I. Design Stage
Standardizing Design Elements
Try to adopt standardized label sizes as much as possible. Because non-standard-sized labels may require special printing equipment or result in more material waste. For example, common rectangular label sizes can make better use of paper space during the printing process, reducing the generation of scraps. The unified and customized standardized design helps improve production efficiency and ensures the consistent quality of labeled packaged products.
Unify the basic layout and fonts of labels. For a series of labels of the same brand or the same type of products, maintain a similar design style, such as placing key information like product names and specifications in fixed positions and using the same basic fonts. In this way, during the printing and typesetting process, the additional costs caused by frequent design adjustments can be reduced, and the unit cost can also be lowered through batch printing.
Simplifying Design Contents
Remove unnecessary decorative elements. Overly complex patterns, special textures, or excessive color gradients may increase printing costs. For example, although some complex gold stamping and laser effects look beautiful, they will complicate the printing process and significantly increase the cost. If these decorative elements are not crucial for product sales and information conveyance, they can be considered for simplification.
Reduce the number of label layers. If the label has a multi-layer structure, such as including a tamper-evident layer and an information layer, it will increase the material cost and manufacturing process cost. Under the premise of not affecting the functionality, simplify it to a single-layer label as much as possible.
II. Material Selection
Evaluating Cost-Effective Materials
Conduct cost and quality evaluations on different material suppliers. For example, in paper label materials, there are various options such as ordinary paper, coated paper, and thermal paper. Ordinary paper has a lower cost but may have a slightly poorer texture; coated paper has a smooth surface and good printing effects but a relatively higher price. Manufacturers need to make a comprehensive selection based on product positioning and label functions. By evaluating the materials of multiple manufacturers, one can figure out which supplier offers more cost-effective materials in terms of quality and price, and then cooperate with that supplier, thus saving corresponding economic costs.
Consider new materials. Some new label materials may have cost advantages while ensuring quality. For example, some degradable and environmentally friendly materials, with the maturity of technology, their costs are gradually decreasing, and for wholesalers and products that focus on environmental protection images, this is also a selling point.
Optimizing Material Usage
Accurately calculate the material usage according to the label size and the actual needs of product packaging. Avoid over-purchasing materials to prevent waste, and also prevent additional procurement costs caused by insufficient materials (for example, the unit price is usually higher for small-batch procurement). The use of materials should be designed and cut precisely according to the actual situation of label materials to eliminate material waste and save corresponding production resources.
For multi-layer labels or those with special structures, evaluate the necessity and thickness requirements of each layer of material. If a certain layer of material can be appropriately thinned without affecting the label’s function, such as the glue layer or the protective layer, the material usage can be reduced, thereby lowering the cost. For multi-layer labels, in terms of design and material usage, they should be skillfully used to minimize the material usage while meeting the requirements of customizers and achieving the corresponding aesthetic level. When layers are superimposed, the thickness may become thicker. So, how to design and what to do to make the superimposed labels thinner should be considered before the design to avoid mistakes during production and unnecessary economic losses.
III. Choice of Printing Methods
Weighing Digital Printing and Traditional Printing
For small-batch customized labels (usually in the scale of several hundred to several thousand pieces), digital printing may be more cost-effective. Digital printing does not require plate-making and can quickly print out labels with different designs, which is suitable for the personalized small-batch customization needs of wholesalers. Although the unit cost may be slightly higher than that of traditional printing, considering the plate-making cost and the flexibility of small batches, digital printing is a good choice.
For large-batch customized labels (tens of thousands of pieces or more), traditional printing methods such as offset printing or flexographic printing may be more appropriate. Traditional printing has a lower unit cost during large-scale production and can ensure color consistency and high-quality printing effects.
Comparing Local Printing and Out-of-Town Printing
Evaluate the cost differences between local printing and out-of-town printing. Local printing can reduce transportation costs and time, facilitating timely communication and adjustment. However, in some cases, out-of-town printing may have more competitive printing prices, especially in printing industry cluster areas. However, factors such as transportation risks (such as label damage) and communication costs need to be comprehensively considered.
IV. Batch Strategies
Negotiating the Minimum Order Quantity
Negotiate the minimum order quantity with printers or material suppliers. Sometimes, the minimum order quantity set by suppliers may lead to inventory backlogs or capital occupation for wholesalers. Through reasonable communication, find a minimum order quantity that can meet both the production efficiency requirements of suppliers and the actual needs of wholesalers. For example, the minimum order quantity can be reduced by promising long-term cooperation, increasing the order frequency, etc.
Utilizing Joint Procurement or Batch Discounts
Encourage wholesalers to jointly procure labels. If multiple wholesalers have similar label needs, they can jointly carry out batch procurement to obtain more favorable prices. Manufacturers can also take the initiative to organize such joint procurement activities to strengthen the cooperation relationship with wholesalers.
Fully utilize batch discounts. When the order volume reaches a certain scale, printers or material suppliers usually offer discounts. Manufacturers should reasonably plan production and order arrangements so that wholesalers can enjoy these discount benefits. For example, combine multiple small orders into one large order, or predict market demand in advance and encourage wholesalers to place orders in advance to reach the threshold of batch discount.
