Most Common Label Printing Errors to Avoid

Label printing errors can be costly from both a monetary perspective and an operative point too. High quality and accurate labels don’t just stick to your products - they also stick to your customer’s memory, solidifying strong branding and an impressive reputation.

Ensuring consistently professional label printing is a critical investment that requires both reliable equipment and a sharp eye for detail. These two factors will empower your workforce to notice and resolve any emerging problems before they snowball into a pervasive, complex issue.

To help you make the most out of the numerous benefits of high quality label printing, here are our best tips for avoiding the most common errors in printing.

Why is it important to avoid label printing errors?

It is important to avoid printing label errors for a variety of reasons:

1. Accuracy: Printing errors can result in incorrect or misleading information being printed on the label. This can be confusing or misleading for users, and may cause problems if the product is used incorrectly as a result.
2. Safety: In some cases, printing errors may cause safety issues. For example, if a label for a chemical product is printed incorrectly, it may provide incorrect information about the hazards or proper use of the product, which could lead to accidents or injuries.
3. Brand reputation: Printing errors can also damage a company's reputation if customers receive products with incorrect or misleading labels. This can lead to customer complaints, lost sales, and contribute to a negative image for the company.
4. Legal liability: In some cases, printing errors may even result in legal liability for a company. For example, if a label for a consumer product is printed incorrectly and causes injury or damage to a consumer, the company may be held liable for the mistake.

Most Common Label Printing Errors

The label printing errors your workplace experiences may differ depending on a variety of factors, including the environment that your printing equipment is stored in, the frequency of usage and the training of those using the equipment.

Some of the most common label printing errors organisations may encounter include:

Spelling mistakes

Spelling mistakes are an extremely common (and easily avoidable) type of error that can occur when printing labels. These mistakes may be due to typos, incorrect spelling in the label design software, or simply just careless oversights.

Design and layout errors

Incorrect layout of a label can make it difficult to read or understand. This can be caused by formatting errors, incorrect positioning of elements on the label or unsuitable label designer software.

Incorrect barcodes

Incorrect barcodes on a label can cause problems with automated systems, such as scanners or inventory systems. This can be a result of data entry errors, incorrect barcode formats, or other issues.

Poor print quality

Poor print quality can make a label difficult to read or understand. This can be caused by issues with the printer, low-quality printing materials, or other factors with label design.

5 tips for avoiding common printing problems

Now that we’ve covered the most common label printing problems, it’s time to address how to minimise their impact or eliminate them entirely.

To avoid common label printing problems, you can follow these 5 simple tips:

1. Proofread and test labels before printing

Carefully proofread and test labels before printing to ensure that they are accurate and error-free. This can help to avoid spelling mistakes, incorrect information, and other common label printing errors.

2. Use high quality printing materials

Ultimately, a label is a fusion of all of the materials that went into making it. This means that high quality materials will inevitably produce a better product than low quality materials.

To reduce the chance of encountering common printing problems, it’s extremely important to invest in high quality printing materials, such as label stock and ink. 

3. Invest in a high quality printer

Never underestimate the power of a printer in producing great labels. By employing a reliable label printer, you are making a concerted effort to produce consistently excellent labels that are accurate and visually appealing.

4. Calibrate the printer

Calibrate your label printer regularly to ensure that it is printing accurately and consistently.

5. Utilise label design software

Use design and labelling software to create and print your labels. Design software is a valuable tool that helps to ensure that the labels are formatted correctly and have the best layout.

Have any other questions about label printing? Get in touch with our team of experts who will gladly help you find the label printing solution you’re looking for.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in upgrading your label printing equipment to reduce the likelihood of errors, explore our wide range of high-quality label printers that are ideal for organisations of all sizes.