Like every business owner, you want to cut expenses. Labels are among the most frequently reordered supplies, and customers often ask me: "Is there a cheaper roll label?"
My answer: "We can lower the price without lowering the quality, by changing how you buy."
Print pricing works differently from retail. Here are 3 often-overlooked technical points that directly affect the price of coated roll labels.
1. The Magic of Volume: The Press Is Set Up Once
The biggest cost in printing is setup. Whether you order one roll or a thousand:
- the material is loaded onto the press,
- the cutting die is set,
- colors are calibrated,
- and some material is wasted during setup.
Order a small quantity and that setup cost is shared across few labels, so the unit price is high. Order more and the same setup cost is spread over many more labels, so the unit price drops sharply. Planning your needs for several months instead of one can bring significant savings.
2. Labels per Roll: Go Bigger
When ordering roll labels you're asked how many labels per roll. Many people default to small rolls.
If your printer or applicator takes larger rolls (industrial models), increase the number of labels per roll. Why?
- Fewer cardboard cores are used.
- The machine stops and starts less to wind rolls.
- Packing and labor costs go down.
These savings go straight into getting more affordable roll labels.
3. Core Size
The cardboard tube the labels are wound on is called the core. Standard cores are usually 40 mm (desktop printers) or 76 mm (industrial printers).
Requesting a non-standard core means non-standard production and higher cost. Sticking to the standard sizes your equipment supports always gets you a better price. Check your machine before ordering.
Example Cost Scenario
| How you buy | Effect on unit cost | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Small orders every month | High (shipping + setup every time) | ❌ Expensive |
| One bulk order for several months | Low (one shipment + one setup) | ✅ Very economical |
Conclusion: Planned Buying Pays Off
Labels don't spoil, and coated labels in particular have a very long shelf life. If you have the space, one larger order instead of many small ones keeps your unit cost to a minimum. More tips in our guide to label printing prices.
To find the best roll size and core for your business and get a wholesale quote, contact us. Let us help you save.
