Address Label Formats
Address Labels are manufactured by cutting the shapes of the labels into a self-adhesive paper, but not cutting through the backing paper. The self-adhesive paper they are made from comes in huge master rolls and standard sized labels can be made in substantial quantities because manufacturers know there will be a demand for them.
There are 3 main formats of labels, which reflect the type of printer they are to be used on. The 3 types are:
- Rolls (with no sprocket holes) – for thermal and thermal transfer printers and some continuous lasers.
- A4 Sheets – for laser and inkjet printers.
- Continuous stationary with sprocket holes sold as fan fold stock, for dot matrix printers and heavy duty industrial lasers.
Label Planet has specialised in supplying A4 sheets of blank address labels for laser and inkjet printers. All the white paper address labels we offer are made with a self-adhesive paper which is specified for laser and inkjet printing.
Address Label Sizes
Buying labels in standard sizes makes sense because the prices will be lower, this is because the labels you buy will be part of a huge production run, and will have been made on a wide and fast label converting press. Most address labels are functional, short term labels and providing the size is large enough to carry the address printed at an easily readable size then they will be fine.
Typically the LP 21/63 which is 63.5mm x 38.1mm or the LP 14/99 which is 99.1 x 38.1 are used. The wider label is probably better in these days of double barrelled surnames. We have the most common 6 standard label sizes on the address labels page (link at the bottom of this page), and many more sizes that can be used on the “standard paper labels” page.
Standard sizes also have the advantage that there will be a template in label printing software (including MS word ) which will
Address Label Volumes and Prices
If you are buying standard sized labels then the price will be lower than bespoke labels, especially if they are in small amounts. This is because the cost of the material and time used in setting up the label presses is divided between many sheets, also wider and faster presses can be used for standard labels which are made for stock. After a certain volume the cost of production per sheet will not fall significantly when more are made. The machines will not get faster and the materials do not get and cheaper, but you will see a continuing fall in prices, this is because suppliers want to attract large orders and will reduce their margins to take them.
The price of bespoke labels though more expensive does fall very rapidly so typically if the price of one box of 500 sheets of bespoke labels was £200 then the price for two boxes could be £280.
If labels are kept sealed in their packaging, and in a normal office or warehouse environment (away from heat and moisture) then they will last at least 12 months, and often much longer. Adhesives do degrade slowly with time which generally means they become les sticky, but it is hard to observe the difference over short time periods. This means that if your address labels are being used on an ongoing basis you can order in bulk and store them in order to buy at a lower price. Labels stack well and do not take up much room, typically 500 A4 sheets are just 80mm high.
Label Planet is pleased to supply samples for you to try first, and also sells labels in packs of 25 sheets, so you can assess the labels before buying a large quantity. |