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