Most people use the terms ‘labels’ and ‘stickers’ interchangeably, assuming they refer to the exact same thing. In reality, labels and stickers are in fact quite different.
True, they share many similar properties, including but not limited to the following:
- They both have a sticky surface, designed to provide a temporary or permanent bond
- They can be made from a wide variety of different materials for different surfaces
- They can feature almost any design and are printed using similar hardware
- They can be printed in almost any shape, size and configuration imaginable
All of which paints a picture of two consumables which are basically identical. But when it comes to their primary purposes and applications, there are important differences between stickers and labels.
What is a Label?
The term ‘label’ is used in reference to a consumable that is used to identify an object or product. An example of this could be a shipping label placed on a package, which contains the information of the sender and the recipient. Labels are used to communicate important information and can be used for a broad range of sales, promotional, and logistical purposes.
Product labels can be used in conjunction with (or as an alternative to) packaging, affixed directly to products in stores. They can be designed to withstand freezing temperatures (for frozen products), humid environments (for products in refrigerators) and for general items stored in ambient conditions.
Some product labels are designed to be quickly and easily removed, leaving behind no trace of residue. For example, a mirror or glass item for sale may feature a label outlining its properties, price and brand, which can be peeled away with ease once the item has been purchased. Elsewhere, some labels are designed to be permanent and cannot be removed without causing damage to them.
What is a Sticker?
By contrast, ‘stickers’ are promotional materials in their own right. They can represent a business, a charity, a team, a school, or even a character from popular culture – pretty much anything imaginable.
Think the kinds of stickers used by businesses to promote themselves and their products, handed out to people free of charge; Or perhaps, the stickers worn by kids depicting their favourite cartoon characters, or TV shows. Stickers are almost always used to market or promote something, but are used on their own (i.e. not necessarily affixed to a product or package).
When stickers are handed out, those providing them have no real idea where they will end up. They could find themselves fixed to the recipient’s thermos, their laptop, their car, a window, or anywhere else.
While some stickers are handed out purely for promotional purposes, others are included with purchases as a freebie. For example, almost every Apple product comes complete with a bunch of Apple logo stickers, which are then used by the recipient to promote and market Apple free of charge.
Labels or Stickers: Which Do I Need?
Choosing between labels and stickers is all about determining how you intend to use them.
For products, packages and other items for sale in general, labels are the better choice. When ordering custom labels, you will be able to specify exactly what type of material you need, the adhesion level you require and so on.
But if you are simply looking to hand out marketing materials as freebies to promote your business, stickers are the way to go. Again, with almost no limitations on how your custom stickers are designed; which can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be.
