Is it cheaper to print your own labels or buy them?
If you're using labels frequently, you might ask if it's cheaper to print your own labels . Although it seems like purchasing labels in bulk could save money, there are other factors at play: materials, equipment, time, waste, and storage.
That really depends on how many labels you need, how often your designs change, and what kind of flexibility your business requires. In this guide, we break down the costs for each option so you can make an informed decision.
What Determines the Cost of Printing Labels?
Costs go far beyond just the price of the label itself. When you print in-house, you have to factor in supplies, equipment, time, and potential waste.
1.1 Label Material and Supply Costs
To print labels yourself, you'll need to purchase blank label rolls or sheets. Prices will depend on the size, material, shape, and quantity of the label.
Depending on your business needs, you might need different kinds of labels. Pre-printed labels are ready-to-use, but they might result in unused stock if your product information, pricing, or designs change.
Consider not just the price of the label, but how often you need to replace or update your labels.
1.2 Printer and Setup Costs
In addition to a printer, you must also invest in compatible supplies to print your labels. Based on your needs, you might even spend some time setting up the printer and designing your label.
Upfront costs matter most if you don't print very often. However, if you print labels regularly, your initial investment spreads out over many printing jobs.
How often you print labels and your volume play a big role in determining the true cost of in-house printing.
1.3 The Hidden Cost of Time and Label Waste
Time and waste can add up to your label printing costs as well. Designing labels, loading supplies and checking prints due to mistakes take time.
Printed labels can also become unusable due to design errors or changes in product information.
Printing on demand helps minimize unnecessary stock and gives you greater flexibility when labels need to change.
Print Your Own Labels or Buy Them: What's More Cost-Effective?
There isn't one right answer for all businesses. Which is more cost-effective varies depending on your label volume, how frequently your information changes, and how flexible you need to be.
2.1 When Printing Your Own Labels Makes Sense
If you're using labels regularly but not always the same amount and design, printing your own allows you to print exactly what you need and change it as needed.
This could work well if you have a small business that has changing prices, products, inventory, and packaging. Rather than order a new batch each time things change, just edit the design and print again.
2.2 When Buying Pre-Printed Labels Makes Sense
If you're using a large quantity of the same design and rarely need to change anything, then buying pre-printed might be more practical since you can buy them in bulk without having to worry about managing printing yourself.
If your product information and branding stay consistent, purchasing finished labels in larger amounts can simplify the process.
Ultimately, choose a way that matches how your business actually uses labels.
Cost Comparison: Printing Your Own Labels vs. Buying Them
The total cost of labels goes beyond the price per label. Below we compare the main cost factors to give you an idea of how printing your own labels differs from buying pre-printed ones.
| Cost Factor | Print Your Own Labels | Buy Pre-Printed Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Printer | Initial equipment cost | Usually not needed |
| Blank labels | Required | Included in the order |
| Ink or ribbon | Depends on the printing method | Usually included in supplier pricing |
| Design changes | Easy to make | Usually requires a new order |
| Small batches | Flexible | May be less convenient |
| Large quantities | Depends on your setup | Bulk pricing may help |
| Lead Time | Print when needed | Depends on the supplier |
| Label variety | Easy to change sizes and designs | Depends on the order |
The right option can change depending on your business. Printing your own labels gives you more control over timing, quantities, and design changes, while pre-printed labels can simplify the process when you need large quantities of a consistent design.
NIIMBOT: A Practical Option for Printing Labels In-House
You have more control over quantities, designs, and turnaround time if you print labels by yourself. NIIMBOT has both thermal and thermal transfer label printers; pick whichever printing method best suits your usage of your labels.
Thermal Printing
Thermal printing is ideal for everyday labels as there's no need for ink or toner. This type of printing is great for labels intended for everyday identification and organization.
Thermal Transfer Printing
Thermal transfer printing uses a ribbon to create durable labels suitable for long-term use. Thermal transfer labels provide greater resistance than standard thermal labels to water, oil, scratches, alcohol, and temperature changes.
Print Labels on Demand
One benefit of in-house printing is being able to create labels when you need them. Rather than ordering a large batch upfront, you can modify the design, quantity, or information and print a new batch anytime necessary.
The NIIMBOT printers can be controlled using the NIIMBOT App to create labels with text, barcodes, QR codes, images, and other elements. Some models allow for batch printing, allowing you to easily handle different labels within one workflow.
Flexible Label Options for Different Business Needs
NIIMBOT B2
For everyday business labeling, the NIIMBOT B2 is a thermal label printer supporting 0.8–2-inch width labels.
You can print product, price, ingredient, clothing, jewelry, and other labels, including labels with barcodes and QR codes.
NIIMBOT M2
For labels requiring greater durability, the NIIMBOT M2 uses thermal transfer technology with 300 DPI printing.
It supports 0.8–2-inch widths and is designed for labeling such as laboratory, medical, jewelry, cable, and small-business labeling.
How to Decide Which Label Printing Method Fits Your Business
Choosing between printing your own labels and buying pre-printed labels doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the way you actually use labels every day.
5.1 Consider Your Printing Volume
Start by considering how many labels you need. If you print small batches or need different quantities throughout the year, having in-house printing allows you more control over what amount you're producing.
If you typically need large quantities of the same design, purchasing pre-printed labels in bulk might be easier to manage.
5.2 Consider How Often Your Labels Change
Think about how often your label information or designs change. With frequent updates required to prices, product details, ingredients, or packaging, printing on demand allows you to update these without needing to replace a large batch of labels.
Pre-printing labels can be easier to manage for stable products with consistent designs.
NIIMBOT has many options for different printing needs through various label materials and sizes.
5.3 Consider Your Workflow and Storage Needs
Finally, think about how labels fit into your daily workflow. Having in-house printing reduces the need to store large amounts of different pre-printed labels while giving you the ability to create labels when needed.
Purchasing pre-printed labels may work better depending on your labeling needs. Consider your available storage space, inventory management, and how quickly you need new labels before deciding.
Make Label Printing Work for Your Business
In the end, the right choice comes down to what works best for your day-to-day labeling needs. If your labels are simple, consistent, and ordered in large quantities, pre-printed labels may be convenient.
But if you want more control over quantities, designs, and timing, printing in-house gives you room to adapt as your business changes.
If that flexibility sounds useful, NIIMBOT makes it easy to print labels when you need them—so you can spend less time managing label stock and more time getting things done.
Explore NIIMBOT →Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I estimate the real cost of making labels in-house?
Start with the cost of your blank labels and printing supplies, then consider equipment, setup time, reprints, and wasted labels. It can also help to look at these costs over several months instead of judging the investment from a single printing job.
2. Do label printers save money over time?
Yes, especially if you print labels regularly or in small batches. You can print only what you need, reducing excess labels, storage, and reordering costs.
3. Is a label printer a good investment for a small business?
Yes, if your business needs labels regularly. It gives you more flexibility to print different quantities and update designs whenever needed.
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