Business label printers are used for many purposes and come in a huge number of different styles. Find small handheld label printers that print text you enter onto a small keyboard, which work well for inventory, or desktop units that print many types of labels using specialized software. Pick the type of label printer that prints on labels designed to stick to the surface you intend to use them on.

There are more color label makers available than ever before. Use a CD label maker to print colorful labels for CDs and DVDs or print right onto the disk itself. Print labels with your corporate logo on them for added brand recognition.

The most common types of label printers include:

1. A personal or portable label printer, both color label printers and those that print in black and white

2. A desktop label printer, which connects to your computer

3. Commercial or industrial label printers, including RFID label printers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Print labels on the move with a portable label printer

You can find a portable label maker for any application. Print color-coded filing labels or make captions for photos in several size fonts using the DYMO ExecuLabel LP250. Create special labels to identify electrical and other cables with the K-Sun LabelShop Bee3 Labeler.

I recommend: Find several brands of portable label printers and supplies at TigerDirect, Inc., where they have a toll-free customer service and support line, if you need questions or don't want to order online. Buy portable label printers at Graphic Products, Inc., where they also have free loaner machines and free online tutorials.

Add graphics and logos with a desktop label printer

Desktop label printers also come in variety of options. Choose a compact label printer like the Seiko Smart Label Printer 450, which prints business card sized labels with graphics and text, if you work with limited office space. Desktop label printers also allow you to print barcodes with barcode printers.

I recommend: Find many styles of label printers at Barcodes Inc., where you can also buy supplies and software or talk to a live barcode expert on the phone. Buy several brands and styles of label printers at Super Warehouse, including portable and desktop models, barcode printers and those that print other type of labels.

Buy special label printers for industrial and commercial uses

Industrial labels used for safety and warnings are often printed on material that withstands exposure to heat or chemicals. RFID technology creates a barcode that an RFID reader can read without a line of sight. The RFID reader reads multiple labels at once. Use RFID technology for product tracking.

I recommend: Find several styles of industrial label printers at Industrial Safety Solutions, as well as software and free charts and guides to help you make many types of industrial safety labels. Buy RFID label printers at All Barcode Systems, Inc., where they can answer all your barcode and RFID-related questions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for a portable label printer that connects to your computer, if you need both kinds of label printers. The computer connection allows you to access graphics and mailing lists from your computer without hindering the portability.