When it comes to making business decisions, most people don’t consider the impact of even the smallest details. Something like the choice of which labels to use may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but even something as seemingly small as label choices can have a large impact on your profit margins. That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown on exactly how you can save money using the right labels for your business. 

Different Kinds of Labels

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to choosing which labels are right for your business, but the main consideration centers on the label material and durability. Labels typically come in three types: paper, polypropylene, and polyester thermal labels. Focusing on the durability of these materials will help determine the right use cases for your labels, whether that’s shipping, asset identification, inventory, or something else, and ensure long-term success for your business.

Different Label Materials

The three most common materials to make labels from are the following:

• Paper Labels: These are often the cheapest option, but also the least durable and only really suitable for indoor use, as they are likely to dissolve when exposed to water. 
• Polypropylene Labels: While more expensive, these label types are more durable than the paper alternative, and are water-resistant but not waterproof. 
• Polyester Thermal Labels: These are by far the most durable option. Waterproof and resistant to tearing, UV damage, and chemical damage, these labels are more expensive upfront but offer a better long-term option for maintaining a label’s integrity. 

Read: How Salesforce Customization Helps Your Business Succeed?

What Do Waterproof and Weatherproof Mean?

When discussing whether a label is waterproof or weatherproof, we are referring to its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions that would typically degrade or destroy less durable labels made from materials ill-suited for anything outside of dry indoor conditions. 

Why You Should Be Using Waterproof & Weatherproof Labels?

The reasons to use waterproof and weatherproof labels in your business are many. Although using polyester thermal labels may be the most expensive option initially, we’ve identified five potential use cases that could ultimately save you and your business significant money in the long run, making the initial cost worthwhile in the long term. 

Shipping

One of the main ways that businesses use labels in day-to-day operations is as shipping labels. Packages shipped undergo a wide range of environmental conditions outside of our control, which is why it’s important to have labels capable of withstanding rain, flooding, high heat, and direct sun exposure without losing their integrity. Using weatherproof labels for shipping will save you the unexpected costs of lost or mishandled shipments, as well as save you from poor reviews from potentially irate customers wondering where their product is. 

Inventory Management

Another major use for labels in most businesses is inventory management. The last thing you want is for labels to be destroyed or degraded due to unexpected exposure to water. Being able to easily scan bar codes in order to log inventory properly drastically reduces the amount of work necessary to complete proper inventory. This means you need fewer people managing the task, and you’re less likely to end up having to deal with a costly mistake because of a degraded label. 

Asset Identification

In industrial settings, oftentimes it’s important to be able to identify tools, heavy machinery, and other valuable assets kept onsite. Being able to do so not only helps to keep the business running smoothly, but it also prevents potential misuse or misplacement of valuable assets that cost a lot of money to replace. In this case, you’ll definitely want to make sure that your labels are up to the challenge. 

Safety Concerns

Perhaps the most important use that labels serve is their ability to post potentially lifesaving information regarding safety hazards and instructions in case of emergency. When it comes to this particular use, having a clearly legible label could be the difference between life and death. It can also mean the difference when it comes to facing down hefty fines or lawsuits due to a lack of compliance with safety concerns. In addition to being waterproof and weatherproof, polyester thermal labels are also resistant to chemical damage, which might occur in industrial settings where these kinds of safety labels are particularly important. 

Replacement Costs Overtime

This is maybe the simplest reason, but one that goes overlooked by many businesses. Oftentimes, the initial sticker price for thermal labels appears daunting until you consider the long-term overall savings that come from buying durable labels that won’t need to be replaced every few months. Spending a little more upfront to ensure you have labels that last for years can save you a pretty penny down the road.