What is Short Run Label Printing and Why Does it Matter for Manufacturers?

Looking for flexibility in producing smaller quantities of labels? That’s where short-run labels come in. From seasonal products to limited edition releases and product testing, short-run labels allow for smaller quantities and quick turnaround times.We’ll discuss some of the considerations and how quickly you can receive a short run of product labels. 

Understanding Short Run Label Printing 

If you choose short run printing for product labels, it generally means that you’re printing under 10,000 labels. This is thanks to a faster printing setup, which allows companies to print out short runs of a single label design. 

In contrast, traditional methods often require longer setup times because of equipment changeover, so making smaller label runs becomes more expensive. 

Why Short Run Label Printing

Here’s a look at some of the reasons you may need short run label printing for your company: 

You’re Running a Small Business

One of the most common reasons to consider short run label printing is that you’re running a small business or startup. Whether you have a smaller budget or lower volume, you’ll only need a small number of labels at a time. Short run label printing is a cost-effective way to get quality labels without the higher upfront cost that comes with bulk printing. 

You’re Launching Seasonal or Limited Edition Products 

For season-specific product launches, it doesn’t make sense to place a big order of labels. The same goes for promotional campaigns and limited edition packaging. Short run label printing allows you to create labels with unique branding and seasonal designs. 

You Need To Update Current Labels for Compliance Purposes

In heavily regulated industries like food and pharmaceuticals, there’s always a possibility of regulations changing frequently. This creates the need to update your product label as per current standards. Short run label printing lets you print in smaller quantities to ensure compliance and prevents large numbers of outdated labels from going to waste. 

How Small Can a Label Run Be? 

We mentioned earlier that a short run is generally any quantity below 10,000, but you’re probably wondering how small a label run can be. At Blue Label, we have no minimum order quantity, though there are cost efficiencies the more labels you order.

How Quickly You Can Print A Short Run 

A major focus of short run label printing is cutting down the time it takes to receive your labels. Due to the benefits and speeds of digital printing, we can get your labels to you in just 5 business days after artwork approval. Combine that with expedited shipping options, and you can receive your labels in no time. 

Considering Short Run Label Printing for Your Products

In a nutshell, short run label printing is well suited for smaller batches of products, special releases, and seasonal products. It can help you keep costs down, receive your labels faster, and stay compliant with regulatory requirements. And thanks to a combination of digital printing and expedited shipping, you can receive labels without delays. 

Have a short run label project ready? Request a quote today.