Labels

Hang Onto Bar Code Sales
November 20, 2000

The ubiquitous bar code label is a necessity for distributors' portfolios. While bar-coded labels are a small segment of manufacturers' bottom lines, it is important that they are not overlooked by distributors. "Bar codes are a low percentage of overall sales, but their contribution to profit is higher," said John Shanley, president of Labels West, Woodinville, Wash. As interest in the product grows and equipment prices plummet, manufacturers are seeing a spike in on-demand bar coded labels. "Today a great deal of variable printing is done by the end-user," said John Strecker, vice president of sales and marketing for Data Label, Terre

Silkscreen Reigns Supreme
October 20, 2000

Meeting rough applications is as smooth as silk for screenprinted labels By Maggie DeWitt A rubber squeegee pushes UV-cured ink through a fine mesh screen mounted onto a steel frame, laying down thick layers of color. The result is the toughest label on the market. And while some newer printing processes are starting to encroach on traditional silkscreen territory, none of the contenders can take a licking and keep on sticking quite like screenprinted labels. "Flexo and digitally-printed labels look and feel almost exactly like screenprinted labels," said Mike Evans, marketing manager for Lancer Label, Omaha, Neb. The difference, he added, is in screenprinted labels' incredible

A New Spin on Laser Labels
September 20, 2000

The popularity of CD-R hardware is driving demand for disc labels By Sharon R. Cole Until recently, the printer has been the computer hardware responsible for significant changes in label design. The progression from dot matrix to ink jet and laser printers has resulted in the creation of sheeted laser labels, designed to withstand the heat and pressure of laser printers. Now another form of computer-based technology is further changing the shape of labels. As CD-R (writable) hardware infiltrates the business market, laser and ink jet labels are not only being cranked through printer rollers, but also being spun on CD disc drives. According to Tom Ainsworth, marketing

Laminated Label Possibilities Abound
August 20, 2000

In the battle against moisture and wear-and-tear, lamination clearly serves and protects. By Maggie DeWitt Application is the alpha and the omega of any label sale. From the top ply to the adhesive, where and how a product will be utilized determines the solution. So when your customers mention "outdoor" and "excessive handling," think laminated. Laminating film is designed to seal and protect printing ink from damage and increase its longevity. It's also used to make paper label stock weather-resistant and weather-resistant stock—such as vinyl and polyester—even more durable. Bill Bohning, president of Label Works, Mankato, Minn., explained that laminated labels typically contain static information. "Laminating film is

Get Into Integrated Labels
June 20, 2000

New applications mean a healthy future for these form/label combinations By Misty Byers While pharmacy and warehouse operations still top the list of integrated label users, new applications are emerging. For example, because of the greater number of adhesive options available, Greg Herzog, sales service supervisor for GBF Graphics, Skokie, Ill., has begun selling integrated label applications for laboratory environments. "When integrated labels were new, the adhesives were pretty much all designed for shipping and envelope-type applications. But now we have a lot more variety, and that allows for a greater number of applications to be satisfied," Herzog explained. Another emerging opportunity for integrated label sales, according to Elinor

Holograms Provide High-Tech Appeal
May 20, 2000

These eye-catching products can add value to your sales portfolio By Eric Fiedler Holographic labels are like fine china—both are used primarily for special occasions. While such a product may not do much to boost sales volume, it is still a good item to have in your repertoire. "Once in a while we'll get a customer who wants to run a special promotion without much emphasis on cost," said Michael O'Hare, president of Northeast Quality Products, Newburyport, Mass. He has seen some interest in the product from manufacturers of food, health and beauty and other consumer products. "No matter what you do with

Demand for Thermal Heats Up
May 20, 2000

For the crispest bar code printing, direct your attention to thermal-transfer tags and labels By Misty Byers Due to their excellent print quality—ideal for bar-coding applications—thermal-transfer sales have soared in the past years. And while industry professionals agree that the growth will continue, change is on the horizon. "The thermal label market is huge, and is going to get bigger," noted Dick Thiel, vice president, Badger Tag & Label, Random Lake, Wis. "but synthetic thermal is going to grow even faster." He noted that the steel industry will be the biggest source of the demand for thermal synthetics. "Fifteen years ago it was

Piggyback Labels Carry On
April 20, 2000

A tried and true product thrives amidst myriad new applications By Maggie DeWitt In Response to our online, streamlined society, the forms and labels industry has produced myriad new and improved products. But when customers need to transpose or match up information as efficiently as possible, the choice is clear—go piggyback. The piggyback construction refers to the method of putting a label to be imprinted onto a form, so it can be removed and re-applied elsewhere. The construction feeds into the prevailing preference for converting multi-part forms to single-part, integrated forms. Designed to increase efficiency and minimize errors, selling opportunities exist in every

Static Cling Labels Catch On
March 20, 2000

Easily removable and replaceable static clings are a popular solution to a sticky problem By Eric Fiedler It DonÍt mean a thing if it ainÍt got that cling„static cling, that is. For forms distributors dabbling in promotional products, static cling labels and decals offer an ideal way help make the crossover complete. ñWe produce custom static clings in the promotional realm,î said Kathy Tucker, a customer service representative for Tucson, Arizona-based MNOP. Tucker said that her companyÍs Window Hugger static cling product has been popular for radio stations as well as school and holiday promotions. Nancy Klaar, director of marketing for Label Art, Wilton, N.H., said the marketplace

Form/Label Combinations Bring Growth Opportunities
February 20, 2000

A longer initial sales cycle generates higher profits and repeat orders through client savings By Jamie Heckelman Thinking of selling form/label combinations? Don't expect to waltz into your prospective customer's office, dazzle him or her with some attractively designed samples and walk out with the order. Instead, you are going to have to invest time and energy in learning how this potential client's operations function, what his or her ultimate goals are and how to achieve them. In the end, both you and your client should be extremely pleased with the results. Tom Warnez, president of Metcom in St. Clair Shores, Mich., sells form/label combinations to the local manufacturing,