Selecting custom-printed items for your business requires a bit of planning to make sure you get a product that will serve all of your purposes. This is especially true for labels, which are usually purchased in bulk and so will be serving you for some time before you can change the design or style. One thing you need to decide upon is whether to get uncoated or coated labels. The following guide can help.

What type of product are you labeling?

Certain products are going to be more prone to moisture exposure, and that can ruin a label and render it unreadable. Bath and beauty items, as well as kitchen items, are examples of such products. If you want the label to remain readable after use, then opt for a coated label. Also, consider whether an uncoated label could be an annoyance. For example, it may not be vital that your soap-bottle label remains readable, but it can be annoying for the consumer if moisture causes it to peel off.

Where are you selling the items?

In some cases the place where the items are sold will affect your label choice. Dry-use items sold in stores can usually be identified with uncoated labels. On the other hand, if you sell your items at outdoor markets, you may want to opt for coated labels. Exposure to moisture, whether it's rain, humidity, or dew, can wreak havoc on uncoated labels. This will cost you more money in the long run, since you will have to constantly replace the labels so that the products don't look worn or unattractive.

Do you need to write on the labels?

One-use-fits-all labeling is an excellent way to save money or take advantage of bulk-label purchasing for a constantly changing or highly diverse product line. Of course, this style of labeling means you will need to write in some information—such as product name, size, color, or price. It is easier to write on non-coated labels, and the writing will not smear on these labels. If you must have coated labels, look for labels with a matte coating and use permanent marker. Matte coatings are less likely to smear compared to shiny labels. You may also be able to find coated labels that are made especially for writing on.

Contact a printer or label maker in your area for more help in choosing the perfect labeling products for your business, perhaps by visiting sites such as http://www.northwestlabel.com/.