Colonial Printing

Archive for November, 2009

If you want excellent quality printed barcodes it is necessary to have a dedicated Zebra barcode label printer. Any printer that can print labels will print barcode labels with the right software, but the quality will vary from Dot Matrix to Ink Jet and from Laser to Zebra thermal transfer label printers. But, in almost every serious business situation having a dedicated Zebra barcode label printer makes sense.

Dedicated Zebra barcode label printers are designed to work with barcode software applications and with many types of barcode symbologies. They do an excellent job of printing accurate labels which at first glance may not seem like much. But, consider that the barcode is an intricate pattern that must meet exacting specifications in order for barcode readers to understand the code. Most shared document printers are not designed to meet these specifications. Yes, you can make a document printer work, but the time and cost in all but the simplest business situations is prohibitive.

Scotland in particular has been using Zebra barcode label printers for some time; this has been mainly due to the large number of electronics companies that have settles in Scotland. The most advanced barcode label printer at from a company called Zebra technologies. Zebra barcode printers have been installed in various Scottish companies from over 15 years. Zebra has pioneered the barcode printer and has made many advances over the years from the early Zebra barcode printers.

Zebra Barcode label printers can be segmented into three main categories based on their intended environment. They include:

1. Small offices where cost effectiveness is important and speed is not an essential requirement. These are the least costly if you are not printing labels often. Zebra have a desktop label printing solution for this sector.

2. Industrial applications such as hospitals and industry where reliability and durability are critical. These printers have the most flexibility when it comes to speed, label quantity, and type of media. They are constructed to work in harsher environments than the average office. Zebra have a industrial printing solutions for this sector.

3. Portable barcode printers where your needs are to print receipts at a customer site, prescriptions, or other types of forms. These portable printers sometimes use wireless connectivity, especially when used for credit card processing applications. A few of the more popular models work with portable Palm devices. Zebra have a portable printing solution for this sector.

Most Zebra barcode label printers use thermal direct or thermal transfer. In most cases, you want to use thermal transfer because direct thermal paper is sensitive to light and heat and will deteriorate over time. It is used mainly for mail labels. The thermal transfer process uses a ribbon that is run over a printhead to transfer the ink to the label, making a very reliable label.

Many dedicated Zebra barcode label printers come with WYSIWYG label design and printing software. For some, this is the best way to start. But you need to do a full evaluation of your needs to make sure you are getting what you need.

If you have a bigger organization you will probably need a professional label design software solution that works with many types of zebra barcode label printers and computers, and integrates well with your other applications.

You also need to consider if you want to print barcode fonts, or bitmaps. Which you decide upon will determine what kind of software you buy; the interfacing requirements would follow. The decision as to font or graphic is based on quality and flexibility. Good quality barcode fonts give you the best print quality, flexibility and control. They are easy to use, faster to print, and produce higher quality printed images. They also give you flexibility in heterogeneous computing environments. But, they may not be suitable for your situation if you are designing or printing barcode labels using a web application or browser. This is because the fonts have to be located on the local computer. However, solutions to this problem do exist.

In the end, putting together a bar coding system is relatively easy, but it does require careful planning. We recommend having a barcode coordinator and process in place to document all your barcode processes so others can step in. The coordinator will determine the requirements, analyze, design, and implement the barcode system. This is a fulltime effort that obviously requires a dedicated person or small team, depending on the complexity of the transition.

For up to the minute information on Barcoding, labeling and Zebra printers visit our website.

Alan Sykes
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/barcode-label-printing-today-88734.html

A circular label is a round tag on a product package that not only identifies the contents of the package but also serves as an advertising medium. For example, the label on a food package usually has an appetizing photograph of the product, shows the brand name and/or logo, and has various flags, bursts, or other graphic designs highlighting its benefits-for example, “new great taste,” “low in calories,” “microwave to table,” and so forth.

A cent of coupon is sometimes included on labels as are recipes and other suggestions that encourage greater consumption. Circular labels have many uses such as product identification, name tags, advertising, warnings, and other communication. Special types of circular labels called digital labels can also have special applications such as RFID tags, security printing, and sandwich process labels.

Adhesive types of circular labels:

The adhesive circular labels can also be varied. For example, full adhesion can be

Permanent – Typically not designed to be removed without tearing the stock, damaging the surface, or nearly instant, or the circular label can be almost removable for a short period with full adhesion developing in minutes or hours.

Peel able – It is fairly strong and will not fall off in normal circumstances, but the label can be removed relatively easily without tearing the base stock or leaving adhesive behind on the old surface. The adhesive is usually strong enough to be applied again elsewhere. This type is frequently known as ‘removable’.

