Short answer: Yes, you can print labels in small quantities. With sheet labels, there are no plate or setup costs for small orders. Choose your size, material and quantity, upload your design and see the price instantly. Here's what to watch for in small orders, which material to choose and how to lower your cost.
You've launched a new product: handmade soap, homemade jam, boutique olive oil or your own cosmetics line. You call a printer and they say "minimum 5,000". You don't even know if the product will sell yet. What would you do with 5,000 labels?
It's the most common problem small producers face. The good news: thanks to digital printing and sheet labels, professional labels in small quantities are now possible and sensible.
Want to start small?
Sheet labels in coated paper, opaque PP, clear, metallized and textured options. Choose your size and quantity and see the price instantly.
From the Otiket workshop: kiss-cut sheet labels printed on textured paper
Why Don't Printers Like Small Runs?
Traditional roll label production (flexo) needs a cutting die and a printing plate first. When the press starts, metres of material are wasted until colours register and the cut aligns. That setup cost is roughly the same for 500 labels or 50,000.
So with a small roll run, nearly all of that setup cost lands on those few labels and the unit price soars. That's why printers set minimums.
The Solution: Digitally Printed Sheet Labels
Sheet labels are printed digitally on flat sheets and kiss-cut: the backing stays whole, only the label is cut. You peel each label by hand and apply it.
- No plates: Digital printing doesn't need a plate. Clean prints from the first sheet.
- Very little waste: No metres of material spent on setup.
- No machine needed: No labelling machine? No problem. Sheet labels are designed for hand application.
- Flexible shapes: Round, square, rectangle, oval or a custom shape that follows your logo.
To see the cost difference between rolls and sheets, read roll or sheet labels?
Which Material for a Small Order?
A small order doesn't mean compromising on material. Choose by where your product will live:
| Your product | Recommended material | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Dry food, boxes, gift packs, shipping boxes | Coated paper sheet labels | Most economical, vivid colours |
| Cosmetics, shampoo, refrigerated food | Opaque PP sheet labels | Plastic film; resists water, moisture and oil; won't tear |
| Glass jars, clear bottles | Clear sheet labels | No-label look that puts the product first |
| Olive oil, wine, handmade soap, boutique products | Textured sheet labels | A texture you can feel; premium, handmade impression |
| Asset tags, devices, premium cosmetics | Metallized sheet labels | Silver metallic look, most durable option |
Still undecided? See our label material guide.
Oval-cut textured sheet labels: a small-batch print for handmade products
5 Ways to Lower the Cost of a Small Order
1. Don't make the label bigger than it needs to be
With sheet labels, the biggest price factor is how many labels fit on a sheet. If a 50x80 mm label does the same job as 60x90 mm, more fit per sheet and the unit price drops. See standard label sizes.
2. Combine different products in one order
Say you have lavender, jojoba and rose oils. If they share a size and material, printing the three designs together is usually cheaper than ordering separately. Ask us before you order.
3. Test first, then scale
Print just what you need for your first order and test the label on your product. If colours, size and adhesion are right, increase the quantity next time. The more you order, the lower the unit price.
4. Send a print-ready file
Files without bleed or with low resolution cost time. Enter your label size in our template tool and download a PDF with bleed and safe zone already set. Unsure about resolution? Read 72 DPI vs 300 DPI.
5. Match the material to the need
A dry box doesn't need a plastic label. But put a coated paper label on a jar that goes in the fridge and moisture can wipe the text, forcing a reprint. The right material is the cheapest in the long run.
How to Order (4 Steps)
- Choose your material: Open the right material on the sheet labels page.
- Enter size and quantity: Choose width, height and quantity. The price is calculated instantly.
- Upload your design: Upload your file if it's ready. If not, create it online on our Design page.
- Complete your order: Your file is checked before printing and your labels are delivered on sheets.
No design yet?
Create your label online on our Design page, without worrying about bleed and safe zone.
Several labels on one sheet: gold print on a black background
When Should I Switch to Roll Labels?
Sheet labels are ideal for getting started, but businesses grow. It's time to move to roll labels if:
- You use large quantities of labels on every order,
- You've bought or plan to buy a labelling machine,
- Applying labels by hand is taking too much time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum number of labels I can order?
Sheet labels come in flexible quantities. Choose your size and quantity on the product page to see your options and price instantly.
Are small runs expensive?
The unit price may be a little higher than rolls, but with no plate or setup costs the total you pay is far lower. You don't pay for 5,000 labels when you need 500.
Can I print different designs in the same order?
For different designs in the same size and material, contact us and we'll price it the best way for you.
Is it hard to apply labels by hand?
No. Sheet labels are kiss-cut, so they peel easily. For clear labels, see our tips for avoiding air bubbles.
What size label should I get?
Measure the label area on your product with a ruler and leave a few millimetres on each side. Use our template tool so you don't forget bleed. Not sure which label to choose? Ask us.
In Short
Being a small producer doesn't mean settling for poor labels. With sheet labels, your product can stand on the shelf at the same quality as big brands, without thousands of labels waiting in stock. Start small, test your product, grow as sales grow.
Explore sheet labels, choose your size and see your price right away.
