5 Questions to Ask Before Beginning Any Labeling Project
Labels are the first thing consumers see when they come across your product online or in a store. That’s why it’s important for a company to ask themselves questions before beginning a label project to ensure a smooth and successful process from start to finish.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five questions to ask:
1. What specific look are you aiming for with the label?
A label is much more than something that conveys information to your potential customer. While it is true that one of the most important functions of a label is to tell your consumer what the product is and some brief information about it, a label is ultimately your brand. Each tells a story about your items and creates an image in consumers’ minds that they will associate with your whole company!
So, when it comes to your label, what story do you want it to tell? Is your product there to exude a sense of comfort? Is it a medical product that should reassure your customer with a professional look? Perhaps your product is aimed at a youthful market, with vibrant colors. You should know the “story” of your product and company when you design a product label.
2. What environment will the label be in?
Another important aspect to keep in mind when thinking about labeling your product is the environment it will be sold in. If it is in a health food store, images of healthy plants and nutritional benefits should be highlighted. This would be different from a product sold in a toy store, where bright colors catch the eyes of children and parents. Your label should capture the eye of the consumer but not feel out of place.
No matter what you’re selling, product label printing should be done using the highest quality materials so that your item doesn’t look cheap or unappealing. The temperature your product is kept at will also affect the type of label that will be required. If your product needs refrigeration, certain label materials may crack in the cold. On the other hand, some materials may melt in prolonged exposure to sunlight.
3. Are there any government or labeling requirements I should be aware of?
Yes! There are many government and industry labeling requirements a business must be aware of. In fact, there is an act called the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act that was created in 1967. This gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate product label requirements. For example, household items must be labeled to identify the commodity, the manufacturer, and the measurements, such as weight, of the product.
The FDA oversees the regulation of food, drug, and medical device labeling requirements. Laws can be very strict when it comes to medical device labels and those of prescription drugs. It is important to educate yourself and your business with the FDA or FTC regulations and make sure that your custom labels contain all the relevant information so all parties involved can safely use your product.
4. What surface will the label go on?
People and businesses dedicate substantial time thinking about the right custom label design for their product or brand. While many things such as font, pertinent information, and colors are all part of the thought process, an often overlooked labeling element is considering what the label will go on.
The shape of the label must be taken into account, and products with uneven surfaces may need special labeling attention. The composition of the product is also important to consider — labels adhere to various surfaces differently. A certain label that is suitable for cardboard might not work out as well on fabric.
5. Does the label require any variable data such as barcodes, serial numbers, or lot numbers?
Don’t forget that your product may need information in the form of serial numbers or barcodes. Barcodes can take up a lot of room, especially on smaller products. So it is crucial to figure out all the correct information before designing the rest of your label, or you may find yourself short on space!
Royal Label specializes in custom labels for consumer products made from quality materials. We create on-brand labels that will adhere to virtually any product surface. We have experience product label printing for a wide variety of items, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. No matter the project, you can count on us to handle the job and exceed your expectations.
Contact us today for all your custom labeling needs!