Ultra-peel able – It is designed principally for use on book covers and glass, when removed these circular labels do not leave any residue whatsoever. It is weak and only suitable for light duty applications. Normally these labels have very little adhesion to anything once they’ve been removed.

Freezer or Frost fix – Most permanent and peel-able circular labels have a service temperature limit and are suitable for deep freeze use.

High Tack – A type of permanent label that exhibits a high initial grab to the application surfaces, and is commonly used at higher coat weights to enable labels to adhere strongly to difficult, rough or dirty surfaces

Static Cling – This is not actually an adhesive at all. The material has a static charge to enable its adhesion to flat, smooth surfaces such as glass. It is not sticky as such and is commonly used for window advertising, window decorations, oil change labels, etc.

Stock types of circular labels:

Label stocks can be a wide variety of papers, films, fabric, foils, etc.

Puffy – This is water, gel, foam, or air-filled create a soft, raised sticker.

Litho – It is one of the most common base stocks

Latex – A litho stock with some added latex allows the label to be much more flexible and form around certain curved objects more easily than standard litho.

Foil – It has the shiny properties of a metal foil.

Thermal – The direct thermal label stock will change color when heated. A heating element in the shape of letters or images can be used to create an image on the label. custom labels can be easily be made on location in this way. A disadvantage is durability, because another heat source can ruin or obscure the image, or it may fade completely over time.

Thermal Transfer for applications that cannot use Thermal label material because of heat source proximity or short label life, a more widely used material is Thermal Transfer label printer. This material has the advantage of a much longer readable life and does not fade with time or heat. Most major manufacturers of Thermal Printers can be used for either Thermal Transfer (TT) or Thermal (DT) labels

The stock type circular labels will affect the types of ink that will print well on them.

David Worgan
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/different-types-circular-labels-and-their-usages-714650.html

All firms need to establish a strong brand in order to effectively compete with and be distinguished from other companies similar to theirs. A strong brand allows individual ideals that convey the durability and power of the company, its products and service offerings, in addition to showing how its offering is distinctive from other products; it clearly expresses features and benefits that appeal to the marketplace and individual customers.

The companies that produce a clear statement about the strengths of their respective brands generally enjoy greater overall success in business.

A strong brand will achieve a number of results. The brand name will identify the products or services offered and will classify the quality of these offerings in the marketplace. Additionally, the core values of the product and firm should be evident and the mission and specialty of the company should be clearly defined. The net result of brand creation should be an expression of the personality and character of the firm and a representation of the quality of the product offering.

Product and Service Branding:

Branding, which is not only limited to products, allows for individual service firms to often act as aggressive branders. Successful service providers are those that identify a need in the marketplace and develop a message that appeals to the market; this message identifies how the firm is best able to add value to the marketplace.

Objectives of a product are exceedingly important in that the objective of the message is to target prospective customers on an emotional level and provide reassurance that the brand will be strong and credible and will deliver with success. After the message is successfully transmitted, the potential customer should be motivated to buy and, if the message is powerful enough, brand loyalty should be established.

Sell on Quality Not on Price:

Studies have shown that companies that compete solely on price are almost guaranteed to fail. No matter how much firms discount their prices in order to capture the sale, in a price cutting environment there will always be another player willing to reduce prices even lower to maintain the level of competition. The result of price cutting is that all firms in the market run the risk of selling below cost and, if cut rate continues, bankruptcy is a high possibility.

Companies that prosper in a market are those that can clearly distinguish their offering from those of the competition. Most effective are those that develop a clear message of the benefits of their product/service offering. Development of a clear message requires an analysis of the strengths of the firm and strategic thinking as to the portion of a market that the firm wants to capture. Following the creation of the branding message, decisions are required to promote the brand most effectively in the marketplace.

Broadcast the Message:

A brand message that is not properly delivered is a misuse of time and resources. Even the best and most efficient brand message fails if it is not marketed correctly to potential customers and businesses. Nevertheless, care must be exercised when promoting a brand because promotion is expensive and extremely unpredictable.

There are many avenues to properly promote a brand, some being more effective than others.

The options for promotion range from print, radio and television advertising to private mailers and public relations. Each of these techniques varies in price and effectiveness and generally requires multiple exposures to be successful. Many companies dedicate substantial resources to brand promotion using traditional techniques and advertising.

Public promotion budgets often represent a substantial portion of a company’s operating budget. For smaller firms traditional promotion can be a tremendous burden often producing either limited or long term results.

Private Label Drinking Water as a Powerful Brand Builder:

A new and effective method of brand promotion is becoming very popular, particularly for small to medium sized companies with limited advertising and public relations budgets. Private label drinking water has captured the imagination of those companies wishing to convey their message in clear and lasting terms. It is bottled water that includes a custom label designed to customer specifications that convey a clear message. Private label drinking water has many uses and applications, which are as follows:

• High quality drinking water with custom designed labels suggests a long lasting message without the need for various costly exposures. Prospective customers and clients often keep individual bottles for future use where the image can be viewed repeatedly.

