Is it cheaper to Print Labels or Buy Them?

Labels are essential for businesses, whether for packaging, shipping, or branding. A common question among business owners is whether it’s more cost-effective to print labels in-house or buy them from a professional supplier. 

While printing your own labels may seem cheaper, buying pre-printed labels is often more cost-effective, especially for bulk orders. This article breaks down the costs and factors to help you make the best decision for your business.

Factors Affecting Label Costs

When evaluating whether to print labels or buy them, several cost factors come into play:

Material Costs

• Labels come in different materials such as paper, vinyl, or waterproof labels.

• DIY printing requires purchasing blank labels separately, while professional suppliers include the material cost in their pricing.

• Specialty labels (e.g., food-safe, chemical-resistant) often require advanced printing technology.

Printing Equipment & Maintenance

• A quality label printer can cost between £80-£200.

• Ink is widely considered the most expensive liquid on earth, and expenses can add up over time, with costs ranging from £0.05 to £0.10 per label.

• Maintenance and repairs further increase long-term expenses.

Design & Customisation

• DIY printing allows flexibility, but requires graphic design skills and software.

• Professional printing services provide high-quality finishes and a range of customisation options.

Time & Labour

• Printing labels in-house requires time for design, setup, and printing.

• Wasted materials due to printer errors can increase costs.

• Buying from a professional supplier saves time and reduces errors.

Bulk Pricing Benefits

• Bulk orders from professional label suppliers often come with significant discounts.

• DIY printing has limited savings potential for large quantities.

Cost Breakdown: Printing Labels vs. Buying Them

Printing your own labels requires a high initial investment in a printer, typically ranging from £80-£200, whereas buying pre-printed labels eliminates this expense. Ink or toner costs add up over time, with expenses ranging from £0.05 to £0.10 per label, whereas pre-printed labels come with no additional ink costs. Label material must be purchased separately for DIY printing, costing between £0.01-£0.03 per label, while professional suppliers include the cost in their pricing. Printing labels in-house demands time and effort, whereas buying pre-printed labels offers a hassle-free, ready-made solution. Additionally, DIY printing provides limited bulk savings, whereas professional printing services offer significant cost reductions for larger orders.

DIY label printing is best suited for small-scale or short-run labels but can become expensive over time. In contrast, buying pre-printed labels is the more cost-effective choice for bulk orders and ensures professional quality.

When Should You Print Your Own Labels?

DIY printing is ideal if:

• You need small quantities or one-off labels.

• You require on-demand customisation (e.g., event name tags, unique barcodes).

• You want full control over label production without waiting for supplier lead times.

However, DIY printing may become costly and time-consuming as business needs grow.

When Should You Buy Labels Instead?

Purchasing pre-printed labels is the best option if:

• You need large quantities of labels regularly.

• You require consistent quality and durability (e.g., waterproof, food-safe labels).

• You want to save time and focus on business growth instead of printing hassles.

For most businesses, buying labels from a professional supplier is the most economical and reliable option. Label Metrics offers competitive pricing, bulk discounts, and high-quality printing services, making it the smarter choice.

Which Option is More Cost-Effective?

If you only need a few labels occasionally, DIY printing may be viable. However, for businesses that require high-quality labels regularly, buying from a professional supplier is the most cost-effective solution. It eliminates the high equipment costs, ongoing ink expenses, and time-consuming printing process.

Looking for high-quality, cost-effective labels for your business? Label Metrics offers premium label printing services at competitive prices. Get a quote today!