Labels - Just starting out

[huvason]

I've been spending a lot of time working on my sauces... now its time for some labels.

Since I'm just starting, I'm trying to keep it as cheap as possible. A few questions to start:

1. Can I use regular paper labels, or do I need to use water proof labels.
2. Can I use a regular deskjet printer - will that produce a decent first label. I obviously am not expecting a professional label, but I don't want it to look like junk either.
3. Is there a standard size for a 5oz woozy type bottle?

any other tips hints, etc. for a beginner cheap-skate!

Thanks,

-=john=-

[MSK]

huvason...

From a collector's standpoint, and for what it's worth, I would say it much depends on where you plan to market your product. I've seen plenty at flea markets selling quiet well with paper labels, simple font type and no graphics. If you plan on hitting anything larger than the local area I would say upgrade as much as you can "comfortably" afford.

I liken it to my situation many years ago when I managed booking for several bands. If they wanted to branch out past the local gigs and become more regional, they had to improve the overall package. And above all else, they had to have a good local following. For you, a local following could be family and friends who crave your sauce. Look at real estate...location, location, location is high up on the scale. It's all relative...packaging, packaging, packaging.

Whatever you chose to do, please make sure I have a bottle to place in my "soon to be world's largest" autographed hot sauce collection! :)

[huvason]

Thanx MSK.

I am definiteyl starting out small, family friends, craft shows, web maybe. That's why I want to do it relatively expensive. But I am willing to spend some kind of cash.

I am researching what this stuff actually costs, if I can use my current equipment, etc.

When the labels are done, i'll definitely get you some.

-=john=-

[DEFCON Creator]

John, take it for what it's worth, but I would suggest vinyl labels. They are a bit more expensive, but they are waterproof, and they look a LOT better than paper labels, which will smudge and rip when they get condensation on them. I would also suggest a color laser printer. You'd be surprised how inexpensive they are right now, and you can always use it for personal use as well. For the labels, the cheapest vinyl labels we could find was www.worldlabel.com. I hope this helps.

[huvason]

Thanx creator. I actually have a color Laser Printer at work that I can "borrow" at first.

I will check the site out - thanx again.

-=john=-

[Dan@BLP Labels]

Hi John,

MSK and Creator have some great suggestions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going with an ink jet or laser printed label when first starting out. When doing your own label don't scrimp on the resolution. Design your label around 600 - 1200 dpi (dpi is "dots per inch". The more dots per inch... the better quality) With ink jet you find that the labels will smear when wet but laser will give you a more durable surface. If you are only doing 10-25 bottle batches, printing them yourself would be your most cost effective solution. I would, however, keep track of all your costs i.e. cost of ink cartridges, paper, your time... this will allow you to calculate the "per label cost". This number will come in handy when it's time to look for a label printer when you want to take it to the next level. The ideal label size for a 5oz woozy is a 3" X 5" label. I hope this helps a little.

Dan

[bubbaschili]

dan..went to your website and looked at your lables...very profesional....
anyway i have a wierd question for this form.
for the longest time i have wanted to package and sell my chili recipe.
for a while i was putting them in mason jars but i want to go alot cheaper. i was in the store the other day looking at packages and i was in the pouch sauce gravy mix area and was wondering if there was a way these could be bought fill em with what you want and them seal em without a ton of machines??
if you had 9oz of dry spices how would you package them?
or i could go with 4 to 5 oz
the 9 oz makes about a gallon of chili and the 4 to 5 oz mix makes about a half a gallon.

[DEFCON Creator]

Dan, you are correct. The laser cartridges can really start hitting the wallet.

Bubba, interesting question. Since it dry spices only, if you had some way to vacuum seal it, I don't think there would be a problem. I would suggest doing a little research on the FDA site first though.

[ChefEx]

Hey guys...love the show. Long time listener, first time caller!

Huvson, You and I are kind of in the same spot at the same time. This is what worked for me. I did the design in FireWorks (which took some time, I'm a chef not a graphic design artist), went to avery.com downloaded a 3x5 template. Each template has a corresponding number with the lables. You can get the Avery labels from Staples as well. Then you can print your lables and put them on by hand (I've done a few hundred now it's a pain). Make room in your layout for your ingredient list, bar code, nut vals., net wieght, do not use on your cat, etc. The only thing this costs is the price of the labels ($18 for 120)and a lot of time. But they are like gremlins, don't get them wet.

Dan, I shot you an email last week, I'm almost ready to take the next step.

[Dan@BLP Labels]

Hey guys...love the show. Long time listener, first time caller!