• Private label drinking water can be best described as portable advertising that is cost effective and conveys a sustainable message.

• custom labels can be easily modified for specific occasions.

• Additional supplies of water can be ordered for meetings, events and public displays.

• Cost is low and water offerings can be coupled with sales opportunities at sporting and other public events.

Quality is Critical:

Any type of brand message requires a concerted effort. A low quality, substandard presentation coupled with a powerful message will fail if it is perceived to be a poor quality product. This is particularly true with private label water.

The first level of quality involves the water in the bottle. Low quality, impure water will often result in dissatisfaction and impairment of the message, therefore, the best way to ensure high quality water is to use ultra pure water that is distilled and oxygenated for highest quality and the best taste.

Next, it is imperative that the label design look professional, address all aspects of the desired message and be configured in an attractive, noticeable design. Lastly the label must be printed using a high quality, high resolution printer on laminated water proof label stock. During the creation and printing process, quality control checks are required in order to ensure the presentation of the most effective branding message.

Creating a powerful brand is critical to the success of any firm in the marketplace. The creation process is only as effective as the expression of the brand message. Many firms can either succeed or fail as a result of the perception of their brand in the marketplace; therefore, the use of private label water is a desirable tool for brand success.

Marcus Stout
http://www.articlesbase.com/marketing-articles/private-label-drinking-water-126142.html

I’m thinking about starting a business and I would like to have woven labels with my business name on them if I do. I’ve seen in the past that a lot of private sellers or small business owners have really cool designs on woven labels – not the stuff you can buy at Walmart etc.

Does anyone know a good website that offers a variety of label designs?

Thanks!

If you want great quality custom woven labels, you can go to http://www.siennapacific.com
They design your woven label for free and you can have them made in any size and color combination (more than 144 colors to choose from).
Let’s say you need a small label: 0.6" x 2.00". If you get 100 labels, it will be $125.00 + shipping.
But you could get 350 labels, for $171.50 + shipping.
They will send you a sample, so you will know what you will get for your money.

Lots of luck in your new business adventure.

I need a 2 colour logo printed on a label that is no higher than 15mm and no smaller than 50mm wide?
Can anyone recommend someone?

Any local printers will be able to do your labels and print the logos for you. The labels you want are not a standard size, so it could be expensive. Here’s a link that will supply a quotation and give you an idea of cost and quantity

I just downloaded a program for USPS on my comp and I printed out a shipping label. I did not pay yet, so they must charge me when I bring it to the post office. I did not know the exact weight and the label I printed out says the weight I guessed. Will they still ship it if the weight on the label is wrong and just charge me extra if I didn’t put the right weight?

Yes, the post office will charge you more if you didn’t put enough postage on your package. They won’t give you a refund if you put in extra so I suggest you buy your own scale. You can also use the flat rate boxes which has a maximum weight of 70 lbs if you’re shipping heavy items so you don’t have to worry about paying extra.

I’ve been using Shutterfly. They are good and fast. I’m just wondering if there’s a better, more accurate photo printing service for the same price range.

I saw some good testimonials for Mpix. I see very mixed reviews for York Photo. They either rock or suck, with no middle ground.

If you purchased any HP equipment lately, most likely you should have gotten something in there that gives you roughly 25 free prints from snap fish. You can give them a try and find out if you like snap fish.

I’m thinking something like winemaker’s glue, which used to be flour based. The web’s no good because it’s too stuffed full of people trying to sell me labels.

So just mix up some flour paste. That’s how you make papier mache’–haven’t you made pinatas? Make a slightly thick liquid (like, a light sauce consistency but not quite gravy-thick) from plain (not self-rising) flour and don’t smear it on too thick–it takes too long to dry. Millions of Spanish class projects can’t be wrong!

If you want this for something you made then a print shop or a graphic designer is your best choice.

Someone paid us some extra money for something but added it to the shipping. Im afraid to click continue when printing the label for the fact that pay pal will apply all of it to shipping. After I click continue, will I have the option to change the postage amount? Or, is there another way to adjust the shipping before I even try to print the label? Thanks!

http://tiny.cc/Paypalprinters

what thats not difficult at all? You have full control of the postage printing -the amount the buyer sent is irrelevant. most of us add a handling charge that has nothing to do with postage costs (covers supplies, time and postal trips)

Just fill out the weight to the correct weight, whatever the posatge price is what it charges!

Keep teh difference for the time it took you to post this message.

if you wanted to send some back you can do apartial refund through paypal

the first answer about hand writing is absolute nonsense