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If you use labels for business purposes, you will want to get the most for your money. Labels may not be particularly pricey on a per-unit basis, but costs quickly add up over time.
This is why it is important to approach your selection and procurement of labels strategically. Making the right decisions at the right time could result in significant long-term savings for your business.
With this in mind, here are five essential guidelines to help you get the most out of your labels:
1. Material and Adhesive Selection
You need to ensure that both the material and the adhesive are fit for purpose; different types of labels are designed with entirely different applications in mind. Some labels are removable and reusable, others are permanent and then there are those that can cope with damp or even deep freeze environments. If in doubt, ask your label supplier for their recommendations, in accordance with where and how you intend to use your labels.
2. Do not Cut Corners on Hardware
If you plan on printing your own labels, ensure you set yourself up with a decent hardware setup. Cutting corners on quality to reduce costs will almost always cost you more long-term. Lower-quality printers can be inconsistent at the best of times and have a very limited lifespan. Particularly with important printing jobs like product labels and branding materials, it is essential to prioritise quality and consistency.
3. Outsource Where Possible
The easiest and most affordable way to ensure consistently superior results is to outsource your printing requirements. Ordering from a professional printing house means gaining access to the kind of technology and expertise you are unlikely to have in-house. All of which can result in higher-quality labels and significant savings, negating the need to pick up any expensive equipment or consumables.
4. Image Quality and Resolution
Always ensure that any image, text or graphics you plan on printing on your labels is of a sufficient resolution. The general rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of 300 pixels per inch in order to avoid a result that looks amateurish. If in doubt, your printing provider can offer the advice and input you need to get the quality of your images in order. Always remember that first impressions count, particularly when it comes to marketing materials, product labels and so on.
5. Examine, Evaluate and Improve
Always be mindful of the fact that there is no such thing as a perfect label; precisely why even the world’s biggest and most successful brands are continuously adjusting their own branding strategies. What looks great today could soon be outdated without regular tweaks and adjustments. Creating quality labels for business purposes should therefore be seen as a continuous process. One where there is always room for improvement, which is again where the input of a professional printing house can prove invaluable.
For more information on any of the above or to discuss your label printing requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Mercury Labels today.
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