Professional Label Printing – What’s More Feasible, Printing In-House or Outsourcing

How to Decide if Outsourced Printing or Self Printing is Better?

Are you considering starting a small business and still have not decided about your packaging, branding, and promotions?

Or, the DIY printing expenses are becoming a burden for your existing business? You are in search of printing services that do not become a financial burden for your business. The article will help you in deciding the best option for printing labels.

If you are still young in your business and have a limited sale, your requirements for label printing will also be limited. For start-ups and small businesses, the self-printing of labels is a feasible option. Even for DIY printing and testing different designs on packaging, printing in-house is best.

But for bigger businesses that require a large quantity and professional quality of labels, then the best option is a professional label printing company. Hiring a professional with good customer track records guides you with the ideal label printing solutions that suit your business best.

Another benefit of hiring printing services is that they use high-quality label printing machinery, which gives the best results but is also expensive (somewhere around $10,000 to $12,500). These printers have the potential to print on different materials and in different sizes and qualities.

Whereas, for in-house usage, we usually buy smaller and cheaper label printers with minimal printing features. These printers are normally available from a few hundred dollars to around $2,500.

When to Print Labels In-House?

Printing business labels in-house is an ideal option for small businesses printing their product labels for the first time or starting their own label printing business. Printing a small number of product labels, even a sheet or two, is a good way to initiate. You can determine the best look for your product or your projects without much investment.

Another main benefit of in-house label printing is that the printing can be done when required and on-demand. It is an effective way to control the inventory and keep the operating costs in control for businesses with limited budgets.

In the longer run, printing in-house can cost you 400% more when compared to hiring a professional label printing business. This is so because it requires dedicated staff and designers, printers and their maintenance, materials and ink and its inventory management. 

Even the cost of printer ink is very expensive, sometimes even costlier than imported champagne. The cost of printer ink from leading brands is usually between $100 to $145 per cartridge. Whereas, the cheaper alternatives from third-party sources cost around $20 to $50. 

The latter looks cheap but the quality of prints gets compromised with cheaper inks. In addition, printers like InkJet require regular printing or they can result in drying of ink and higher maintenance. As discussed, in-house printing is only a possibility for a small business that requires fewer labels.

Benefits of Printing Labels In-House

• Less costly in short periods and when fewer quantity prints are required
• Ideal for printing labels on-demand and when you need them
• Best for testing options and seasonal products
• Ideal for start-ups with limited distribution

When to Outsource Printing Labels?

If your business is expanding and you are finding it difficult to keep pace with the demands, it is time that you consider professional label printing. But before hiring or finalizing, know about their printing turnaround times. 

Only a few professional label businesses provide swift label delivery, usually within 2-3 days. However, most companies further outsource the label printing, affecting the deliveries to happen in 3-4 weeks.

With a growing business, printing labels in-house can be troublesome. It also takes too much time and resources like ink and material for printing, which requires the involvement of inventory management and affects operating costs. 

When printing in-house becomes aggravating, it is time to consider professional label printing services. Dealing with professionals also ensures guidance in selecting material, shape, and size for the labels.

For example, labels for cosmetic products and medicated products require different materials than labels for candles and wedding favors. Having an expert to suggest the best material for your product can save you from future troubles and losses.

Roll Label Printing with Outsourced Printing Partners

If you are pasting labels rapidly, you can also opt for custom roll labels and buy a cost-friendly roll label applicator. Generally, you can buy these custom-made label rolls from a professional label printing company. It saves you money and time as hundreds of labels come in a single roll that can be used efficiently.

Benefits of Outsourcing Label Printing to Professionals

• Cost-effective for bulk label printing, preferably over 10,000 labels and more
• Professional and high-quality printing and ink sticking
• Choice of material qualities to choose from like metallic, plain, glossy, and matte
• Varied finishing options like spot varnish, white ink, lamination, etc.
• Guidance of experts and always available customer support

Effective Label Printing – Because Your Business Reputation Matters

We should not forget that labels are the first thing that a customer sees in your product. For instance, if a person buys your product but notices messy and wrinkled labels. There are possibilities that they won’t buy it again, even if they liked it. It is because initial impressions have a lasting effect.

The product labels display vital legal details, brand and product details, and also reflect your company’s image. Do not try cutting corners when it is about your reputation.

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