Dan, I shot you an email last week, I'm almost ready to take the next step.

Are you Scott?

[huvason]

Thanx everyone.

Creator, I went to the site you recommended, and even emailed their support. They do not specifically list a "vinyl labels" but do have a weatherproof label for both inkjet and laser jet. Their support calls them "laser polyester (weatherproof) material". I'm guessing that these are them?

White Weatherproof (Laser Only) - Our weatherproof label is a 60 lb. bright white face sheet with a 50 lb. liner made from a polyester material. It is an excellent choice for outdoor applications or applications where durability is required. The adhesive is a high quality acrylic permanent adhesive. Excellent printing results with most types of laser printers. Do not use with inkjet printers. Use for Drums, chemicals and most harsh environments.

and
White Weatherproof (Inkjet Only) - Our white weatherproof label sheet for inkjet printing is 50 lb. bright white vinyl face sheet with a 50 lb. liner. The material is waterproof and the ink from a standard inkjet printer will encapsulate upon printing. Once the sheet has been printed it will not smear when touched with a wet hand or soaked in water. The adhesive is a high quality permanent adhesive. Excellent results with most types of inkjet printers.

[huvason]

I stand correct Mr Creator:
"Vinyl Labels for Inkjet Printing" - white weatherproof vinyl for inkjet printing

and Weatherproof Polyester Labels for Laser Printing

SORRY....

[huvason]

Hi John,

... When doing your own label don't scrimp on the resolution. Design your label around 600 - 1200 dpi (dpi is "dots per inch". The more dots per inch... the better quality) With ink jet you find that the labels will smear when wet but laser will give you a more durable surface. If you are only doing 10-25 bottle batches, printing them yourself would be your most cost effective solution....
Dan

Thanx Dan. At first by hand should be fine. ACcording to the site th Creator listed: "The material is waterproof and the ink from a standard inkjet printer will encapsulate upon printing" Does this "imply" that it wil not smear? Or should I not risk and use a Laser Printer. I ask because I have a pretty high quality inkjet at home. I could use the office laser jet if necessary.

Thanx again.
-=john=-

[ChefEx]

Dan,

No not Scott. Gordon in DC.

Huvason, are the labels you found 3x5 template stlye or an 8x11 sheet?

[huvason]

ChefEx,
Unfortunately they do not seem to have a standard 3x5 label on the worldlabel.com site. I'm still looking right now.

They do have a 3-1/2x5 - but not in weatherproof.

So, I guess i'm still looking.

[ChefEx]

Huvason,

I suppose you could put it on a paper cutter and cut it whatever size you want.

[huvason]

Someone must make a regular 3x5 weatherproof label. I really do not want to have to cut.

I will keep looking and post my findings!.

[DEFCON Creator]

That's really strange, I would suggest calling them. They do have 2.75 X 2.75 in weatherproof.

[huvason]

I have founf 3x5 vinyl weatherproof labels at planetlabel. 200 label (50 sheets of 4) is $51

Will look more....

[huvason]

That's really strange, I would suggest calling them. They do have 2.75 X 2.75 in weatherproof.
The site you gave does have 4x5 sheets. I can 100 sheets of 4 for $60 from them,

I guess I could cut them like suggested. I have an email out to their support to see if they stock 3x5

-=john=-

[ChefEx]

Huvason,

Good score if they have 3x5 vinyl. The "arts and crafts" fun of hand lableing can get old pretty fast. I can't wait to find a co-packer with a lableing machine. I'm meeting with one on Thursday and really hope things go well. I missed it earlier in the thread, but will the vinyl take ink jet or does it have to be laser?

[huvason]

Huvason,

Good score if they have 3x5 vinyl. The "arts and crafts" fun of hand lableing can get old pretty fast. I can't wait to find a co-packer with a lableing machine. I'm meeting with one on Thursday and really hope things go well. I missed it earlier in the thread, but will the vinyl take ink jet or does it have to be laser?

ChefEx,
from what I found:

"Vinyl Labels for Inkjet Printing" - white weatherproof vinyl for inkjet printing

and Weatherproof Polyester Labels for Laser Printing

[Dan@BLP Labels]

Dan,

No not Scott. Gordon in DC.

You've got mail!

[Tina Brooks]

Dan, speaking of upgrading to the next level of labels to having one's own printer... jump while the iron is hot! Dude, a little peppermaster told me he's just about ready to order the printer... Call him (he's left a message with a local competitor of yours in ref to the LX810).

Ya okay, I was eavesdropping... what of it???

T