Why should you buy label printers for your small firm? It’s a question that most small business owners ask. Well, bringing label printing in-house saves you on cost. It also allows you to be in charge of the printing process.

Nowadays, label printers have capabilities to produce exceptional printing results. Even better, they require simple skills and knowledge to operate. However, the quality of your printing results is dependent on your printer.

Here are the primary factors to consider when choosing a printing label for your firm.

1. Understand Your Business Needs

Finding the best label printer depends on what you want to use it for. Determining your needs forms the backbone of this purchase. Overestimating your needs will drain your resources on a printer that will not meet your needs.

Before deciding on the printer to buy, consider the following.

• Are you printing labels temporarily or permanently?
• How often will you print labels?
• How many labels do you need at a time?
• How important is the printing quality?
• What’s your ideal label printing size?

Understanding your needs alongside budgetary limitations will guide your selection process. Go for a label printing model that meets your needs.

2. Label Size and Label Life Requirement

Do you know the size and width of your custom labels? Then buy label printers that can print your ideal size.

When it comes to the lifetime of your label, thermal transfer plays a vital role. It ensures your label lasts for a long time despite being exposed to extreme weather conditions.

3. Long-term Cost, Operational and Maintenance Cost

In most cases, you'll buy label printers that fit your budget. While it may be cheap today, there are instances where the long-term costs will make it expensive. Don’t just focus on the initial purchasing costs, also consider the cost of replacing cartridges and regular maintenance.

Another consideration to make is where you’ll need staff training and the duration. Remember, there are times that your IT department or technicians may be unavailable. Therefore, opt for a printer that’s user-friendly, straightforward, and easy to maintain.

4. The Print Method

Are you ready to integrate barcode label printing into your firm? Well, the print quality is dependent on the method you use. The conventional methods include direct thermal, thermal transfer, or inkjet printing.

While you can use laser printing, it doesn’t print well on synthetic media. As such, it’s not efficient for barcode printing. On the other hand, the design for thermal printing is to produce crisp and clear barcode labels for diverse uses.

5. The Print Resolution

A printer’s resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). If you’re printing custom high gloss labels for retail products, the label will have a barcode. The barcode should be clear for easier scanning.

Buying label printers with a high resolution like 300dpi or 600dpi help you to squeeze more information on the label. It also improves the scanner’s ability to detect and read the codes.

6. The Print Volume

Some label printers are designed to handle large volumes of label outputs. Others are best suited for smaller quantities.

For instance, if you’re using a thermal printer for occasional on-demand printing, speed will not be an issue. However, you don’t want to slow the production pace as the printer can’t handle higher volumes.

7. Variety in Tape Options

Currently, there are different types of label tapes in the market. Opt for a durable label tape that doesn’t tear or wear off quickly.

When buying a label printer, you want one that uses different types of label tapes. For instance, an Epson label printer offers labels in varying colors; raising brand visibility and recognition by 80%

Choose the Right Label Printer for Your Firm

Yes, there are many label printers in the market today. However, choosing the one that meets your organization's needs might be a challenge. Use the above tips to make an educated decision on the right printer to acquire.