Many startups initially treat labels as just simple stickers, but when they receive their first quotation, they’re often shocked by the extra fees. From our experience, some even saw their profit margins drop significantly because of underestimated hidden costs.

The cost of custom print labels ¹ depends on material, printing method, quantity, adhesives, finishes, and logistics. Average prices range between $0.05–$0.30 per piece.

Labels look small, but their cost is complex. Keep reading below for a clear breakdown.

What role does material play in label cost?

Many people assume paper labels are always the cheapest. In fact, different label materials ² have very different effects. For example, a drink bottle with paper labels will wrinkle and peel after a few hours in the fridge. In such cases, PP or PET film performs better, though slightly more expensive—it prevents double losses.

Material determines durability, look, and price. Paper labels are affordable, film labels resist water, and eco-friendly labels cost more but attract conscious buyers.

Label Material Types

Paper labels work well for short-term or indoor use. Synthetic film labels such as PP and PET resist water and last longer, making them popular in skincare and beverages.

Eco-friendly labels from recycled paper or biodegradable film add 10–30% more cost, but they strengthen branding for organic food and sustainable products.
A direct comparison:

Material Type	Avg. Cost Range	Benefits	Limitations	Best Applications
Paper	$0.05–$0.15	Low cost, easy printing	Not waterproof	Food jars, shipping, retail
Film (PP, PET)	$0.10–$0.25	Durable, waterproof	More expensive	Skincare, beverages
Eco-materials	$0.15–$0.30	Sustainable, brand value	Higher sourcing costs	Organic food, eco cosmetics

Brands should match material to product needs. For example, cosmetic labels printed on paper smear when wet, while film labels ensure durability.

If you don't know how to choose a material, you can tell the supplier what the labels are using, and I'm sure you'll get a recommendation for the right material.

How do printing methods and finishes affect the price?

Some buyers believe CMYK printing and spot UV finishing ³ cover all. But method and finishing can double costs. Misunderstanding this often leads to surprise invoices.

Digital printing suits small-batch labels, while offset printing works better for bulk. Finishes like foil stamping, spot UV, and embossing increase cost but elevate packaging.

Label Printing with Foil Finish

Digital printing is flexible for orders under 1000. If you have enough budget, i suggest to use OFFSET PRITNING OR UV PRINTING，the common size it only cost about $190 in total, and packing in roll.

Offset adds setup fees but lowers cost per unit for 5000+. Finishing choices like lamination, semi-glossy, UV coating or hot foil stamping raise cost by 20–40%, but they help luxury skincare labels or premium food packaging stand out.

Printing Method	Ideal Quantity	Cost Effect	Notes
Digital	100–1000	Higher per unit	Fast, flexible, good for startups
Offset	2000+	Lower per unit	Requires setup, best for large runs
Finishes	Any	+10–40% per unit	Adds luxury, better shelf presence

For small cosmetic brands, digital printing with matte coating is practical. For established food or beverage brands, offset with foil or embossing creates strong impact.

Does order quantity really change everything?

Some buyers expect a fixed unit price. But order volume is the single biggest driver of label cost.

Small batches do have higher unit prices. For instance, whether you order 100 or 5000 labels, the setup cost is almost the same. In one case, a client paid around $0.40 per piece for just 100 labels, but when printing 5000 with the same design, the price dropped to just a few cents each.

Label Cost by Order Quantity

Quantity scales pricing. A skincare startup may pay $0.5 per label for 100 units for the brand name only, while a national food brand may pay $0.05 per label for 5000. Suppliers with flexible low MOQ help smaller brands avoid overstock.

Quantity	Avg. Unit Price	Notes
100	$0.30–$0.50	Best for testing or sampling
1000	$0.08–$0.15	Balanced cost and flexibility
5000	$0.05–$0.08	Best for scaling brands

For startups, paying slightly more per unit but ordering small batches reduces risk and allows faster design updates.

If you have few SKUS, it can help to reduct the cost about 20%-40%.

How much do shape and die-cutting add to the cost?

Shape is often ignored. But custom die-cut labels bring extra fees that surprise many first-time buyers.

Round and square labels are cheapest. Custom shapes require die setup or digital cutting, which raises cost.

Custom Die-cut Labels

Standard round and square labels are the cheapest because the dies are commonly shared. But once a client chooses special shapes—like butterfly designs or brand logos—it requires a custom die, usually costing $40–$80. We often advise clients: if you just want more shelf appeal, better to use special finishes instead of costly custom dies.

