The best label companies do a number of things very well, but how do you actually find these companies and how do you know that you have found the right one?
Below we look at ways to find the right label company for your business.
1. What are the quantities that the label company can print
Firstly you need to look at your requirements. Are you a large product business that is looking to refresh it’s branding for thousands of the same product? Or are you a small start-up that is looking for a few hundred labels while you wait for the market to show you its demand? Some label companies are only able to print a minimum quantity of 5000, whilst others are able to print anything from 50 labels as they have the correct machinery. An example is the Nilpeter Panorama Printing Press, which allows small printing batches to be cost effective. Some label companies are able to offer both services by using a combination of machinery for both large and small quantities. This allows you to use the same company as your business grows.
2. How transparent is the label company’s pricing
Once you’ve established your quantity size, you will need to cast your net quite wide in order to secure a solid quote. Our suggestion is to not go for the cheapest quote as the label company may have cut corners or reduced the quality of ink or paper in order to be able to supply labels at those prices. The most expensive label companies are not necessarily the best label companies to use so we would suggest using a company that offers middle of the range label pricing. What is important to note here is that you should be able to receive a breakdown of pricing from the label company and throughout the process the label company sales consultant must provide you with information that you request without any hesitation.
3. How did you feel after your first interaction with this label company?
Your first interaction with a label company is a vital indication of how the process will continue. Did they get back to you within 24 hours after you enquired on their website? Was their sales consultant friendly and helpful? Did the sales consultant ask you very specific questions and provide you with a quote in a reasonable amount of time? Did the label company follow up once sending the quotation? All of these are indications of how well a company is run and ultimately how much care they take in printing your labels correctly.
4. Label company’s turnaround time and managing expectations
Some of the best label companies will accurately and effectively be able to provide you with an estimate as to when your printed labels will be ready. By understanding a business’s needs and asking the right questions, a label company will be able to provide an accurate timeline so that you can plan your product distribution effectively. If this answer is vague and non-committal it’s probably more prudent to stay away and find another label company that is able to provide you with a timeline.
5. Ask, ask and ask again
The right label company can be hard to find but once you’ve found a provider that understands your business and is able to provide you with the service and products you expect in the right timeframe at the right price then you really have a winning ticket. The only way to get to this point is to ask as many questions as possible. The right label company for you will be happy to answer your questions and do anything possible to put you at ease with the process. Read some of the questions we suggest here.
At the end of the day it will be worth putting in the time and effort to find the right label company that you can partner with for the long term. The more labels they print for you, the more they will understand your needs, timelines and requirements and this will lead to loyalty as well as quality work.
Rebsons Labels have been printing labels since 1953. We know all there is to know about labels and all our adhesive labels are produced to the highest quality and standard. To discuss your label requirements contact one of our experts today on sales@rebsons.co.za or visit our website www.rebsons.co.za
