How to Choose the Right Labels for Your Products

Everything you need to know to pick the best label type for your business

Not sure which label type is best for your business? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re testing a new product, gearing up for a big launch, or just trying to get organized, choosing the right label format can make a big difference in how your brand shows up.

Let’s walk through your options—printable vs. professionally printed, sheets vs. rolls—and help you figure out what fits your needs best.

Start with how you want to print

The first big decision: Do you want to print labels yourself, or order custom printed ones?

A lot of small businesses start out with printable labels (hello, flexibility and quick turnarounds). But as you grow, it’s common to shift to custom labels for a more polished, professional look—and to save time. Printing full-color labels at home can get expensive, especially once you’re replacing ink cartridges mid-run.

Also consider this: not all label providers offer both printable and custom options. Some are DIY-only. Others only handle pro printing. That can be a pain if you want to grow with a single provider. Bonus points if they also:

Don’t charge extra for custom shapes or sizes

Let you save your designs in one place

Skip the sneaky fees for setup, plates, or dies

Option 1: Printable sheet labels

If you’re doing small batches or testing designs, printable labels on sheets are a solid choice. They’re ideal for:

·Short-run or seasonal products

·Changing ingredients or compliance info

·On-demand printing

Blank label sheets are easy to store and come in tons of sizes and materials. But keep in mind: home printers can’t match the quality of commercial digital presses. If rich color and crisp text matter, you might want to compare the DIY cost (including ink) with ordering custom sheet labels.

Option 2: Custom sheet labels

Ready to upgrade your look without breaking the bank? Custom sheet labels give you that pro-quality finish and still keep things flexible.

They’re printed using high-end digital presses for deeper color, sharper detail, and longer-lasting results. You’ll also get a digital proof to double-check everything before it hits print.

Go this route if:

·Your product line is growing, but you’re not ready to order in bulk

·You want better materials or finishes

·You’re spending under $250 per label order

If you’re spending more than that, it might be time to roll.

Option 3: Custom roll labels

Custom roll labels are your go-to if you’re scaling up and need serious quantities—or if you’re using a label applicator to save time.

They’re cost-effective for bulk orders and come with all the same perks as custom sheet labels, plus more:

·Huge variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes

·Specialty options like metallics, holographics, and white ink

·Bulk discounts when you order the same size, shape, and material

They’re machine-friendly (for labeling equipment), and you can even use layered vector files for next-level designs. If you’re placing label orders over $250 regularly, roll labels will give you more value for your spend.

Option 4: Blank roll labels

If you’ve got an inkjet roll label printer and need to move fast, blank roll labels can be a great DIY option. They’re designed for businesses that print high volumes in-house and want to keep their workflow streamlined.

With blank roll labels, you can:

·Print large batches on demand

·Speed up your labeling process

·Reduce manual handling by pairing with a compatible dispenser or applicator

Just note: Double Tree currently offers blank roll labels only for inkjet roll printers. If that’s your setup, awesome—you’ll find a variety of sizes and materials ready to roll. Just make sure to double-check your printer specs and core size before ordering.

These labels are a smart fit for recurring product lines or growing businesses that want more speed and less stop-and-go in their production.

Final tips

Whatever label path you choose, just remember: your product label is often the first thing a customer sees. Make sure it looks the part.

Take time to research your provider, compare costs, and think about how your labeling needs might evolve as your business grows.