| Have you ever received a quote for a label or other | | | | be on a catalog cover offering a special discount? If |
| printed material and thought, "Wow, I never imagined it | | | | the conditions are not extreme, most labels can be |
| would be so expensive." As a label printing | | | | printed on an inexpensive standard paper stock. If the |
| professional, I am often faced with questions about | | | | label will be exposed to harsh conditions, it will be |
| price, and many times there are more cost effective | | | | necessary to produce it on a vinyl or polyester stock |
| options available but customers either don't know | | | | with lamination for added protection. It does tend to be |
| about it, or printers are unwilling to recommend less | | | | expensive to print on a heavy-duty stock, but in most |
| expensive methods. That ends today! This article will | | | | cases, it is well worth it because the label's lifespan will |
| examine a few tried and true cost saving measures | | | | be greatly increased. For non-extreme use, stick with a |
| you can incorporate when gathering pricing for your | | | | standard paper stock. |
| custom labels. | | | | Copy Changes |
| Size Does Matter | | | | If you need a variety of labels with different graphics |
| Size plays an important role for a few reasons. | | | | or text, use the same size and ink color for each label. |
| Generally, the larger the label, the more expensive the | | | | While it might not be as exciting, it will save you a lot of |
| finished product will be. If you are flexible, try to use the | | | | money because a printer will be able to run the labels |
| smallest size possible to communicate your message. | | | | together, resulting in a reduced cost per thousand. Also, |
| Even a small change in size can affect price, especially | | | | if you have a variety of changes for a four-color |
| when printing large volumes. Also, use standard sizes | | | | process printing job, make sure the changes are all in |
| when possible. Standard sizes run more frequently, so | | | | black ink, as the black plate is easiest to change and |
| printers tend to offer them at a reduced cost over | | | | many printers do not charge for black ink changes. |
| custom sizes. Always ask if there is a standard size | | | | Price Breaks & Quantities |
| close to your desired size. The slight size change can | | | | Price breaks and quantities do play an important role in |
| save you a lot of money. | | | | term of price. It may actually cost less to print 5,000 |
| Inks | | | | labels instead of 4,000 labels because the cost per |
| Do you really need to print four-color process? I | | | | thousand for 5,000 labels is less. In addition, instead of |
| know...you have a great design that you have put lots | | | | placing orders monthly in small volumes, print higher |
| of time and energy into, but you quickly realize printing | | | | quantities and store the labels. This will result in a lower |
| the labels may require you to take out a second | | | | cost per thousand and overall savings. Also, some |
| mortgage. So what to do? The obvious answer is | | | | printers will print large quantities, store the labels and |
| make the label one or two colors, especially if it is a | | | | ship them to you as needed. Always ask a printer |
| "throw-away" label with a short lifespan. Also, use | | | | where their price breaks are and get a quote for the |
| standard inks when possible. It is expensive to match | | | | closest price break to your desired quantity. |
| pantone colors or create custom colors, and most | | | | Printing labels can be an economical way to enhance |
| printers offer standard ink colors at no additional | | | | a product, advertise a promotion, correct an error, |
| charge. | | | | relay important information, and much more. Don't be |
| How Will the Label be Used? | | | | afraid to ask printers questions and negotiate price, |
| Another factor is how the label will be used. Will the | | | | and of course, consult with a variety of printers to |
| label be in harsh environments and exposed to water, | | | | make sure the price you are getting is fair and |
| extreme temperatures or other solvents? Will the label | | | | reasonable. |