more freedom to make changes and trial runs without extra expenses.
Some printers have a backfeeding function that makes maximum use of the printing area with efficient lead-edge printing. Using this function will reduce label gaps to a minimum and as you may know ‘the smaller the gap the cheaper the roll!’
(Note: It’s important to know your printer settings and make sure the print drivers are properly set up for your label size, style, and materials!)
Bulk It Out
Custom product labels are just like everything else, the more you buy generally the cheaper it becomes. This can be a fantastic option for your business if you rarely change branding appearance and have particular lines that sell more than others, or if you require safety signage and medical labels.
However, this could drain some storage space if you make the mistake of overordering. Some label vendors offer in-house storage, where you have the option (for a fair price) to keep your labels in their warehouse until you need them.
Blanket ordering is another great way to lock in that lower cost and spread out your deliveries saving warehouse space.
Knowledge is Power
Yes, that old cliché, but it really does apply when you are a business needing the help of other businesses!
An experienced label vendor will not only have a wealth of knowledge to advise you, but they may even have their own label management software (like Tolarus) or printing technologies, inks, materials and adhesives that other companies cannot supply. The best label printers will ensure you get the highest quality labels (for the function you need them for) for the lowest cost.
Again, going back to your own label research, it is important to check how to store those labels until you need to use them. Check the temperatures and humidity of your intended storage space and avoid exposing them to unnecessary damage. Moderate temperatures and humidity will always improve the printed output result.
Recap
- Matchy – Matchy: Focus On The Need For Your Label Not The Price
- Don’t Be a Doormat Re-Think Your Format: Save Space Where You Can
- Check and Check Again: Do Your Research Before You Print
- Bulk It Out: Larger Label Quantities Cost Less
- Knowledge Is Power: Work With Experienced Vendors To Get Exactly What You Need!