Avoid a Sticky Situation

Customization is key to selling security labels

By Eric Fiedler

When distributors are fishing for security label sales, manufacturers suggest using customization as the bait.

"If a customer has a concept, but isn't exactly sure how it can be achieved, we work with distributors to develop a product to meet their exact needs," said Debbie Chadwick, customer service manager at Bertek Systems, Swanton, Vt.

Bertek Systems produces custom products such as tamper-evident labels, security slits, void features and more.

John Abbott, sales manager for Metro Label, Garland, Texas, also said the majority of his orders for security labels "depend on what the end-user wants to accomplish."

Vic Flanigan, vice president of sales and marketing at Tailored Label Products, Menomonee Falls, Wis., said distributors should help their customers choose a security label based primarily on the level of security that is needed.

According to Flanigan, the size of a security label order should help determine which type to use. "Take volume into consideration," he said. "It's not economical to do high-level security applications unless the volume is high."

For low-level security items, Flan-igan recommended destructible or tamper-evident labels that tear, rip, or leave behind a custom pattern if removed.

Common types of lower-level security labels include destructible vinyl, which fractures upon re-moval, and polyester, which makes a checkerboard pattern if removed. These features are all common for retail security.

For industrial applications, Flanigan recommended polyester labels for durability and cost.

Middle-level security features in-clude two- and three-dimensional labels and holograms. Although more expensive, these features are more difficult to reproduce and are more effective. Suggested uses in-clude compact discs, audio and video tapes, credit card overlays and retail applications.

Higher-level security labels in-clude combinations of destructible, tamper-evident and holographic features. These labels can be used for personal identification, OEM parts, computer chips, circuit boards, automotive parts, aircraft parts and credit cards.