“How much will our custom labels actually cost?”
No matter how amazing your vision for your custom labels, at some point, it’s going to bump up against the reality of your budget. That’s when you want straightforward answers about custom label pricing — not vague estimates or a noncommittal “it depends.”
Does that mean your custom label supplier can give you an instant quote? Probably not. There are several variables that affect the final pricing of a label.
But the more you understand what drives up (or lowers) costs, the easier it will be to get the best value for your budget. So, let’s peel back the curtain.
What Really Drives Your Custom Label Costs
When planning out your labeling, there are certain choices you can make that will impact your costs right out of the gate, such as volume, label material, and use case/environment.
The Quantity of Labels You Need
One of the first questions people ask us about is minimum quantities.
Here’s the unvarnished truth: Technically, yes, we can print just one label for you. But that single label could cost almost the same as 100, or even 500, labels.
Why? It’s all about the process. The printing and converting equipment need the same preparation whether we’re printing one label or a million:
- Load and align materials
- Mount tooling, plates and/or load software
- Calibrate the colors
- Run 1st article sample for Quality Inspection approval
If you can forecast your needs and order more at one time, you’ll see your per-label cost drop significantly.
Here’s a little industry secret: when customers ask us how to save money on labels, our first question is usually about their ordering patterns. If you’re ordering 1,000 labels 10 separate times throughout the year, you’re paying 10 separate setup costs — as opposed to one setup cost for ordering 10,000 labels.
This is where an expert custom label manufacturer will talk with you about options and about how scaling affects your cost per label. You may find that going from 1,000 labels a month to 12,000 annually, for example, makes a big difference in the per-unit price.
Label Materials
Material choice can be a major cost factor. Think of it like choosing between cotton, silk, and polyester for clothing — each has different properties and price points.
- Paper options are generally most economical, and they come in uncoated, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes.
- Film options are more durable but a little pricier. They include polypropylene, vinyl, and polyester.
Your brand and the label environment will heavily influence what materials you should choose. Uncoated paper is lovely and natural, for instance, but it can’t get wet. Or you may realize you don’t need to pay for durable polyester if your use case doesn’t genuinely justify it.
Label Environment
The environment your labels will have to withstand is probably the biggest factor in determining what materials you need — and what your labels will cost. After all, it’s a huge waste of money if your custom labels fall off, fade, or crack three weeks after you apply them.
That’s why custom label experts ask questions like these:
- Will your product be exposed to moisture? Think about refrigeration, bathroom placement, and outdoor use.
- Are there temperature changes to factor? This includes freezing, heating, and shipping in various climates.
- Will these labels have to endure sun exposure? Keep in mind that UV rays can be label killers.
- Are the labels going to come in contact with chemicals like cleaning products, oils, or alcohol?
- Will these labels be applied to products that get tossed around, dropped, or rubbed against surfaces in bags or toolboxes?
The right material choice might cost a bit more upfront, but it will save you from the heartbreak (and cost) of labels that fail in the field.
Label Size and Shape
Size and shape are integral to manufacturing layouts and, therefore, the cost of your label. If a slightly different size or shape than you’ve asked for can utilize existing tooling and be more efficient for your volume, a custom label expert will provide that option.
When it comes to the shape of your label, there’s a world of difference between choosing something standard (like rectangles and circles) versus creating a fully custom shape.
Custom shapes require a special cutting die — essentially a custom-made “cookie cutter” for your specific label shape. This is typically a one-time cost, but it is something to budget for with your initial order.
Label Application
The way you plan to apply your labels makes a huge difference in how we design and produce them. It’s like the difference between hand-washing dishes and using a dishwasher – both get the job done, but they require different approaches.
If you’re applying by machine: Your labels need to be customized for your equipment. We’ve seen many frustrated customers who ordered labels online without talking through the application process, only to discover they won’t feed through their labeling equipment — it’s a major waste of time and money.
By working with a custom label expert, you’ll cover all of the essential questions that need to be answered, including:
- How labels are positioned on the roll
- The exact distance needed between each label
- Requirements for leaders or tails. Those are the blank sections at the start and end of the roll that allow you to avoid wasting good labels for machine setup and dismantling.
- The type of backing material (liner) used. Depending on the opacity, certain liners may require printed eyemarks to enable your equipment sensors to feed labels properly.
If you’re applying by hand, there are a different set of considerations and questions that should be discussed. For example:
- Would individually cut labels work better for your application?
- Can you use rolls instead of sheets?
- For individual labels, would back slit liner or face peel tabs make it easier for your application process?
- Is the roll small enough for your team to work with conveniently in hand applications?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t worry. The right custom label manufacturer knows how to help you find the answers and prescribe the best option for your needs.
Design Complexity
Let’s talk about design. Are you going for simple and clean, or are you looking to make your product the showstopper on the shelf?
Design complexity directly impacts your label cost. Basic designs with one or two colors, standard shapes, and simple finishes tend to be more affordable. On the other hand, you may want more eye-catching elements in your design, like full-color printing, specialty foils, or textured finishes.
The more complex, the more costly your label.
However, this is also the time to consider your overall branding and shelf competition. If you’re selling an artisanal olive oil for $30 a bottle in a specialty store, your packaging needs to reflect that premium positioning. This is where an expert custom label manufacturer can really help you stretch your budget by finding more cost-effective ways to get the exact label look and feel you want.
On the other hand, if you’re producing thousands of warehouse inventory labels, simple functionality might be all you need.
Let’s Talk About Your Custom Label Pricing and Project
Now that you understand what goes into label pricing, you’re armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your custom labels.
At The Label Printers, we’re not just trying to sell you labels – we want to be your long-term partner in making your products shine.
Ready to talk specifics about your project? Our team loves nothing more than helping customers find the perfect balance of quality, performance, and price.
