Top Label Printing Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a busy time for businesses, and one of the most important aspects of preparing for the holidays is making sure your products are labeled correctly. Here are some top label printing tips to help you get through the holiday season:

1. Use quality label materials. This is especially important if your products will be sitting on shelves for long periods of time or if they will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Use pressure-sensitive labels made from high-quality materials such as biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP). These labels will hold up well and look great even after exposure to the elements. If exposure is not an issue, a premium high gloss or matte paper label will also suffice.
2. Make sure your labels are properly applied. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to make sure your labels are applied evenly and with the correct amount of pressure. If they’re not, they could peel off or become unreadable.
3. Choose the right adhesive type. Labels with a general-purpose permanent adhesive such as acrylic are a good choice for most applications. If your product is subject to maritime shipping or will be stored in a humid or freezing environment, you may need to use a different type of adhesive. In these cases, one of our label printing specialists can help find the best option for your needs.
4. Choose the right printing technology. If you need high-quality labels in a hurry, digital label printing is the way to go. Modern inkjet-based digital printing technology allows you to print full color labels on-demand, so you don’t have to wait for a long print run. On the other hand, if you only print shipping labels, direct thermal technology is an affordable option that doesn’t require ink or toner, but the print quality isn’t nearly as good as digital.
5. Choose the right printer. Not all printers are created equal, and not all label printers are suitable for all label types. For example, inkjet printers typically come with either dye or pigment inks, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Dye inks are great for printing high-quality, full-color labels, but they can be susceptible to fading over time. Pigment inks, on the other hand, are more durable and resistant to fading, but they don’t print as vividly as dye inks. Color laser label printers are another option, but they’re typically more expensive than inkjet printers.
6. Calibrate your printer. Once you’ve chosen the right printer, it’s important to calibrate it properly so that your labels print correctly. Incorrectly calibrated printers can cause misprints, wasted labels, and frustration. Most label printers come with software that helps you calibrate the printer, but if yours doesn’t, there are plenty of free calibration tools available online.
7. Print at the right resolution. When printing product labels, it’s important to use a high resolution, so the text and images on your label are crisp and clear. When you’re just printing labels for internal use or for short-term storage, there’s no need to use the highest-quality print settings. Printing in draft mode will save you time and money, and the labels will still be perfectly readable.
8. Order sufficient label inventory. The holiday season is a busy time, so you don’t want to run out of labels. This includes both blank product labels and shipping labels. Be sure to order enough labels to get you through the season, and consider ordering a few extra in case of unforeseen circumstances.
9. Properly store your labels. Once you receive your labels, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they remain in good condition. Labels should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you’re not planning on using them immediately, it’s best to keep them in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them.

Label printing is an important part of preparing for the holiday season. By following these tips, you can ensure that your labels are printed correctly and that they’ll hold up over time. With proper planning and execution, labeling can be one less thing you have to worry about this holiday season!