How to Save on Labels? 10 Practical Tips

Labels may seem like a minor cost, but at high volumes they can become a significant item in your company's budget. Here are 10 proven ways to reduce label costs without sacrificing quality.

1. Order Larger Quantities

This is the simplest way to save. The unit price of labels drops significantly with larger orders:

• 500 pcs - base price
• 1,000 pcs - approx. 10-15% cheaper
• 5,000 pcs - approx. 20-25% cheaper
• 10,000+ pcs - up to 30-40% cheaper

2. Choose the Right Material

Don't overpay for properties you don't need:

• ECO Thermal Labels - cheapest, sufficient for short-term applications (shipping, temporary warehouse)
• TOP Thermal Labels - about 20% more expensive, needed only when moisture resistance is required
• Thermal Transfer Labels - more expensive + ribbon cost, choose only when you really need durability

3. Optimize Label Size

Do you really need such a large label? Reducing size means direct material savings:

• 100x150mm label has 150 cm² of surface area
• 100x100mm label has 100 cm² - that's 33% less material!
• Check if your courier system accepts smaller sizes

4. Use the Right Ribbon

If you print thermal transfer:

• Wax Ribbon - cheapest, for paper
• Wax-Resin Ribbon - medium price, universal
• Resin Ribbon - most expensive, only for foils and difficult conditions

Don't use resin ribbon for regular paper labels - that's overpaying.

5. Consolidate Orders

Instead of ordering shipping labels, product labels, and warehouse labels separately, place one order with one supplier:

• Lower shipping costs
• Ability to negotiate prices with larger orders
• Fewer invoices and administration

6. Avoid Small Roll Sizes

Rolls with fewer labels are more expensive per unit. Compare:

• 250 pcs roll - high unit price, frequent replacement
• 500 pcs roll - optimal price-to-convenience ratio
• 1,000 pcs roll - lowest unit price, less frequent replacement

7. Negotiate Prices

If you order regularly, ask for:

• Regular customer discount
• Wholesale pricing
• Free delivery at certain order values
• Extended payment terms

8. Maintain Your Printer

A neglected printer = wasted labels:

• Regularly clean the print head
• Use quality labels (cheap labels can damage the print head)
• Calibrate the printer after each label size change
• A wasted label is wasted money

9. Consider Blank Labels Instead of Pre-printed

Labels with ready-made printing (logo, frames) are more expensive. Alternative:

• Buy blank labels (cheaper)
• Print everything on your own printer
• Savings: 20-50% vs. pre-printed labels

10. Plan Your Stock

"Rush" orders are more expensive:

• Express delivery costs more
• No time to compare offers
• Plan stock for 2-3 months ahead

See Also:

• Thermal Labels - Products
• Thermal vs Thermal Transfer Labels