1. What is the standard carriage charge for Mainland UK?

We charge £10 plus Vat on each delivery, regardless of the size or weight of the order. Once an order is ready for despatch it will be sent out for delivery the next working day. Prices for timed deliveries or overseas are available on application.

For our delivery policy please click here - Delivery Policy

2. When will I get my order?

If you are an account customer your order is normally dispatched between 5-10 working days from when your order was placed and /or artwork approved. If you are a pro-forma customer, your order will be approximately 5-10 working days from payment received and artwork approved (where applicable). Once the goods have left us, our courier should deliver the next working day, unless otherwise arranged.

3. What is the difference between Thermal Direct and Thermal Transfer Printing methods?

a. Thermal Direct printing requires thermal direct labels to work. It is a process where the labels react to the heat of the printhead. These labels are generally used in situations where the label does not have to last very long such as fresh food labelling. It is often used in warehouses for despatch and pallet labelling. Used in the wrong situation the labels can fade, discolour or become illegible when exposed to heat or light.

b. Thermal Transfer printing requires either a wax, wax/resin or resin ribbon to print. It is a durable and long lasting method of printing.

c. Just tell us the make and model of your printer and what you are using the labels for and we will be able to tell which method is most suitable.

4. I need barcode labels so how do I get started?

First you must contact an organisation called GS1 UK at www.gs1uk.org They will issue you with the numbers you need and explain how to assign them to your products. Once you have your numbers we can either print the labels for you or supply you with the blank labels to print on yourself. If you intend to print your own labels you will need a label printer and software which can be all be found by following the link:

www.southeastlabels.co.uk/shop/label-printers-software-and-ribbons/

We are happy to recommend the most appropriate system for your requirements if you are unsure.

5. I am having problems with the print quality of my label printer, what can I do?

Whilst Thermal Transfer printers are very reliable and require little maintenance, the print head should be regularly cleaned with a printhead cleaner. Use this to also remove any adhesive build-up in the label path to keep your print quality at its best. Here are solutions to a few common problems:

White lines through print or print missing - Clean printhead. If this does not work you may have to replace the head.

Poor print quality - Clean the head regularly with a headwipe.

Faint Print - Incorrect ribbon type or head temperature is too low.

Print filling in or blurred - Head temperature is too high or the print speed is too fast.

6. My barcodes are not passing the scan what can I do?

Any of the problems listed in the above answer can result in barcodes which cannot be read by a scanner. In general we recommend barcodes are printed as a 'picket fence' rather than a 'ladder' as they come out the printer, as this results in a higher quality scan. Also make sure you leave enough 'quiet ' area (no print) either side of the barcode so that other print or the label edge does not interfere with the scan. If you need to confirm the make-up and quality of your barcodes before the goods are sent out then you may need a verifier rather than a scanner. We can help you select either at:

www.southeastlabels.co.uk/shop/scanners-and-verifiers/