Most companies offer an easy way to get quotes for metal tags and metal asset tags. Some companies give real-time quotes, while others require you to submit information and then contact you with pricing information. The pricing on tags is pretty straight forward, but it's important to consider the cost of adhesives, cleaning agents and/or tag clips when figuring the costs and pricing of metal tags.

Before making any final metal tag purchases, request samples from the providers, so you can compare the quality and durability of different tags in person. While some tags may be less expensive, it can be more advantageous to purchase higher-quality tags that will be more durable and last longer than less expensive metal tags. As you set your budget for asset and metal tags, consider the following:

1. Estimate the cost of metal asset tags.

2. Contact providers for price quotes on engraved metal tags.

3. Include the cost of adhesives, screws or clips to attach metal tags.

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

Get price estimates for metal asset tags

Getting a price estimate for metal asset tags is fairly easy to do. Most providers have a standard format for the tags, and you just enter in your company information. The prices on asset tags vary depending on the quantity of tags that you purchase. Metal asset tags cost from 38 cents to around $3 per tag.

I recommend: MyAssetTag.com sells durable metal asset tags from just over $1 to around $3. It offers incremental discounts based on the quantity of metal tags purchased. MaverickLabel.Com also sells metal asset tags. Choose from a variety of tags ranging in price from under $1 to around $3.

Consider the cost of etched custom metal tags

Because there are innumerable ways to engrave a tag, there is no way to get an exact price estimate, unless you contact individual providers with your requirements. Remember to include a budget for the set-up fee, generally between $20 and $50. A rough starting price for small, single-sided metal tags is $4 per tag and $7 per tag for small, double-sided metal labels.

I recommend: Dog Tags is a provider of standard and specialty shaped dog tags. It charges an initial set-up fee for engraving, then prices vary depending on content length. NameTagCountry.com sells metal tags with two free lines of engraving and no set-up fee. It guarantees the lowest price.

Include the cost of adhesives, screws or metal tag clips

It is important to remember the cost of adhesives, screws or clips for attaching metal tags. The type of tag you use will determine the type of material you need for securing it in place. Some tags come with adhesives on them; in this case you will only need to worry about a solution to remove grime and oils from the item that you will place it on. Adhesives sell for around $40.

I recommend: Find several types of clips at Heat Resistant Labels. Consult with its experts to get a recommendation for the best metal id tags clip for your needs. For liquid metal adhesives, look to LORD. It manufactures adhesives that bond metal identification tags permanently in as little as 20 minutes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Save time and money when you purchase metal labels that have adhesives on the back. Self-adhering labels bond immediately.

Metal tags are durable and attractive, and make excellent options for signage, identification tags and asset labels. When you're shopping for metal ID tags or asset tags, though, quality is key, and you'll want to compare a range of products before you buy.

Metal asset tags are a common type of metal tags on the market, and come in several customizable formats for personalized metal tags. Aside from asset tags, you also can buy metal tags to serve for identification or labeling purposes.

When shopping for metal tags, make sure you do the following:

1. Get samples from a number of metal tag manufacturers.
2. Get quotes for the type and number of metal tags you need.
3. Browse different types of metal asset tags to pick the features you need.
4. Shop signage plaques and blank tags for other metal tag needs.
5. Learn how to apply and place your metal asset tags.

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

Get metal tag samples to compare quality closely

Most metal tag manufacturers offer to ship you free samples of their products if you're looking to buy a large quantity of tags. Simply request a sample and compare.

I recommend: Determine the size of tags you'll want first so you know what sizes for which to request samples. Request samples from several manufacturers like Alliance Asset Tags, Horizons, and Yuell Nameplate & Label to compare the quality.

Get quotes on the exact number of metal tags you need

The same companies that offer free sample tags for comparison will typically offer easy online quotes for custom metal tags.

I recommend: Simply request a quote from the same companies that send you samples, such as Horizons and Alliance Asset Tags, to compare their prices on specific numbers of metal tags in addition to the quality.

Examine the different features on metal asset tags

Metal asset tags features abound. You can typically alter the color scheme, add your logo or choose from barcoded, numbered or non-numbered series.

I recommend: Select from barcoded or numbered options, or barcoded, numbered and non-numbered, as your basic options for metal asset tags. Also select from different types of coloring options or select multiple colors for your metal labels, and with basic options you can frequently fill in the text for custom metal tags and order directly online.

Shop blank metal tags and engraved metal tags for signage and identification

Buy blank metal tags in bulk and have them engraved later for identification needs, or get engraved metal plaques to use as signs or nameplates.

I recommend: For identification purposes, consider basic round metal tags, which can be purchased either with sequential numbering stamped into them or as blank metal tags, or get more specialized livestock tags or pet identification tags. For engraved metal tags, choose either aluminum, for indoor use, or stainless steel, for both indoor and outdoor use.

Apply metal labels correctly for ID that lasts

Learn how adhesive works with metal labels, and find out how to apply them to the best spots for lasting identification.

