BUYERS GUIDE

When planning your label purchase it may be useful to consider the following points

General points to remember:

Prices tend to change with quantity and size of label.

The fewer the colours required the more cost effective the label.

If you choose a size already available from label cutters that are held in stock you will not be charged extra for tooling.

Plate charges for artwork are only charged on the first order or when changes to the original label are made.

How will the labelled product be stored?

For instance an item stored in a chiller cabinet will require a different kind of label material and adhesive to one stored on a shop shelf.

What surface is the label to be stuck on?

Are you going to need a label that peels off easily or one that stays on permanently? Is the surface smooth or rough? There are many adhesives available.

What is the longevity required from the label?

Do you require a label to last a long time or only a few weeks or months. Thermal direct labels are heat and light sensitive so would generally not be suitable for retail products apart from fresh food.

Do you require a pre-printed label (eg with your logo address etc) with space to print your own variable data?

You will need to make sure the label supplied for overprinting is on the correct media and core size (if on rolls) to go through your own printer.

If you are going to print your own labels what sort of Printer will you be using?

These may include dedicated label printers with their own software such as:

Thermal Direct (No ribbon)

Thermal Transfer

Digital

These above options are recommended for Barcode Labels.

Or you may be using a standard inkjet or laser labels in which case you will need labels on A4 sheets.

Are you going to need Barcode Labels?

If you supply into retail then your customer may give you the barcode numbers but they may also ask you to provide your own. To obtain your numbers you will need to contact www.gs1uk.org who are the authorised issuing agency for the UK. Once you have your numbers just give us a typed list and we can do the rest. Our barcodes are computer generated - which removes the need to produce costly and time-consuming printing plates and artwork. Changes to bar code numbers are easy and cost-effective and dedicated label software will automatically calculate and confirm any check digit in the code and we scan and verify samples of the bar codes we produce to ensure they meet specification. Text may also be added above or below your barcode. Thermal ribbons are used to print the barcodes and are available in Wax, Wax Resin and Resin providing smearless, scratch and solvent-resistant print.

Do your labels need to be extra durable?

If your label surface is likely to come into contact with a contaminant such as grease or dirt or needs to be weatherproof then a standard paper label may not be suitable. There are many synthetic materials such as polyester, polypropylene and vinyl. For extra protection consider having your label varnished or laminated.

Downloads

The following downloads (charts) provide a useful starting point but please contact us for expert advice.

Labelling equipment and media to print on your own plain labels or overprint pre-printed labels - Download

How to Obtain Bar Code Labels - Download

Methods of Printing Pre-Printed Labels - Download

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