There are many different costs to consider for small businesses. From marketing budgets to production costs, it’s important for SMEs to weigh up the risk and reward of every penny
they spend, so they can maximise their profits and business expenditure.
That said, some business expenses are more important than others when it comes to fulfilling customer orders, improving production efficiency, and saving time and money for the success of the business. Depending on the type of business you run, labelling machines may be a crucial investment for your company.
What Are The Benefits Of Buying A Labelling Machine?
Labelling machines may seem like small fry compared to the big business decisions you have to make on a daily basis, but they can have a considerable impact on the productivity and speed of your operation. By automating the labelling process – whether for shipping, branding, or sales purposes – you can free up your team’s time and allow them to spend more time on the manual aspects of their job. This means faster shipping, happier customers, and more satisfied staff.
When Are Labelling Machines Worth Buying?
Ecommerce companies, or any business that runs small-scale production of physical products, should consider purchasing a labelling machine. They’re practical, versatile, and much less hassle than outsourcing your labelling to an external company.
Print and apply label applicators are particularly useful for small ecommerce businesses. They maximise efficiency by automating the label printing and application process, reducing the time it takes to box up your products and get them shipped out to your customers. It’s an easy way to reduce shipping times, ensure your labels are easy to scan, and save your staff time in their day-to-day tasks.
When Aren’t Labelling Machines Worth Buying?
If your company doesn’t need to ship or sell physical products, your labelling requirements probably don’t warrant the investment of buying a labelling machine. For example, it’s likely to take SaaS companies who largely deal with virtual software and transactions a lot longer to get a strong return on their investment than it would for a company who makes regular shipments.
If your business is an ecommerce company, or sells any kind of physical product, you can swiftly get a good return on your investment – provided you purchase the label applicator that’s best suited to your` needs.
Which Print And Apply Labelling Machines Are Best For Small Businesses?
Most small businesses want to spend as little as possible on a labelling machine, while still ensuring the machine performs all the tasks it needs to. As a result, it’s important to research the various types of print and apply label applicators that are available, so you can decide which is the best type for your company.
Outer Box Label Applicator
For shipping barcodes and address labels, a print and apply machine that specialises in outer box application may be the most suitable option for your business. These applicators are among the most cost effective labelling machines, as they’re compact, easy to use, and inexpensive to maintain. This outer box label applicator uses thermal transfer printing to produce high-resolution barcodes that scan well, and are automatically applied to the box for a swift, hands-free shipping solution.
On-Demand Label Applicator
If your business relies on using on-demand technology that allows you to create shipments on an adhoc basis, an on-demand print and apply labelling machine is an excellent choice. This on-demand machine is highly versatile, allowing you to change text, graphics, and other printed elements based on your needs. On-demand label applicators use advanced software to allow you to easily customise and program the print settings on the machine, giving you more control over your labelling. It’s ideal for small businesses that print a wider variety of labels, including product stickers and branding labels.
Batch Print And Apply Labelling Machine
For larger scale operations within a small business, a batch print and apply label applicator can save even more time. Designed to be used alongside your existing production line, they will ensure you can prepare large shipment quantities for delivery at the same time. It’s particularly good if you run a high-speed production line. This batch print and apply machine is designed to label up to 400 boxes each minute, allowing for rapid production.
Alternatives To Buying A Labelling Machine
If a labelling machine sounds like a good idea, but you don’t have the permanent space or resources to purchase one, you can also consider hiring a labelling machine. This option can be useful if you run promotions or sales that result in spikes in your production volume. While hiring a labelling machine is cheaper per hire than buying one outright, you should also consider how often you may need to hire the equipment, and whether it’s more cost effective in the medium- to long-term to purchase a labelling machine.
Is It Cost Effective For Small Businesses To Buy Labelling Machines?
The easiest way to decide if it’s cost effective for your business to purchase a labelling machine is to figure out whether it will save you money in comparison with manual labelling processes. By sticking with manual labelling, you’ll save money on the labelling machine itself, but you’ll pay more in staff time, returns due to human error, and potential delays to delivery. If you choose to buy a labelling machine, you’ll need to buy the machine, as well as pay for any maintenance costs and consumables over the lifespan of the applicator. But you’ll likely gain swift delivery times, more productive staff, and more satisfied customers, who may be more likely to return to your online store in future.
If your business would benefit from switching to automated product labelling, find out more about the various types of print and apply label applicators, how they work, and what they can bring to your operation.