I recommend: Learn how to apply tags so that they adhere to the surface you need to label, and where to place metal asset tags or other metal labels so that your metal identification tags don't peel off or get easily worn out.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Almost any company that manufactures metal tags or labels of any kind will be able to add your logo to the basic design, but not all companies offer extensive do-it-yourself customizing online. If you don't see custom logo options online when ordering, either call the company or search for another brand that does add logos--don't settle for a generic tag if you want a more personalized label.

Metal ID tags are useful for many business needs, including signs and asset labeling. It is important to do some basic homework before purchasing metal tags off the Internet or from any brick and mortar provider. Research quality, engraving capabilities, size and tag application options before making a final purchase.

Manufacturers use different types of metals to make metal tags. To be sure you are making the most of metal tags, remember the following as you shop and compare products:

1. Learn how to properly attach metal ID tags.

2. Engrave metal tags for long-term labeling.

3. Request samples of metal identification tags before purchasing.

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

Apply your metal ID tags correctly

Applying metal labels properly is critical to ensuring the tag will stick until you are ready to remove it. When applying metal tags with adhesive, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface, removing all grime and oils. There are several options for adhering tags other than adhesives. Using tags with holes or slots allows you to adhere the tags with screws or metal clips.

I recommend: Look to MyAssetTag.com for tips on securing metal asset tags with adhesive. It offers free samples of its cleaning solutions and adhesives. Pannier manufactures a variety of metal tags that allow for options when it comes to application. It sells tags with slots, holes and adhesive backings, so you can choose the type of application that suits your business needs.

Use engraved metal tags for durable labeling

Using engraved metal tags will ensure that information is always available. Unlike adhesive-backed labels, engraved tags will not fade or peel. Engraving is also a professional and attractive way of displaying company logos, names, titles and other important information.

I recommend: Namifiers engraves custom metal tags. It can engrave a company logo and text on specialty shaped metal tags. Another company that offers metal tag engraving is Short Order Products. It engraves custom information on any type of custom tag and has a large selection of metal tags to choose from.

Request metal tag samples to compare quality and craftsmanship

Metal identification tags are helpful only when they provide the solution you need. Ordering tags without first examining them can result in a fruitless purchase. Most metal tag companies are happy to provide you with samples of any tags you wish to see. When examining metal tag samples, check them for durability, size, shape, adhesive capabilities and any other requirements you have.

I recommend: Steeltags.com manufacturers metal identification tags for a multitude of surfaces. Request tag samples online via email. Emedco sells a large variety of blank metal tags that you can customize according to your business needs. Request samples from this company by contacting it.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing an adhesive for metal tags, make sure the adhesive is compatible with the surface to which you are applying the tag. Whether the surface is rough or smooth metal or plastic, you may need to purchase a specific adhesive for the tag to adhere.

Metal tags can be used in a multitude of ways. Metal can be used in environments that can potentially be corrosive, such as on chemical tanks.

Metal tags can be used in decorative fashions as well, and add a touch of class even while performing an important duty. Below, you will find information about metal tags that will help you decide which ones work best for your company.

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

Blank metal tags

Blank metal tags don't have any writing on them. These metal tags can be made from various materials such as aluminum or steel, and can be any size or shape, from circles to rectangles. What makes blank tags practical is that they can be used and reused.

I recommend: Big City Manufacturing has not only blank metal tags but an informative site.

Embossed metal tags

Embossed metal tags have letters that are raised, or embossed. These letters last a long time on the metal tags, thus enabling the tag to be useful for an extended period. The embossed tags can come with an adhesive backing, holes for screws, or a single hole for inserting a ring.

I recommend: The Pannier Corporation has embossed metal tags.

Engraved metal tags

Engraved metal tags work well in that they also last a long time thanks to the lettering on the tag being engraved, or actually cut into the metal. The tags can be steel, aluminum or any kind of metal. When the tags are steel or aluminum, they are able to withstand high temperatures, which make them well suited for industrial environments.

I recommend: Seaton provides helpful information about their engraved metal tags.

Brass tags

Brass tags work well in an industrial setting as well as a decorative one. The brass tags can be embossed, engraved or left blank. Thanks to the fact that this tag is made from brass, it works well as a decorative tag, such as for jewelry or name tags.

I recommend: Uline has the more prosaic brass tags for industrial use while Mila Displays has the more decorative brass tags. Both sites are informative, and both companies are eager to provide you with the brass tags that best suit your company's needs.

Identification tags

Identification tags are important when attempting to identify large quantities of something, such as animals, birds, or even laboratory equipment. These simple metal tags are designed to be applied quickly with a tool that looks like a set of pliers, or attached with a ring to machinery.

I recommend: Hasco Tag has many identification tags to choose from. Its site is informative and easy to use.

Etched metal tags

Etching is another method of marking metal tags. Etching is not as deep as engraving, so there is a possibility that the lettering might not last as long. The benefits of etching is that the designs on the metal tag can be more elaborate.

I recommend: Eastern Etching has a good site that discusses the process and benefits of etching metal tags as well as nameplates.