Ordering custom labels seems simple at first. You have a design, choose a material, approve a proof, and wait for the finished product to arrive. But that’s often where the surprises begin.
Maybe the label wrinkles when it’s applied to a curved bottle. Colors look different than expected once they’re printed. An adhesive that seemed fine in testing starts lifting in refrigerated storage. Sometimes the issue isn’t the label itself, but realizing too late that there’s no room for required ingredients, warnings, or barcode information.
Most of these problems aren’t manufacturing defects. They’re planning issues, and they’re almost always preventable.
At Primeflex, we’ve been helping businesses avoid these challenges since 1997. As a Denver custom label printer, we’ve worked with companies in food and beverage, health and wellness, industrial manufacturing, household products, cannabis, and many other industries. Every project is different, but the same mistakes tend to surface again and again.
If you’re ordering custom labels for the first time or looking for a better long-term printing partner, understanding these common pitfalls can save time, reduce unnecessary costs, and help your packaging perform the way it’s supposed to.
Why Choosing the Right Denver Custom Label Company Matters
Not every label printer offers the same capabilities.Some specialize only in digital printing. Others only run flexographic presses. Some simply print the artwork they’re given, while others work closely with customers to recommend better materials, adhesives, finishes, and production methods before a project ever reaches the press.
Working with an experienced custom label company means you have access to technical guidance as well as production expertise. That’s especially valuable if your labels will be exposed to moisture, refrigeration, oils, chemicals, outdoor conditions, or frequent handling.
A quality label isn’t created by accident. It starts with asking the right questions long before production begins.
The Most Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Ordering Custom Labels
Even experienced product manufacturers can run into labeling problems if important details are overlooked early in the process. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to avoid when you understand what to look for. Here are the most common mistakes we see businesses make when ordering custom labels and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing Materials Based Only on Appearance
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is selecting a label material simply because they like how it looks.
While appearance is certainly important, performance should come first.
A textured paper label may create a beautiful, premium look on a wine bottle or candle. That same material could wrinkle, peel, or become damaged on a refrigerated beverage or product exposed to moisture.
Before selecting a material, consider questions like:
- Will the product be refrigerated or frozen?
- Will it be exposed to water, oils, or chemicals?
- Will it spend time outdoors?
- Does it need to survive shipping and repeated handling?
- Is the container glass, plastic, metal, or flexible packaging?
The environment your product lives in should guide the material selection just as much as your branding.
An experienced custom label printer will recommend materials based on how your product will actually be used, not simply what looks good during the design phase.
2. Ignoring the Shape and Surface of the Container
Not every package is easy to label. Curved bottles, squeezable tubes, flexible pouches, textured containers, and tapered jars all present different challenges.
A label that performs perfectly on a flat surface may wrinkle or lift when applied to a curved container.
Before ordering custom labels, share as much information as possible about your packaging, including:
- Container dimensions
- Surface material
- Diameter or taper
- Whether labels will be applied by hand or by machine
These details help your printer recommend the proper label construction and adhesive before production begins.
3. Ordering the Wrong Quantity
Trying to save money by ordering the smallest possible quantity can actually increase your overall costs. At the same time, ordering far more labels than you’ll realistically use can create waste if your packaging changes, regulations are updated, or your branding evolves.
The ideal order quantity depends on several factors, including:
- Expected product demand
- Production schedule
- Storage capacity
- Future design updates
- Printing method
For shorter runs, digital printing often provides greater flexibility and lower setup costs. Larger production runs frequently become more economical with flexographic printing.
One advantage of working with Primeflex is that we offer both printing technologies under one roof. That means recommendations are based on what’s best for your project, not on the limitations of a single press.
4. Forgetting About Regulatory Requirements
Many industries have labeling requirements that can’t be overlooked.
Food manufacturers, supplement companies, pharmaceutical brands, cannabis businesses, and chemical manufacturers often need to include ingredients, warnings, barcodes, nutritional information, lot codes, usage instructions, and other compliance-related content.
Too often, businesses finalize a label design before realizing they don’t have enough space for everything that’s required. Planning for compliance early helps avoid expensive redesigns and production delays.
For products with limited package space, solutions like peel-and-reveal labels and double-sided labels allow you to include more information without sacrificing shelf appeal.
