The fastest way to save money on your labels is by ordering smarter—not necessarily ordering less. A few strategic tweaks to your materials, order structure, or timing can reduce costs significantly without sacrificing quality. Here’s how brands like yours do it.
How Can I Save Money on My Labels?
Order More, Less Often
Higher quantities mean lower cost per label. It’s that simple. Whether you’re printing 1,000 or 10,000, the startup costs—press setup, materials, color matching—are the same. Spreading those fixed costs across a bigger order means better value.
Smart label quantity tips:
- Calculate how many units you’ll realistically sell in 3–6 months.
- Consider combining orders across SKUs or teams to hit better price breaks.
- Store extras in a clean, dry space—they don’t expire if stored properly.
Bonus: Fewer orders = less time chasing shipments, tracking inventory, and reapproving proofs.
Combine Versions into One Run
If you’re printing multiple SKUs (flavors, scents, product lines), ask about versioned runs. It’s a way to print them all together as a single job—resulting in bigger volume, better pricing.
Why versioning saves you money:
- Shared setup costs across all versions
- Volume discounts apply to the total number of labels, not just per version
- Less admin time = more efficiency
How to do it well:
- Keep the label size and material the same across versions
- Use a consistent design layout (just swap out product-specific info)
- Discuss versioning with your rep—they’ll help you configure it
Choose the Right Materials
Cheap materials can cost you more later. Labels that peel, fade, or smear mean replacements, returns, and reprints. Durable materials like glossy or matte BOPP are affordable and tough enough for most industries—from refrigerated foods to supplement bottles.
Why BOPP is a smart choice:
- Moisture and oil resistant
- Tear-proof and scratch-resistant
- Available in gloss, matte, and clear finishes
Save money by avoiding overkill:
- Don’t pay extra for metallics or soft-touch unless it supports the brand story
- Use samples (Wizard offers free sample packs) to test performance before committing
Use Klarna to Spread Costs
Ordering more saves money—but if it strains your cash flow, Klarna can help. It lets you split payments into interest-free installments.
Why Klarna is helpful:
- Get labels now, pay over time
- No interest when payments are on schedule
- Ideal for new launches, seasonal prep, or big rebrands
Pro tip: Use Klarna during promotional periods to double up on savings.
Subscribe to Email & SMS for Promotions
Wizard doesn’t flood your inbox—but if you’re subscribed, you’ll get first access to sales, limited offers, and seasonal bundles.
Why it matters:
- Discounts aren’t always advertised on-site
- Flash sales are short and subscriber-only
- Some deals are based on label types or verticals (like supplements or skincare)
- Set-it-and-forget-it: One sign-up keeps you looped in with no extra effort.
Design Smarter to Print Cheaper
Your design impacts your price. More colors, complex gradients, large label sizes—all can bump up costs. Simpler designs are not only cheaper—they’re often more effective on the shelf.
Ways to save with smart design:
- Reduce label size if possible (even ¼ inch matters)
- Use fewer ink-heavy backgrounds or specialty finishes
- Avoid design elements that require additional press runs
Need help? A quick consultation with our team can flag design features that affect pricing.
Rethink DIY Printing
Buying a cheap label printer sounds economical—until it jams mid-run, burns through ink, or fails to match your brand colors.
Hidden costs of printing in-house:
- Ink, ribbon, and label stock expenses add up
- Time spent troubleshooting or reprinting = labor cost
- Quality often lacks the polish of pro-grade printers
When to outsource instead:
- You need consistent, color-accurate branding
- Your volume is scaling up
- Your product goes into retail, subscription boxes, or e-commerce
Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense
For fast-moving SKUs or bestsellers, buying in larger quantities is almost always cheaper per unit.
Bulk benefits:
- Steeper price breaks
- Fewer reorder cycles
- Lower shipping costs per label
Time It Right
There’s no “label clearance rack,” but there are better times to order. Watch for seasonal sales or slower production windows.
Best times to buy:
- Mid-Q1 (after the holiday rush)
- Mid-summer (lighter production schedules)
- Around Black Friday and New Year promotions
Tip: Set reorder reminders based on previous delivery lead times and expected inventory needs.
Use Wizard’s Free Tools
Don’t guess—test.
Helpful (and free) tools we offer:
- Free sample packs to try materials before you commit
- Online quote calculator to test pricing by material, size, and quantity
- Expert support to walk you through the smartest label choices for your brand
Want to save more—without cutting corners?
We’re happy to help you find the right balance between cost and quality. No pressure, no fluff—just expert guidance from folks who know label pricing inside and out.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to buy custom labels?
Order in bulk, combine versions into one run, and stick with durable, cost-effective materials like BOPP.
Are roll labels cheaper than sheet labels?
Yes—especially for larger runs. They print faster, apply quicker, and reduce waste.
How do I find affordable label options without sacrificing quality?
Focus on high-volume orders, choose only the material you truly need, and design labels with efficient specs. Subscribe for promotions to catch deals early.
Is printing my own labels cheaper?
Not usually. DIY printing brings hidden costs (ink, materials, labor) and quality issues that can end up costing more in the long run.
Where can I buy cheap custom labels that still look great?
Wizard Labels offers affordable, high-quality custom labels with expert support and tools to help you save. No corners cut.