When it comes to ordering labels for your products, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to buy in bulk or opt for short runs. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on factors like cost, sustainability, storage space, and business flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
What is Bulk Buying?
Bulk buying refers to ordering a large quantity of labels in a single print run.
Many businesses opt for bulk orders to secure better pricing and ensure brand consistency.
✅ Pros of Bulk Buying Labels
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Lower Cost Per Unit – The more labels you order, the lower the cost per unit, leading to better cost-efficiency.
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Consistent Branding – Large orders ensure uniform colours and designs across your product range, improving brand recognition.
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Fewer Repeat Orders – Bulk orders save time by reducing the frequency of reordering and reproofing labels.
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Eco-Friendly for Stable Products – If your branding and product details remain consistent, bulk buying can minimise waste and reduce the carbon footprint from frequent deliveries.
Challenges of Bulk Buying:
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Higher Upfront Cost – Bulk orders require significant capital, which might be challenging for startups and small businesses.
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Storage Requirements – You need adequate space to store large volumes of labels.
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Risk of Waste – If you update your branding, product formulation, or regulations change, unused labels may become obsolete.
What are Short Runs?
Short runs refer to ordering labels in smaller quantities, often suited for businesses that require flexibility in branding and product variations.
✅ Benefits of Short Runs:
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Lower Initial Costs – Shorter runs reduce upfront expenses, making them more accessible for small and growing businesses.
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Greater Flexibility – Short runs are ideal for seasonal products, promotional labels, or product variations.
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Reduces Waste – With smaller batches, you avoid the risk of excess stock becoming obsolete due to branding updates or regulation changes.
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Quick Turnaround – Digital printing allows for faster production, ensuring you can quickly respond to market trends or rebrand when necessary.
🚨 Challenges of Short Runs:
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Higher Cost Per Label – While the initial outlay is lower, the price per label is higher than bulk orders.
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More Frequent Reordering – Short runs require more frequent orders, meaning more time spent managing inventory and reordering labels.
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Potential Colour Variations – If you reorder short runs over time, slight variations in colour can occur between batches.
Sustainability Considerations: Which Option is Greener?
Sustainability is a top priority for many businesses, and your choice of label ordering can impact your environmental footprint. Here’s how to decide:
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Bulk Buying is more sustainable if your branding and product details remain unchanged for long periods, as fewer print runs mean lower emissions from transport and production.
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Short Runs Reduce Waste if you frequently update product details, packaging laws change, or you offer seasonal/limited-edition products.
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Digital Printing for Short Runs reduces ink and material waste, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional printing methods.
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Choosing Sustainable Materials for labels (such as compostable or recyclable options) can help offset the environmental impact of either approach.
Final Verdict: Which Option is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between bulk buying and short runs depends on your business priorities:
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Bulk buying is ideal for brands with high-volume sales, stable branding, and the storage capacity to handle large label orders.
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Short runs work best for businesses with frequently changing designs, seasonal products, or limited storage space.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, Labels.eco can help!
We offer both bulk and short-run sustainable labelling solutions tailored to your business needs.
Get in touch with us today to discuss the best approach for your brand.
