Label Printing FAQs

Label Printing – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the minimum label printing order?

A. Our minimum physical label printing production order is 2M (2000) labels. The economically practical minimum is 5M in most cases.

Q. What is artwork?

A. It is the layout of design, wording (copy) and/or images that are necessary to create negatives and printing plates.

Q. What are label printing plates?

A. Plates are raised images that are created from the artwork. They are used to transfer the ink to the surface to be printed. Each color requires a separate printing plate.

Q. Who will make my label artwork?

A. Anyone with professional prepress art experience such as agencies, freelance commercial artists, or the printer you are using. Renell can also create artwork needed for an art charge.

Q. How should I have my label printing artwork prepared?

A. Today artwork is created in digital form on computers. It is necessary to follow the guidelines that your printer recommends as to what he will accept and in what format it must be prepared. Be sure ask first before creating your art.

Q. How do I get special items like bar codes, nutritional statements, etc?

A. Bar codes are usually added by the label company in order to insure accuracy of scanning. You must advise the type of code needed, and supply the code number. Consult with Renell on other items such as FDA, UL, CSA, EU, or other authorized logos or certifications. Also ask about special wording formats such as nutritionals, industry warnings, allergy statements, etc.

Q. What is a “die” or “tooling” label printing charge?

A. A die is used to cut the label shape. If one must be manufactured for your particular shape, there will be a charge to engrave it. You may try to avoid this charge by using a shape that Renell already possesses that is acceptably close to your needs.

Q. What are “prep” (preparatory) charges?

A. These are all of the initial charges which most often include the plates, tooling and other costs (but not usually the artwork costs) that are involved for the first printing run.

Q. How can I be assured my labels will stick properly to my surface?

A. Prior to ordering, always request sample material to test on the surface(s) to be labeled. If you are unsure of your own conclusions, send a few samples of your product to Renell for recommendations as to appropriate adhesives as well as face material options.

Q. What is a proof? Or, do I need to see a proof?

A. As our proof to you, we furnish a PDF file—at no charge—for your review, correction, and approval. It is your opportunity to review the wording, spelling, size and position of the label design. A proof approval is required prior to any production of a new or revised label. It is possible to obtain a hard-copy proof for an additional fee, if desired. A proof can be corrected or changed prior to printing and the proofing process will not be bypassed because of delivery urgency.

Q. What are “overs” or “unders”?

A. In the label industry – as in most of printing – the actual quantity of product delivered may vary + or – 10% from the quantity ordered because extras are produced to provide for what may need to be removed during the quality review process. You are then billed for the actual quantity shipped.

Q. Why are some label price quotes unusually low compared to the others received?

A. One of the major reasons quotes can vary is the use by some converters of off-grade or odd-lot materials. Obtained at much lower costs, these materials are generally substandard- processed with little quality control. Of course, lower labor or overhead costs can also be a factor according to region and type of labor talent used. These factors can result in products that fail to perform properly, or are never the same from one production run to the next. Renell only provides prime quality materials and keeps customer control records on all production work.

Q. What is considered typical delivery for a custom printed label?

A. This can vary by manufacturer but is usually dependent on three factors:

• Quantity size of the order.
• Complexity or Special Requirements (such as special materials, inks, dies, roll size, etc.)
• Correctness of the Artwork Supplied.

The best answer is to check with your vendor and see if he can accommodate your timing, even with a partial shipment if necessary.