When is it more cost effective to print my own labels and when should I buy from a label supplier?

A common question among businesses who use labels is whether they are better off printing their own labels or purchasing labels from a label printing company. This isn't a question with a cut and dry answer - There are several important points to consider! Let's take a closer look at what you need to know to make an informed decision.

• Do the labels need to be extra durable, or are they being used in non-standard applications? If your labels are being used outdoors, in a fridge/freezer, in a dusty warehouse, or anywhere else where they are exposed to tough conditions, extra durability is required. When you print your own labels you don’t have access to premium adhesives and materials, which are required to create labels made with added durability. If your labels need to be durable or are being stuck to a surface that is difficult to stick to, labels purchased from a label supplier will be more effective than labels you print yourself. The last thing you want is to spend time and money on your labels only to have them peel at the corners, fall off, or fade!
  
  
• Do the labels require variable data on them? Variable data is information that changes from one label to the next. Examples of this include a sequential number or barcode, QR codes, batch codes, and use-by dates. If your labels require variable data, in most cases you will be better off printing your own. The most cost effective way to overprint variable data on labels in medium to high quantities is by using a thermal transfer or direct thermal printer. However these printers can only print black, so if you require colour on your labels (often you might need your logo or some form of branding) then we recommend purchasing printed base labels from a label supplier that can then be overprinted in your printer. 
  
  
• What quantity of labels do you use? If you use thousands of labels in a year or more, it is usually more cost-effective to purchase from a label supplier. If your usage is in the hundreds or less and the labels are being used in a standard environment, it may be more cost-effective to print your own. 
  
  
• How quickly do you need them? If you need labels within a few days your best option may be to print your own. Most label suppliers will require 1-3 weeks to produce your order.
  
  
• Does the appearance of the label artwork matter? If your labels are destined for product packaging, sourcing them from a label supplier is recommended as it ensures you'll get a high quality result. Label manufacturing equipment is able to produce a higher quality label than a photocopier or domestic printer, and many label suppliers have graphic designers in-house who can create a professional design for you. Ask yourself - If your labels don't look professional, would it impact the sale of your product? It’s not cost effective to save a few cents per label if it is going to cost you dollars in lost revenue.

In summary, printing your own labels can be cost-effective in certain circumstances. This includes if you have a very tight deadline, if your usage is very low or if you have variable data on your labels. However, before deciding on the most cost-effective option bear in mind that there are a number of hidden factors to consider that might impact your decision. If the labels you print yourself are not made to suit the conditions or are low quality and start to peel, will this mean you have to re-label your products? If your product sales suffer due to poor labelling, will that be a lesson you can afford to learn? The cost of choosing the wrong method for printing your labels could be significant - If in doubt, ask us for a second opinion, we're here to help!

Cohesion Labels is a local Western Australian label manufacturer you can trust. We might be almost 100 years old, but we’re young at heart! As one of Australia’s most experienced label producers, we combine a history that stretches back to 1925 with the industry’s most modern and innovative mindset. Get in touch with us for a quote - We'd love to see how we could make labelling easy for you!