Is It Cheaper to Print Your Own Stickers And Labels Or to Buy Them?
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It depends. If you already have the equipment to print your own labels, printing a few labels will likely be the cheaper option.
However, if you are just starting out with sticker printing and want to order a larger quantity of different materials, getting stickers and labels printed by a professional label printer can actually save you money.
How's that, you wonder? Let us dive a little deeper into your options.
How much does it cost to make your own stickers and labels?
Do you already have everything you need to make your own stickers or labels? Then the additional cost of printing your own will only be the material expenses, which can be very cost-effective.
But if you have to buy new equipment to get your DIY label production going, it can get very expensive, very fast. All in all, this process can cost you up to $900. Let's find out why.
Designing labels - free
This is the most important part of creating your own stickers or labels. You want to be sure to design high-res artwork to make your stickers or labels look their best.
Even if you have no design experience, you do not have to worry. There are plenty of free, online design tools you can use. Canva is among the best and most user-friendly tools. But you can also use our free online tool Graphic.
No matter if you want to create your own or order stickers and labels, this step is free.
Printing stickers and labels - $500
Printing stickers and labels is a bit more complicated. Do you have a printer that gives you the print quality you want?
A great printer that offers premium print quality will cost between $300 and $500. A quick Google search will result in cheaper options, but when it comes to printers, what you pay for is what you get. Factor in ink cost as well, especially if you want to sell your printed stickers.
Laminating stickers and labels - $100
If you want your stickers or labels to have a premium shine and withstand tearing, water and fading in the sunlight, lamination is a must.
At-home laminators start at $30 and can go up to $100. Depending on the look you want to create (e.g. matte or glossy), you can purchase different materials.
Cutting stickers and labels - $300
When you are after a traditional shape like round or square, you might be able to find pre-cut labels online. These are usually available in a white plastic material or white paper.
If you want to create a custom shape or individual stickers instead, you can buy a die-cutting machine, from anything from $100 to $300. This depends on the material you want to use and the shape you want your stickers or labels to have.
And what about ordering from a professional printer?
Does this sound like too much hassle? Then outsourcing label printing might be a great option for you. Especially if you are looking for large quantities, different materials, or custom shapes for your stickers or labels.
At Sticker it, we use high-quality materials and the world's best digital printer to create custom stickers and labels for you.
Let's have a look at the price for a standard label order. The below example refers to 2"x2" stickers printed onto our best-selling white vinyl. To the left, you can find the quantity, whereas the right shows what the labels cost.
50 units - $49
100 units - $52
200 units - $82
500 units - $135
1000 units - $224
See, sometimes going with a professional printer can save money! If this sounds like something you want to try out, check out our range.
Select your favorite material, enter the size of your sticker or label, choose the shape and quantity and hit continue. Then, you can upload or create your artwork and fly through checkout.
Within 12 hours of placing your order, you will be sent a digital design proof that shows what your stickers or labels will look like. Once you approve that, we will get started. We print your order within four working days and ship them worldwide.