Most beverage companies spend years perfecting their products. From research and development to branding and production, there are a lot of steps to getting your drink and sales approach just right.
You wouldn’t skimp on testing flavors, so why would you rush the process of finding a printer to make your custom beverage labels? The importance of an eye-catching, durable label in the highly competitive beverage market can’t be overstated.
81% of consumers said they’ve tried a new product because of packaging, according to a survey by Business Dasher. The right spirit bottle label, custom wine label, soda, or sports drink design could attract new clients and retain current brand loyalists.
Increase business opportunities and save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress by choosing the right custom beverage label printing partner.
Here are 11 questions to ask a potential vendor to ensure it’s a good match..
- DO YOU HELP WITH LABEL DESIGN?
If you’re a new business with a small but mighty team, you might want to choose a label printing partner with an in-house design team who can help you from design concept to print run.
If you’ve already made a custom beverage label design you love, a good printer should still offer guidance on:
- File preparation
- Bleeds & safety zones
- Sizing & shape
- Material & adhesive compatibility
- New technology & trends
This 1:1 support for label design is a benefit of working with an established printer. Many online sites aren’t hands-on this way and may print designs that don’t meet high-quality standards.
- WHAT LABEL MATERIALS DO YOU OFFER?
Not all labels are created equal. There are paper, plastic, polypropylene, metallic, and other specialty substrates. Some are shiny, some are matte. Some stand up to water and heat. Others? Not so much. For custom beverage labels, paper is an easy no.
But there’s more to understand about label materials. Spirit bottle labels have different requirements than a cold-brew coffee can. Custom wine labels must withstand different conditions than beer bottles.
Additionally, many shoppers today want sustainable options. Be sure to ask if the printer offers:
- Recyclable or biodegradable materials
- Water-based inks
- Compostable adhesives
- DO YOU HAVE A PROCESS FOR FDA COMPLIANCE?
Sure, label printers aren’t lawyers. But they should be able to help you understand the latest regulations on custom beverage labels. This expert knowledge on FDA requirements and industry regulations is even more important for:
- Spirit labels
- Custom wine labels
- Beer cans & bottles
- Energy & health drink packaging
Why? These industries are highly regulated. Adhering to the latest guidelines keeps your customers safe, builds consumer trust, and helps you avoid costly fines.
- WHAT LABEL PRINTING TECHNOLOGY DO YOU USE?
Every day, there seems to be a new advance in custom label printing technology. While this is great news for anyone looking for more customization, it can be overwhelming to learn about all of your options. The right partner will make it simple.
Based on the size of your run and budget, the choice between digital and flexographic printing is clear. Digital is great for cost savings on small runs. Flexographic is typically the right option for larger runs on fast timelines. Lithographic printing is typically only used when you want to add premium finishes and have a premium budget.
Bonus question: When discussing custom beverage label printing, be sure to ask about smart label technology. Adding QR codes and Augmented Reality (AR) to your products can create unique experiences, build your brand identity, and even drive sales.
- HOW DO YOU ENSURE COLOR ACCURACY?
After pouring time and energy into custom label design, don’t let dull or inaccurate colors harm your brand identity. What you see on screen isn’t always what comes out of the printer. Color differences can occur because of:
- The choice to use PMS vs. CMYK colors
- The type of substrate used
- Failure to review and color-match proofs
Ask a printer about their color consistency process. They should have clear steps to ensure your final product labels are vibrant and accurate, every time.
- CAN YOU GUARANTEE DURABILITY?
Beverage products face harsh conditions. Wet coolers. Cold fridges. Frequent friction. Direct sunlight. Spirit labels, soda cans, beer bottles, and custom wine labels need to be built to last. Otherwise, you risk a bad customer experience, compliance issues, and damage to your brand reputation.
Find out what options are available for waterproof, oil-resistant, and scratch-proof labels. A thorough partner will recommend the right material, adhesive, coating, or laminate for your custom beverage labels.
- DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL EFFECTS OR FINISHES?
Whether you sell sparkling water, energy drinks, gin, beer, or another type of beverage, this is a highly competitive industry. Special effects and finishes can help you stand out on packed store shelves and communicate a premium value to shoppers.
A high-quality printing partner should understand product trends and have ideas to help you stand out. Some advanced label finishes they could offer are:
- Foil stamping
- Embossing and debossing
- Spot UV and matte finishes
- Textured and specialty coatings
- WHAT ARE YOUR MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITIES?
Not every brand needs 10,000 units. If you’re just starting out or doing a small seasonal run, you might only need 500 or 1,000 labels to test the market. Some printers specialize in small runs. Others don’t.
Make sure your printer’s Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) fit your budget and expectations. The right partner will help you find creative solutions to decrease cost and increase quality.
- WHAT’S YOUR AVERAGE TURNAROUND TIME?
Quick turnaround times are make or break in the beverage industry. You’ve got deadlines. Maybe it’s a trade show. Or your distributor just placed a huge order. Either way, you need a reliable printing partner who can deliver under pressure.
Ask about average delivery times, rush options and fees, and any delays you should plan for. Printers with in-house teams tend to be faster. Printers who outsource might not move as quickly. Ask upfront so you’re not stuck waiting.
- DO YOU PRINT FREE PROOFS?
It’s normal to try something before you buy it. Before you order thousands of labels, ask for a sample print. Most printers will offer one for free or a small fee.
This step helps catch mistakes early and lets you test the look and feel of your custom beverage labels in real life. It also provides a dress rehearsal to see how the printer communicates and if they deliver on time.
- WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE COMPETITION?
After getting answers to these detailed printing questions, ask about what makes a custom label printer special. There are countless printing options available, so you want to be certain that you’re choosing the right partner.
A high-quality, established partner will do more than deliver perfect labels. They’ll help you stand out in the market, test new opportunities, and drive sales — all while providing consistent communication and support.
The Epsen Hillmer Difference
With over a century of experience, we deliver reliable Labels of Distinction every time. Customization and flexibility are two additional reasons customers choose to work with us. We partner 1:1 to find solutions that help our clients build consumer trust and attract new customers. Want to learn more about what sets us apart? Sign up for our newsletter today.
