Are You Still Outsourcing Labels? Here’s Why That Might Be Hurting You

Every business needs its labels to look sharp, and as the owner, you wish to showcase your brand in the best possible way. Many business owners rely on outsourcing, which is, in most cases, a bad idea. Why? Because managing your labels puts you in control and gives you options, as opposed to the frustration incurred by outsourcing them.

How Outsourcing Labels Creates Problems

This is where the problem lies – outsourcing is paying for someone else to manage the design, printing, and delivery of your labels. Spending money on someone who has no concern for your business’s efficiency and purpose is a bad idea and leads to hidden problems. Here are a few of them:

1. Decreased Control of Time and Results

You place your label order, and you wait. You don’t just wait for a few hours. You are unfortunately not the sole customer, and your order may take days, or, for the miserable, weeks. You are not the only business that has suffered from printing, design or spelling errors. After a customer has placed their order, you get a printing order, and not a second sooner. Each separate change to a design leads to the same problem.

Needless to say, you are unable to design or change labels, and that severely hampers your ability to market and present new offerings. And lastly, the answer to all your problems – the abysmally low ability to respond to customer needs makes order fulfillment a complete nightmare.

2. Additional Fees  

Shipping, design modifications, or even restocking result in extra charges. The minimum order size policy fosters excess buying. If you’re looking to test a design, you’ve got problems.  

Increased spending paired with added charges results in financial strain. Unused logos produce waste. Small businesses struggle because their order size is too small.   

3. Inconsistency or Poor Quality  

Not all vendors prioritize the quality of their products. The materials used, blurry prints, faded colours, or even crooked sticker placement, diminish brand reputation.  

Every order exposes you to a financial risk. Poor quality invites negative feedback, forcing more returns. Inconsistently branding with your logos leads to reputation damage.  

4. Loss of Product Secrecy  

Letting go of design files or customer information means you lose oversight. The product release is at risk of having leaked logos or formulas.

The Advantages of In-House Label Printing

Most of the problems caused by outsourcing are solved when you bring label printing in-house. You can switch to an industrial thermal label printer, a desktop label printer, or even a Brother portable label printer. What does that mean for you?

1. Complete Control, Real-Time Adjustments

The workflow is up to you when ordering 10 or 10,000 labels. You can see results in minutes instead of weeks. You can make changes to colour, wording, or images and receive feedback in real time.

You can prevent issues from reaching your customers.

You can alter designs for holidays or other special occasions.

You can design freely without a queuing ritual.

2. No Limits for Unique Requests

You have the freedom to decide when and what to print. You are not limited by the quantity either; you can produce a small quantity for testing or a mega run for your bestselling product.

You can produce only what is required.

You can attempt more designs without the likelihood of loss.

You can avoid stock loss due to expired shelf life.

3. Reduced Costs Overall

Every label you produce translates to savings, even if you initially spend on equipment and supplies.

Don’t pay fees or markups from suppliers.

Avoid being overly stock to meet minimum orders.

Make a single purchase and instantly reduce operational costs.

4. Guaranteed Brand Identity and Quality

Every label is applied perfectly by your label applicator machine, so accuracy is guaranteed. You do not have to worry about the materials or colours for the labels since your team checks every detail.

Keeping products uniform helps to:

– Maintain tidy and polished branding.  

– Foster trust and loyalty using consistent labelling.  

– Maintain trust and loyalty using consistent branding.  

5. Privacy and Safety  

Sensitive business information, such as your ideas, designs, and customer information, remains undisclosed. Keeping these details to yourself reduces the risk of needing to share confidential plans or new products outside your business.  

Outsourcing versus In-House Label Printing  

• Confidentiality – shared information versus secure information.  
• Cost – hidden bulk order fees versus initial investment.  
• Control – suppliers set rules versus the ability to set every step yourself.  
• Quality – unknown versus consistent with your standards.  
• Speed – days or weeks versus minutes.  
• Flexibility – hard to change quickly versus change anytime.  

What Machines Make In-House Label Production Possible?  

Each option has unique advantages.  

• Label Applicator Machines: Labels are placed neatly, quickly, and uniformly to prevent crooked stickers.  
• Brother Portable Label Printer: Best for mobile teams needing fast results while fieldwork or at pop-up shops.  
• Desktop Label Printer: Best suited for offices, boutiques, and small shops.  
• Industrial Thermal Label Printer: Best for warehouses and big batches, as they handle tough jobs, large volumes, and work at high speeds.  
• Cosmetic printing machines: Best for brands focusing on personal care products. They create labels that are waterproof and smudge-resistant.
• Brochure display stands: Keep your newly labelled products and flyers accessible.

The Benefits of Moving In-House  

Consider the advantages of having your own controlled processes:  

• Your products launch faster. No waiting for shipments.  
• You do not have to apologize for missed label standards continuously.  
• Make design changes for flash sales, seasons, or on a whim.  
• Customers notice a brand that never misses an opportunity.  

Simple Steps to Shift from Outward Labelling  

Here’s how to switch and save:  

• Estimate your monthly label needs, sizes, types, and materials.  
• Choose your equipment. Label printer for smaller jobs or bulk, and a portable Brother label printer for field work.  
• Training usually comes with software, user guides, and other accessible materials.  
• Test prints on various materials and designs before large runs. Adjust as needed.  
• Set up a label applicator machine for large runs. Ensure that every package is sharp.  
• Restock supplies and printers with packaging for fast access.  
• Evaluate your results and costs. Getting feedback will show the difference your changes brought.  

Practical Tips for In-House Labelling  

• Store materials near packaging zones to optimize restock speed.
• Set up print templates for repeat orders.  
• Use combo setups: print labels, apply with a machine, and showcase on brochure stands for easy visibility.  
• Don’t wait for “perfect.” Start with something small and build up confidence as you go.  
• Maintaining print quality is essential, so check your labels frequently.  
• Make contact with professionals and suppliers for assistance with machine challenges.  

Common Questions You Might Have  

1. Is buying a desktop label printer expensive?  

Although the initial investment is expensive, you save on fees and waste in the long run.  

2. How does an industrial thermal label printer help?  

They are designed with speed, volume, and durability in mind, as they print on tough, waterproof materials.  

3. What are the perks of a machine label applicator?  

They apply labels in a timely, neat, and straight manner.  

4. Is a Brother portable label a valuable printer for my business?  

Yes, especially for mobile, field, or quick event tasks.  

5. Will in-house printing help with notable product launches?  

Of course. Design, print, and apply new labels in a single day.  

6. Why do cosmetics brands use dedicated printing machines?  

They want labels that are waterproof, colourful, and neat, yet durable.  

7. Are brochure display stands important?  

They help organize and showcase products, increasing the opportunity for upselling and enhancing brand impact.

8. Is label equipment hard to learn how to use?

Not at all. Most people can learn to use label equipment because of the available tutorials and support.

What This Really Means for Your Brand

Each label communicates in some way to the customer, saying, “Built with care.” By printing labels on your products in-house, you control the message you want to communicate, strengthen your brand, and ensure your products are at their best, every time.

Ready to learn how your labels can work better for your needs? DuraFast Label Company has quality machines, as well as sound advice and innovative solutions that simplify and enhance label printing.

The downsides of outsourcing are explored in greater detail in this CSV Now guide.

Your business deserves label solutions you can trust, labels that are aligned with your business rhythm and work seamlessly. By making the change, you gain control of your marketing while setting your brand up to thrive.