5. Prioritizing Design Over Readability
Good packaging attracts attention, but great packaging also communicates clearly.
Some brands choose decorative fonts that are difficult to read or fill every available inch of the label with graphics and marketing messages.
Customers should be able to quickly identify:
- Product name
- Key benefits
- Directions
- Ingredients
- Warnings
- Company information
If people have to work to understand your label, the design is probably trying to do too much. Simple, well-organized layouts often perform better than overly complicated designs.
6. Skipping a Physical Proof
Digital proofs are essential, but they don’t always tell the full story.
Colors can appear differently depending on the label material. Metallic finishes behave differently from standard inks. A label that looks perfect on a computer monitor may feel completely different once it’s applied to the actual package.
Whenever possible, review a physical proof or material sample before approving production. It’s a small investment that can prevent expensive surprises later.
7. Overlooking the Importance of Label Finishes
Many businesses spend weeks perfecting their artwork but give very little thought to the finish.
The finish affects far more than appearance. It influences durability, scratch resistance, moisture protection, and how customers perceive your brand.
For example:
- Gloss finishes make colors appear brighter and more vibrant.
- Matte finishes create a softer, more refined look.
- UV and aqueous coatings add protection against scuffing and moisture.
- Foil and embossing create premium shelf presence.
The right finish should complement both your design and the environment where your product will be sold and used.
8. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Custom labels are rarely something that should be rushed. Artwork revisions, proof approvals, specialty materials, scheduling press time, and shipping all require planning. Waiting until the final stages of a product launch often limits your options and increases the risk of delays.
If you know you’ll need labels, involve your printer early in the process. That collaboration frequently leads to better recommendations, fewer revisions, and a smoother production schedule.
9. Choosing a Label Printer Based Only on Price
Everyone wants to manage costs.However, the lowest quote isn’t always the best value.
A label that fails during shipping, peels in refrigeration, or requires an expensive reprint quickly becomes far more costly than choosing the right printing partner from the beginning.
When evaluating label printing companies, consider more than just pricing.
Ask questions like:
- Do they offer both digital and flexographic printing?
- Can they recommend the best materials for my application?
- Do they provide specialty label solutions?
- Will I work with the same account representative throughout the project?
- Can they support future product launches and packaging updates?
The best custom label company becomes an extension of your team, helping solve problems before they become costly mistakes.
Better Labels Begin With Better Planning
Most label problems don’t start on the printing press, they begin much earlier during material selection, package design, or production planning.
Taking the time to understand your product, your packaging, and the environment your labels will face helps prevent costly mistakes while creating a better experience for your customers.
At Primeflex, we’ve spent more than 25 years helping businesses make those decisions with confidence. As a trusted Denver custom label printer, we combine digital and flexographic printing capabilities with practical guidance on materials, adhesives, finishes, and specialty label solutions. Our goal isn’t simply to print labels. It’s to help our customers create packaging that performs reliably and reflects the quality of their brand.
Whether you’re launching a new product, redesigning existing packaging, or searching for a dependable printing company, our team is here to help you find the right solution from the start.
Contact Primeflex today to request a quote, explore material samples, or discuss your next custom label project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Label Printing
What information should I provide when requesting custom labels?
The more information you can share, the better your printer can recommend the right solution. Helpful details include your container type, dimensions, application method, expected environment, artwork, order quantity, and any regulatory requirements.
How do I know which label material is right for my product?
The best material depends on where your product will be stored and how it will be used. Products exposed to moisture, refrigeration, oils, chemicals, or outdoor conditions often require different materials than products kept in dry retail environments.
Is digital or flexographic printing better?
Neither printing method is universally better. Digital printing is often ideal for shorter runs and faster turnaround times, while flexographic printing typically provides greater efficiency for higher-volume production and specialty finishes.
Should I request label samples before placing an order?
Yes. Seeing and handling actual materials allows you to compare finishes, textures, and durability before committing to a production run.
How much do custom labels cost?
The cost of custom labels depends on several factors, including the label size, material, adhesive, printing method, quantity, and any specialty finishes such as foil, embossing, or textured coatings. Larger production runs typically have a lower cost per label, while shorter runs may be more economical with digital printing. The best way to get accurate pricing is to request a custom quote based on your product and packaging requirements.