Choosing the right company for producing your labels?
I decided to write this post because one of the regular issues we have is customers comparing our products and services with another companies.
So lets start at the beginning…
Materials – One companies label material may look similar to another, however there can be big differences. Generally speaking you cannot tell what the material will be by simply looking at it, ask each company for more information if this has not been provided.
Adhesives – Of course just as with a material, there can be big differences in the quality of the adhesives that are applied to the labels body material. You’re going to want your labels to stick on and stay stuck! We often have customers who have tried using low cost alternatives only to find that they fail. I’m thinking here in particular of paper labels which you can buy from any stationers. These might look great when applied, but over time the adhesive loses its bond and the labels fall off, often we see paper labels curling up at the edges and corners – a sign they are about to fall off!
Size – Generally asset labels are sold in standard sizes, around 50mm x 20mm. Custom sizes are usually available but can cost extra to cover extra materials or the time cutting the labels.
Printing – Your labels need to take abuse! Even office equipment has a degree of abuse each day. Where you place your labels can help, often labels are applied to the underside of laptops etc. this means the label will come into regular contact with other surfaces, and the printing on the label needs to withstand that abrasion.
Layout – Different companies offer different method of designing your label layout. Most companies sell template layouts, you are simply given 2 lines for text and often a barcode or a serial number. Why templates? Because its cheaper, it saves time as no-one designs the layout, its pre-set. The downside of a template, is you cannot adjust the font, the size of the text or have one line smaller than the other etc etc.
The alternative to a template is bespoke or custom. Where the company designs the layout specifically for you, so you can decide, what goes where and how the label looks. This means you get the label designed the way you want. Usually this involved sending an image file containing the layout for approval prior to printing.
Extras – What do you get as standard in the price and what is extra? We have seen companies charging extra, for adding a logo, serial numbers and barcodes. Its worth checking what you get and the total price for your order before committing.
Service – If you are ordering your labels from a company, you want to deal with people who answer questions and concerns quickly and efficiently. If someone is not bothered with you as a potential customer, will they give you order the attention it deserves? Another key point is the turnaround time of your order, its not unusual to hear of companies with a turnaround time of 4-6 weeks.
Here is what security-label.co.uk offers
Material – Our PolyAsset labels are made from Polyester Mylar, the strongest man-made material available, it will not rip or tear.
Adhesive – We use permanent adhesive with all our labels. Depending up the surface they are applied to they will not fall off when applied using our label application instructions. We have stuck to our wheelie bin at the office, outside in all weathers and they are still stuck fast.
Size – Standard sizes of 47mm x 19mm or 25mm x 12.5mm with custom sizes available
Printing – we use a thermal printing process, this bonds the print to the top layer of the label material, you can take a pair of scissor and try to scratch the print off our labels, you will risk destroying the material of the label before you can remove the print.
Layout – We only create bespoke labels for our customers so you get the label you want
Extras – Everything is included! Custom text, company logos, serial numbers and barcodes.
Service – We aim for 100% customer satisfaction! Our team try to answer any queries (email or phone) ASAP. Being a family run business we pride ourselves in our friendly and helpful attitude. Our turnaround time is an incredible 3 Working Days, with delivery on the 4th working day (after the layout has been approved).
