
What worked well initially may no longer be sufficient as your company grows. It is particularly true if you have been printing your own labels. But it’s only sometimes clear when upgrading to a professional product-label printer is time. In this post, we’ll go over the fundamentals of home label printing, the advantages and disadvantages of printing your own labels vs. hiring a professional labeling company, some signs your company is ready to upgrade to professional print on demand label printing, and how to find the best professional print on demand company when the time comes.
WHEN TO PRINT LABELS YOURSELF

Printing your own labels is a great option for small businesses, starting with product labels or shipping labels. The ability to print one sheet of labels at a time is an excellent place to start. Another significant benefit of printing your own labels is that you can print them as needed. It is beneficial for inventory control and helps small businesses keep costs low. Printing your own labels, for example, can be a more cost-effective option if you sell smaller quantities of seasonal products. However, if you need many labels regularly, consider using professional print on demand services.
Pros Of Printing Your Own Labels
Printing your own labels at home has some advantages, especially if your business is new. There is no need to wait for labels to be created. Because you are doing your own printing and order fulfillment, you can print the labels as needed. You can meet a minimum order requirement if you’re producing small batches of product or testing out a seasonal or special edition offering. Printing your own labels home can be more cost-effective if you only need a few labels.
WHEN TO CHOOSE PROFESSIONAL PRINTING

If your company is expanding and you’re having trouble keeping up with demand, consider hiring a professional print on demand company. However, make sure to inquire about their turnaround times. A few seasoned label companies provide same-day delivery in as little as three days, but the majority outsource their printing, which can take two to four weeks. A label printing service will also provide you with professional, expert advice on label sizes, shapes, and materials. Labels for lotion bottles, for example, require a different material than candle labels. Having an expert on hand to assist you in selecting the right material can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Pros of Professional Printing
Professional print on demand companies uses a more sophisticated printing process to produce higher-quality labels with superior crispness and ink adhesion. They also have many label materials resistant to moisture, oil, heat, and UV rays. Labels are also generally less expensive when mass-produced, so printing in bulk can save you a lot of money. Print on demand companies can also provide industry expertise and advice on label design, materials, and finishes.
WHY CONSIDER UPGRADING TO PROFESSIONAL PRINT ON DEMAND LABEL PRINTING
There are no hard and fast rules, but here are a few indicators that it may be time to work with a professional.
1. Failure to Represent Your Brand

The most obvious sign is when you realize that the labels you can make yourself are no longer the best representation of your brand. When your label’s design or print quality does not reflect the quality of your product or company, it’s time to switch to a professional print on demand provider.
2. Inability to Obtain Necessary Label Material

Printing product labels in-house means previous access to a broader range of label materials and finishes. Upgrading your product labels with stronger materials or high-end finishes is a natural progression as your company grows.
3. Lack of Time

Another telltale sign is the increasing amount of time you devote to label creation. Making your own labels may not be the most efficient use of your time, which could be better spent on planning and marketing.
4. Higher Costs

Printing your own labels is most cost-effective in small quantities. Professionally produced labels in larger quantities are typically less expensive.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PROFESSIONAL PRINT ON DEMAND PARTNER
Here’s what to look for when you’re ready to work with a professional print on demand company that provides high-quality label printing.
1. Excellent Reviews

Learn from the experiences of others. Google and website reviews provide a wealth of information about people’s experiences with companies with which you may be interested in working. Check out their online reviews before calling a print on demand provider.
2. Strong Customer Support

It is invaluable to quickly contact someone who can answer questions and provide assistance. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential service providers, look into their customer support options. Call their customer service number and ask some questions. Being able to test drive a customer support experience ahead of time can help you better understand what it’s like to be one of their customers.
3. Expertise

Having access to years of industry experience is arguably the most significant advantage of working with a professional print on demand company. Some businesses have been in operation for a longer period than others. Inquire about the company’s history and the types of labels it specializes in.
4. Quality

When working with a professional print on demand company, saving money can have drawbacks. Priority should be given to quality. Many businesses will send product samples. Request samples of the materials and finishes you’re considering using for your product labels.
5. Minimum order

Some print on demand companies require a minimum order. Check if the number of labels you require meets any minimum order requirements.
YOUR REPUTATION MATTERS

Product labels are usually the first visual contact prospects have with your brand. How labels appear to customers can either increase sales or cause them to look elsewhere. Whether to make product labels in-house or hire a professional print on demand company is critical and depends on your company’s growth stage. Working with a professional print on demand company provides access to industry expertise and a broader range of options, making it easier to produce high-quality labels that distinguish your products.
Fulfillplex is a top ecommerce fulfillment company specializing in white-label servicing, offering the most dependable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions tailored to your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance labeling your products. Our team is eager to assist your company with care and excellence.