If you’ve ever wondered why the price of your labels fluctuates from one order to the next, or why two similar-looking labels can have vastly different costs, you’re not alone. Many businesses enter the custom label buying process with incomplete information — and that lack of clarity can lead to unnecessary spending. This guide is here to arm you with the knowledge you need to get the best label for your needs at a fair price, every time.
While every label order is unique, there are a handful of core factors that determine pricing. Understanding these will put you in the driver’s seat when sourcing labels.
Label manufacturing includes equipment setup processes (such as ink stations, printing plates, tooling and calibration) that are largely fixed, no matter how many labels you print. Ordering larger quantities at once reduces the impact of these fixed costs, lowering your per-label price.
From economy papers to high-performance films, the label material you choose can dramatically affect price. Your choice should align with your product’s use environment: indoor vs. outdoor, dry vs. moist, disposable vs. long-life. A reputable custom label manufacturer can help you avoid over-engineering while ensuring performance.
Adhesives range from general-purpose to highly specialized (e.g., freezer-grade, removable, ultra-permanent). Using a removable adhesive when permanence is required can lead to failure and reprints. Using a specialty adhesive when it’s not needed? That’s a waste of budget.
Metallic inks, embossing, foil stamping, and special varnishes all enhance aesthetics — and price. If your label is performing a luxury branding function, these costs may be justifiable. But if performance or clarity is more important than flash, you may be able to simplify and save.
How and where the label is applied matters. Is it applied by hand or via automation? Will it need to conform to a curved surface? Do the labels need to be supplied on rolls, sheets, or fanfold? Share these details early to avoid surprises and ensure the most cost-effective solution.
If you operate in a regulated industry — such as food, electronics, or healthcare — your labels may require compliance with FDA, RoHS, FCC, or Prop 65 standards, among others. Make sure your label vendor knows your compliance requirements; non-compliance can be expensive!
If you frequently order labels across multiple product lines or departments, combining these into fewer, larger print runs can significantly reduce unit cost. A smart custom label manufacturer will work with you to identify common specifications and streamline production.
Creating a new die for every label design gets expensive fast. Instead, consider standardizing your label shapes and sizes where possible. For example, aligning your shampoo and conditioner lines to use the same label die saves on tooling and setup.
The more your label partner understands your future needs, the better they can optimize production schedules, reserve materials, and potentially lower your costs. Think of it like meal-prepping with your manufacturer — more predictability means less waste and better pricing.
Particularly when evaluating new or alternative materials, your label vendor should provide you with samples to test under your use conditions. Do they adhere properly to your packaging? Hold up under shipping and storage? A simple test could prevent a costly reprint.
Tell your manufacturer your performance goals, then invite them to suggest alternate materials or constructions that might cost less but perform equally well.
Breadth of Capabilities: Can they handle both short runs and large volumes? Specialty materials and regulatory requirements?
Consultative Approach: Do they ask the right questions? Help with testing? Flag red flags before they become problems?
Flexibility: Can they offer inventory or distribution programs to help control your inventory costs and overstretched resources?
Support: Are they on top of regulatory changes? Can they provide the documentation you need for compliance reporting?
At The Label Printers, we’ve helped customers across industries reduce label costs by improving material selection, consolidating orders, and ensuring application success on the first try.
Rather than offering a worksheet here, let’s walk through how you can spot and reduce cost leaks in your label process. Use this checklist-style narrative to evaluate your program:
Custom labels are too important to treat as an afterthought. With the right knowledge and the right partner, you can get labels that perform, impress, and save money in the process.