Before It Becomes a Production Problem…
Launching a new product is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between finalizing artwork, selecting packaging, coordinating with a co-packer, and planning your launch date, there are dozens of moving pieces.
One detail that often gets overlooked until the last minute? Your labels.
After more than 160 years in the printing industry, we’ve seen firsthand how small decisions early in the process can snowball into expensive delays later on. The good news is that most of these issues are completely avoidable.
Here are seven of the most common mistakes we see and what you can do to avoid them.
Many brands don’t contact their printer until their artwork is completely finished. While that seems logical, it can actually create unnecessary delays.
Your label printer can often identify potential production issues before artwork is finalized, such as:
• Label size concerns
• Material compatibility
• Print limitations
• Barcode placement
• White ink requirements
• Container application challenges
A quick conversation early in the design process can save weeks of revisions later.
Pro Tip: Reach out while your packaging is still being designed, not after it’s already approved 😉 .
The material that looks best isn’t always the one that performs best.
Ask yourself:
• Will the product be refrigerated?
• Will it sit in an ice bucket?
• Is it exposed to moisture?
• Does it need to withstand oils, stains or chemicals?
• Will it spend time outdoors?
Different environments require different label materials, adhesives, and finishes. Choosing the right combination from the beginning helps prevent peeling, bubbling, lifting, or premature wear.
A label can look perfect on a flat computer screen but behave very differently once applied to a curved bottle or uniquely shaped container.
Common issues include:
• Wrinkles
• Edge lift
• Distorted graphics
• Text wrapping around curves
• Labels crossing seams or molded features
Every container has limitations. Designing with those limitations in mind creates a cleaner finished product.
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions we encounter.
Digital proofs are an excellent approval tool, but they aren’t produced the same way as a flexographic or offset printing press.
Variables like:
• Ink
• Substrate
• Coatings
• Metallic materials
• Lighting conditions
all influence the final appearance.
That’s why setting realistic color expectations before production is so important.
Everything may look great until production day.
If you’re working with a new co-packer, changing container sizes, or introducing a new label construction, testing before a full production run can prevent costly downtime.
A simple test roll (free of charge) can identify issues long before they become expensive production problems.
Everyone wants competitive pricing.
But the cheapest quote isn’t always the lowest overall cost.
Ask yourself:
• Will this printer communicate throughout the project?
• Do they understand my application?
• Can they scale with future growth?
• Will they help solve problems if something unexpected comes up?
Sometimes paying a little more upfront prevents much larger costs down the road.
This one catches people every time.
Artwork revisions.
Material availability.
Co-packer schedules.
Shipping delays.
Retail launch dates.
All of these pieces have to line up.
Starting your label project early gives everyone more flexibility and dramatically reduces last-minute stress.
If your product launch has a firm deadline, your label project should begin well before that date. And we always recommend never locking in production time, until you get a ship date from us, to ensure no fire drills!
Most production issues aren’t caused by major mistakes. They’re caused by small details that simply weren’t discussed early enough.
The right label partner isn’t just there to print your labels. They should help identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Whether you’re launching your first product or your hundredth, asking the right questions early can save valuable time, money, and frustration.
Whether you’re in the early design phase or getting ready to send artwork to press, our team is happy to take a look.
Send us your label artwork, container specs, or packaging concept, and we’ll provide a complimentary review to help identify any potential production concerns before they become costly delays.
