Frequently Asked Questions

General:

How do I order from The Label Link?

The Label Link is a Manufacturer’s Representative providing you the service of sourcing and servicing your label, packaging and decoration needs direct.. That said, we will assess your print and packaging needs and set you up directly with the manufacturer that is the best fit for your application or project. So you will purchase directly from the source with TLL representatives as your main contact, providing you a one stop solution for a variety of products and services. We are with you from start to finish and everything in between.

Isn’t that the same as a broker?

No, in fact many of our clients are trade packaging companies who come to us for our expertise and guidance on products and services that they don’t provide themselves. And, because we sell at a direct manufacturer’s price, they have room to operate their business in a fair and profitable way. That’s why we are sometimes referred to as “the Broker’s Broker”. We work with both trade and direct clients, but never in conflict and we do not overstep our boundaries.

How do I secure terms?

In the packaging industry, it is standard to pay 50% deposit, balance COD terms on the first order if credit has not been established.In order to establish credit, New Customers will need to:1. Provide your bill to company & contact name, address, phone and email.2. Submit a credit form with signed terms and conditions for review & approval. (Otherwise, terms will be 50% deposit/COD)3. Submit a California Resale (Seller’s Permit) card in order to confirm whether you are eligible for a resale tax exemption. If you do not have one, tax will be charged on all orders.4. A completed credit card form if you choose to pay via credit.

After credit is established, what do I need to furnish to start an order?

1. Purchase order or signed & dated copy of quote (need to include quantity needed, breakdown of quantity per copy, shipping location and ship method)2. Deposit via check or credit card (if credit terms are not established).3. Any art files needed for new art or changes

What is the standard lead time?

Generally, labels and flexible packaging orders are completed within 7-10 working days from proof approval for most products. In cases were special order items are required lead times may vary. On label applications, we can often reduce the lead times. Just ask us at the time of your order and we will do our best to meet your request!

Are there any other standards I should be aware of?

Yes. It is customary in packaging to consider orders complete when shipping +/- 10%. So if you order 10,000 labels, please note that you may receive anywhere between 9000 – 11,000 labels with the order being called complete. You will also be charged the unit cost for the quantity that shipped.Labels are typically furnished in rolls on 3” corrugated cores unless specified otherwise. Labels are generally shipped prepaid and billed to you as UPS ground unless specified otherwise.

For Labels:

What information is needed in order for me to get an estimate for my job?

In order for us to estimate your labels, we will need the label dimensions, application details to determine the material, quantity of labels needed and the total number of colors per version.

What type of label material do I need?

Generally, you do not need to know exactly the material required. What is more important is that you are aware of the application conditions. Knowing the answers to these questions can help us make the best recommendation for your application. These questions include:

  • Do I want my label to be clear or white?
  • Will it be exposed to moisture?
  • What shape is your container and is it squeezable?
  • How will the container be labeled? (i.e. Front/back, wraparound, flat, lid label, special taper)
  • Will the label be exposed to UV light or chemicals?

How do I choose an adhesive?

Similarly to choosing a face stock, it is more important to know the answers to questions regarding your application in determining the correct adhesive. These questions include:

  • Do you want the adhesive to perform as a permanent or removable?
  • If removable, how long should the label come off cleanly?
  • What is the substrate of the container the label will adhere to?
  • Is the label to adhere to a flat, curved or tight curved surface?
  • What is the temperature when the label is applied?
  • What is the temperature during the first 24 hours (note any variations of temperature during this time).
  • Are there any special adhesive requirements (i.e. Direct food contact, UL or CSA requirements)?
  • Are there any chemicals which the adhesive will come into contact with?

What are your Minimum Order quantities?

We can provide a few labels for prototypes up to millions of labels for high speed applications.However, we find that short run is often very costly on a custom basis. And because of initial set up costs, we often find that the cost to produce 1000 labels is almost the same as it is to produce 2000 or 3000 labels depending on how complex your production run is.We generally find that jobs of 5M quantity and higher are the most efficient for our clients.

What is copy position (label unwind direction)?

If you are automatically applying your labels, copy position (the unwind direction) of the roll is very important. The attached copy position chart defines the direction in which labels are to be applied to the container. It is critical that the cutting die used dispenses according to the copy position needed by the applicator in order for the job to apply correctly.If your labels are hand applied, the copy position is not necessary for application.

For Flexible Packaging:

What information is needed in order for me to get an estimate for my job?

It is helpful to know the product material needed (if you know that), the cut-off, the contents and the package dimensions and the total number of colors. Also, if you can provide us with the type of filling equipment used, and the method of distribution (i.e. in a magazine, on a mailer or just simply handed out), this is also helpful. So just to summarize, we need:1. Layflat dimensions and folded dimensions & cut-off2. Quantity3. Product contained in the package4. Colors5. We would like a sample of the container if there is one and the filler’s requirements6. Distribution

What type of label material do I need?

Choosing the material depends on the contents that are filled within the package. If you can please provide us with this information including the size of the package and the total weight of the contents, we can suggest a product for testing. In some cases, we may suggest compatibility testing, particularly if this is a product that has not been packaged historically in flexible packaging. We would send to our materials manufacturer, to their state-of-the- art laboratories, to confirm that the product will not degrade the packaging materials or any layers within. For more common applications, this may not be necessary as standard materials may be suitable with minimal tests.

What are your Minimum Order quantities?

Given that the set up is costly, we generally recommend a minimum order amount of $1500.00.

For Label Application & Decoration:

What information is needed in order for me to get an estimate for my job?

We will need to know whether you plan to apply labels or print direct silk screen print. Also, in all cases, we prefer a sample of the container that will be labeled or screen printed. We will need the following information from you:Labels:    ► What kind of container is being labeled (plastic or glass bottle, tubes or jars)    ► Where will the label(s) be applied? (wraparound, lid/bottom, front/back)    ► What label material is used? (clear or white with removable or repositionable adhesive).    ► What is the pack out? (bulk pack, 6/case, 12/case and then master packed)    ► Quantity of containers decorated    ► Versions (label copies)**Please note when labeling containers to ship at least 10% more labels than the quantity needed to complete the order. Please check your estimate for waste factor percentages so you can account accordingly.Silk Screen:    ► What kind of container is being screen printed (plastic bottles or jars, sorry, no glass or tube decorating at this time)    ► How many colors? (Up to 3 colors max)    ► What is the pack out? (bulk pack, 6/case, 12/case and then master packed)    ► Quantity of containers decorated    ► Versions (art product variations)

What are your Minimum Order quantities?

Given that the set up is costly, we generally recommend a minimum order amount of $750.00.

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