If you need to print labels for the first time, you might wonder if you should buy your own equipment or outsource production to a professional label printer. In this blog post, we'll explain what you need for each option along with the pros and cons. Every situation is different, so it's important to think about what works best for you.
Printing Your Own Labels
What you need:
Printer and Supplies (eg. ink)
Plain Labels
Label Printing Software
Artwork or Designs
Desktop printers can typically cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, with the quality and durability typically increasing the more you spend. One popular choice is inkjet machines such as Memjet or Epson Colorworks printers.
These machines print at a reasonable speed and are great for printing images or other designs which don't involve large blocks of solid colours. They can also print onto a range of materials including glossy papers and waterproof materials like polypropylene (similar to vinyl).
Another option is laser printers which use toner to print onto rolls or pre-cut A4 label sheets. These machines can have a high DPI and can also print onto a range of papers and other materials. Be careful to make sure you are buying the correct sheets for these printers as sheets which are suitable for inkjet printers might not be suitable for laser machines.
Printers from well-known brands like Epson typically come with software to help you print your labels. If you need special features, like unique barcodes or changing batch numbers, make sure the software can support this.
It's also important to think about not just the cost of the printer but also the cost of ink and the plain labels themselves. It all adds up !
Pros of Inhouse Printing:
Fast and flexible—great if you need labels quickly or have a lot of different artworks with unexpected and varying demand for each.
Cheaper for very small print jobs because you avoid minimum order charges.
You can easily customize labels with things like batch numbers or dates.
Cons of Inhouse Printing:
High upfront cost to purchase the printer.
Quality inferior to professional printers and may not be suitable for durable labels.
No option for embellishments or protective finishes such as varnish or lamination.
Higher cost per label for medium to long run jobs.
Printing can be a time consuming process both processing artwork, troubleshooting and printing the labels themselves.
A lot of printers will struggle with colour consistency and demonstrate banding problems.
Outsourcing to a Professional Label Printer
What you need:
If you wish to outsource your label printing you will need to invest in the following:
1. Professional artwork (usually in PDF format)
2. New cutters or print plates may be required for some print processes - (although digital printing may avoid the need for this however.
Professional label printers offer many ways to print labels, like digital or flexographic printing. They also offer special finishes like foiling and lamination.
From receipt of your enquiry the printer will select the right print process and materials to suit your requirements. They will then typically send you a quote with a range of different quantities to show how the unit cost per label will vary depending on quantity ordered. Generally the more you order the less you will pay per label as the setup charges are spread over a greater volume of labels.
You will need artwork in a format like PDF, but many printers have designers who can help if needed. After you place your order, you can expect your labels in about 5-6 working days. Reputable label printers will also keep production samples to ensure colour matching for future orders.
Pros of Outsourcing:
More options for special finishes, like lamination or varnish.
Cheaper for medium to large print jobs.
Better print quality.
Professional advice on the best materials and adhesives (including a wider range of materials and adhesives)
Cons of Outsourcing:
Longer lead time—usually around a week.
Less flexibility if you need a lot of changes or very low quantities.
More expensive for very small print jobs.
Conclusion - What is the best option to print your labels?
As you can appreciate from the information above, there are a whole host of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to print labels in house or outsource.
The best choice depends on what you need. If your labels are important for marketing and showing off your brand, we recommend using a professional printer. This way, you get the best print quality and finishes to attract customers and keep colours consistency for your brand.
If you need fewer labels or need to print them whenever you want, an in-house printer might be a good option. Just make sure to do your research—online reviews and YouTube videos can help you pick the right printer.
Whatever you choose, it's important to understand the cost per label so you know how it affects your margin. As your needs grow, it might make sense to switch from in-house printing to outsourcing to save money.
If you want more information or help with label printing, feel free to contact our team!
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