Shape Type	Cost Impact	Applications
Round/Square	Lowest	Standard bottles, jars
Oval	Slightly higher	Cosmetics, personal care
Custom Die-cut	$40–$80 setup fee	Luxury goods, special events
Digital Cutting	Higher per unit	Small batches, prototypes

Unique shapes make labels more memorable but should align with marketing goals and budget.

What about coatings and protective layers?

Some brands skip coatings to save money. But this decision risks fading, smearing, or poor shelf appeal.

Gloss, matte, scratch-resistant, and UV coatings improve look and durability but raise cost by 5–20%.

Product Label Applications

Gloss lamination makes colors vivid and attractive. Matte lamination creates a premium soft-touch feel for skincare packaging labels. Scratch-resistant and UV coatings are essential for outdoor or high-use products.

Coating Type	Added Cost	Benefit
Gloss Lamination	+5–10%	Bright, colorful finish
Matte Lamination	+5–10%	Premium, elegant surface
Scratch-resistant	+10–15%	Withstands handling, protects ink
UV Coating	+10–20%	Sun protection, outdoor products

Coating choice should fit product use. A beverage label without lamination will bleed with moisture. Skincare labels with matte plus foil show luxury and brand value.

Why do adhesives matter for total pricing?

Adhesive type is often overlooked, but it decides if labels stay on. Wrong glue leads to peeling, complaints, and replacements.

Standard adhesive is cheapest, but freezer-grade, removable, or ultra-strong adhesives ⁴ increase cost by 10–30%.

Removable label

Standard adhesives suit most paper labels. Removable labels work for reusable jars. Freezer adhesives resist cold and moisture in frozen food packaging. Ultra-strong adhesives grip curved or rough surfaces like plastic containers.

Adhesive Type	Added Cost	Best Use Case
Standard	None	Everyday packaging
Removable	+10–20%	Reusable jars, trial packs
Freezer-grade	+15–30%	Frozen food, cold storage
Ultra-strong	+20–30%	Curved glass, plastic, rough

Label adhesives impact brand trust. Skincare brands risk damage if bathroom humidity causes peeling. Investing in the right adhesive saves money long term.

What hidden costs should buyers prepare for?

The quoted unit price is rarely the full story. Many buyers face extra charges later, damaging trust and budgets.

Hidden costs include proofing, die fees, international logistics, customs clearance ⁵ and seasonal delays.

Emma Lin

Proofing may cost $30–$50. Die plates can be $100 or more. International freight adds 15–20%. Delays in peak seasons may cause lost sales. These costs matter more for small-batch custom label printing where margins are thin.

Questions buyers must ask:

1. Are die and setup fees included?
2. What is the cost of sample proofing?
3. Does shipping include customs clearance?
4. What happens if delivery is late?

Suppliers that clearly show all costs help brands plan better and avoid disputes.

How to avoid common cost traps when ordering labels?

Many buyers chase the lowest unit price. But ignoring total terms leads to bigger losses.

Confirm MOQ, lead time, materials, finishes, and shipping terms before ordering.

Emma Lin

Small businesses often miss sales peaks due to unclear timelines. Others pay hidden fees for urgent freight. The smartest buyers see packaging as brand investment. By clarifying five points upfront, they avoid pitfalls.

Packzino supports startups with No MOQ, free design, 3-day samples, and 12-day production. These solutions let small brands test designs and grow without risk.

FAQs

• How much does 100 custom print labels cost for small batches? Typically, 100 labels cost around $20–$30. For example, one skincare brand we worked with ordered 200 matte paper labels, costing about $45 in total. Later, when they upgraded to include foil stamping, the price increased to around $60—but the brand impact improved significantly..
• What is the best printing method for low MOQ label orders? Digital printing is best for low MOQ label printing， like 100pcs. While offset is cheaper per unit for bulk runs above 2000 pieces.
• Are eco-friendly labels more expensive than standard ones? Yes. Eco-friendly labels cost 10–30% more due to certified paper and sustainable sourcing.
• What is the cheapest way to order custom labels in small quantities? The cheapest option for small quantities is digital printing on standard paper, ideal for startups testing packaging.

I've been in the printing industry for 15 years, and from personal experience, with 1000 lables, or many sku's, it's better to choose offset pritning, or uv printing. If you don't know how to choose, you can contact me, and I'll give you the most suitable advice.

Conclusion

Custom print label costs vary, but knowing materials, printing, and logistics helps brands budget smartly and avoid hidden surprises.