5 Labelling Mistakes to Avoid
When ordering labels it can be easy to rush the process to achieve the quickest delivery date but minor mistakes in labelling can lead to costly errors, missed sales, and even legal challenges. Here we look at five common labelling mistakes to avoid so you can get the right labels from the get go.
1) Incorrect Information
A common mistake that customers make is ordering labels with incorrect information. This may include inaccurate ingredients, product specifications, instructions, or even wrong contact information. Misinformation not only confuses customers but also damages trust and can lead to regulatory consequences. Before a label job goes into production we always send customers a PDF artwork proof to check for any inaccuracies. We advise customers to carefully check all content on your artwork proof and when possible, have a second person review for accuracy.
2) Design Issues
A well-designed label draws in consumers and clearly communicates essential information. However, poor design choices—such as cluttered layouts, hard-to-read fonts, or low-contrast color schemes—can make your label unappealing and difficult to read. Overloading the label with too much information or using decorative fonts that reduce legibility can turn customers away. We advise customers to use colors that contrast well with each other and simplify content to essential points, using icons or graphics where appropriate to enhance readability. Before a job goes into production we require the label design to be sent over as a high resolution electronic artwork file. Low resolution files result in low quality labels so it’s important to have a suitable electronic file.
3) Incorrect Material and Adhesive
The label material and adhesive combination are essential for producing labels that meet your application requirements. Choosing the wrong material or adhesive can lead to labels that aren’t durable enough, peel, smudge, or fade over time. We are able to advise suitable material and adhesive combinations but require detailed information on how the label will be used, such information includes, what the label will be attached to, how long the label is required to last and what environmental conditions will the label be exposed to.
4) Rushing the Process
A common mistake we find customers making is not allocating enough time for ordering labels, our lead times are 10 working days plus and can even be 4 weeks plus for specific materials. Rushing through the label ordering process to meet tight deadlines can lead to costly mistakes, such as typos, design errors, or missing information. We advise customers plan the labelling process well in advance and allocate sufficient time for design, review, and testing. Be meticulous about proofing each element of your label before printing. We strongly advise customers to test label samples in the environment that they will be used in. By building in extra time for quality control, you can avoid the high costs of reprinting or making last-minute changes.
5) Compliance Issues
Each industry has its own labelling regulations that companies must adhere to. These may include providing nutritional information for food products, ingredient lists for cosmetics, and specific warnings for chemicals. Failing to meet compliance standards can lead to fines, product recalls, and reputational damage. We advise customers to familiarize themselves with the regulatory requirements for your product and industry. For certain industries it is wise to consult with legal or compliance experts to ensure your labels meet all necessary standards.
Avoiding these common labelling mistakes can help save you a lot of money, time and stress. By focusing on accuracy, design, material choice, quality control, and compliance, you can ensure that your labels are right from the get go.