For small business owners in the commercial goods sector, your product labels are often the first point of contact with potential customers. They communicate your brand’s value, showcase your professionalism, and help your product stand out in a competitive market. Many small businesses start by printing their own labels to save costs, but there comes a point where switching to professional product labels becomes not just beneficial but essential. Here’s how to determine if you’ve reached that point.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis: Time vs. Quality
As a business owner, your time is one of your most valuable resources. Printing your own labels may seem economical initially, but the true costs can quickly add up:
- Time Investment:
- Printing labels in-house is time-consuming. From troubleshooting printing issues to physically cutting labels that are not pre die cut, these tasks can detract from focusing on growing your business. Additionally, setting up the print, including registering pre-die-cut labels, can be tedious and prone to delays. Troubleshooting any issues that arise during the printing process, such as misalignments or equipment errors, further consumes valuable time that could be spent growing your business.
- Professional label companies have the tools and expertise to handle this process efficiently, freeing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
- Equipment Costs:
- Many small businesses start with entry-level printers and label materials, which may produce acceptable results at low volumes. However, as your business grows, these systems may not keep up with your needs.
- Professional-grade printing equipment is expensive and often not feasible for small businesses to purchase and maintain.
- Material Waste:
- DIY label printing can result in significant material waste due to errors or inefficiencies. Professional label providers ensure precision, reducing waste and associated costs.
Quality Considerations
Your labels are a direct reflection of your brand. Lesser-quality labels can:
- Fade or smudge, leading to an unprofessional appearance.
- Peel or tear, leaving your product vulnerable to damage.
- Fail to comply with industry or regulatory standards, which could impact your ability to sell in certain markets.
Professional label companies, like Columbine Label, use high-quality materials and advanced printing technology to produce durable, eye-catching labels that enhance your brand’s credibility. Choosing the right material is something we can even help with.
When to Make the Switch
Here are some key indicators that it’s time to transition to professional product labels:
- Increased Volume Needs:
- If you’re regularly producing 250 or more products per run, professional labels are a cost-effective solution. Printing this quantity in-house can strain your equipment and staff resources.
- Scaling Up Production:
- Expanding your distribution channels or entering retail markets often requires labels that meet specific quality and durability standards.
- Brand Growth:
- A growing brand needs labels that align with its professional image. Consistent, high-quality labels help build trust and recognition among your customers.
- Compliance Requirements:
- If your product needs to meet specific industry regulations (e.g., food safety, health products, or environmental standards), professional labels ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
The Bottom Line
Switching to professional product labels is an investment in your business’s future. By outsourcing this critical component to experts, you save time, reduce stress, and elevate your brand. At Columbine Label, we specialize in creating custom product labels, tags, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. With minimum order quantities starting at just 250 labels, we make it easy and affordable to take this next step.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your products shine on the shelves!
Want more advice for small businesses? Check our previous post about labeling on a budget for some extra insight.