Adhesive Labels

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Guide to Adhesive Labels

Sometimes the simple things really make a difference for your business
By Sharon Cole

Think about where and how adhesive labels – also known as Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) – are/can be used in your business. Are they used only on non-food packaging, in a climate-controlled shop, away from sunlight? Or, perhaps on packaged, raw meats, exposed to water/ice in a butcher's case? Are they used with mailings to wow your customers?

Adhesive labels are used in countless ways in many industries. It's up to you to decide how you'll use them, and which ones will most benefit your business.

To choose the most effective adhesive labels, you must:

1. Determine which products and other business applications need adhesive labels.
2. Examine the conditions under which the labels will be used.
3. Choose between custom or stock labels.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Assess adhesive applications Examine the usage, type, and qualities of PSAs you need. You'll use different types for various applications, including envelopes, shipping, product tags and barcodes, and nametags. Now, go to the experts in all things sticky – Avery.

I recommend:  Avery is a worldwide label giant. Their Web site offers endless ideas, free templates, printable label forms and more. Sign up for a free newsletter for special offers/freebies.

Consider the conditions If you're thinking about placing labels on products exposed to constant sunlight, excessive temperatures (such as a grocer's freezer), or other harsh environments, talk to PSA experts who will advise on the best materials and adhesives to choose.

I recommend:  Western States Envelope and Label's detailed checklist and free downloadable Resource Guide helps you pin down your business's needs by machine-applied, barcoded, or specific performance. NEBS has a wide selection of labels geared to small business needs.

Buy online for less Label costs can add up if you're not careful. Cut costs without cutting quality by visiting online stores for the standard products, at less than standard pricing.

I recommend:  Online Labels has sold over 5 billion labels online with low prices and same-day shipping. At PrintMyThing you can design and order custom labels in four easy steps.

Go ahead and DIY! Today's do-it-yourself labels barely resemble the amateur 'stickers' of 5 or 10 years ago. Label-makers have come a long way, baby, so check them out.

I recommend:  Some types of Avery Software can be downloaded for free, and most include free online training. Avery templates are built into many popular software programs through its Software Alliances – including several Mac software programs, such as Mac OS X Tiger, MS Word for Mac, and more. Download the free Avery Wizard Printing Software (as an add-on to MS Word), which formats up to 475 Avery products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• PSAs can be measured how well the label bonds with surface (tack), how easily the label can be removed (peel) and how much the label 'moves' over time (resistance).
• PSAs can be permanent (as in safety labels for power equipment), or removable (on painter's tape, EKG electrodes, and transdermal medical patches).
• Many software/online templates allow you to design custom labels and print them yourself.
• Deal with manufacturers and distributors who are willing to spend time developing the right solution for your unique label applications.