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10 key questions to answer when quoting your next custom printed label
The key to a successful label printing job is to ask and answer the right questions at the outset of the project. To give an understanding of the considerations in developing and quoting a label we have put together a comprehensive list of questions to review before your next label run. Our team of experts are well versed in the labelling requirements for a broad range of industries and challenges. We work with our clients to gain a deep understanding of their needs, developing a custom labelling solution that looks and performs exactly as intended.
Here are the essential pieces of information we need to know:
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1. Quantity
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How many labels would you like printed? Our flexible mix of digital and flexographic print technologies means that we can print from one label to one million labels. Also consider how you want the labels supplied; all at once or over a period of time. We have three flexible service offerings to suit your individual needs; Make to Order, Make to Hold and Make to Stock. |
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2. Number of varieties
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How many varieties of the label do you need to print? Some labels will have multiple SKU’s in the range e.g. 5 flavours of the same cordial label. Are there any colour change-outs between each different label? |
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3. Label size
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What size label do you need? Are there any size restrictions? Do you have the flexibility to modify the label size? We may have existing tooling available and a small label size change could make a big difference in optimising print efficiencies (and price). |
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4. Material
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We have a vast range of material options available to suit any application or desired look. Important considerations when selecting your label material and adhesive include:
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5. Colours
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Does your artwork specify the number and type of colours used, or do you have a colour system in mind? We can print in CMYK, PMS spot colours, or a combination. If you are unsure, read our blog to learn more about understanding colours for custom label printing. |
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6. Embellishments
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Would you like any embellishments on your label? Embellishments elevate your label design, adding the finishing touch to enhance the presentation of your brand. Options available include hot foil, cold foil, emboss, silk screen, high build, textured coatings, spot coatings, and specialty inks. |
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7. Finishing
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What type of finish or protection will you need on your label? Standard options are a gloss coating, matt coating, gloss or matt lamination. Will your label be overprinted? This can affect the suitability of the finish. Overprinting is used for variable information such as barcodes, ingredients, dates and batch codes. Common methods are Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer, Inkjet and Laser. |
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8. Roll quantity & core size
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How many labels do you need on each roll? This can be particularly important to consider if you will be automatically applying the labels, as you may have a maximum diameter that will fit on the equipment. What size core do you require? Our most common sizes include 25, 38, 41 and 76mm. Your applicator may dictate this. |
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9. Winding direction
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Winding direction refers to the way the label comes off the roll when you unwind it. We use the industry standard system of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8 (see our handy winding direction chart to learn more). This is most important to customers using automatic applicators, which usually are set up for a specific winding direction. |
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10. Artwork
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Have you designed your label already? When you are ready to supply artwork please ensure that the files are set up correctly. Supplying correct art files allows your artwork to flow seamlessly through our prepress processes, while achieving the highest possible print result. Our Artwork Checklist covers all you need to know. |
Once we have the answers to most of these questions, ordering your next run of labels will be smooth sailing. The more you are able to tell us the better but don’t worry if you don’t know the answers; we will work with you to gather any additional information. Our quick and easy quote request form will guide you through the quoting process, and of course our team of label experts are available for a free expert consultation.
