Investing in a vinyl printer is a great choice when creating product packaging labels for your business. But before you make a purchase, you must consider several key factors. In this article, you’ll explore six essential things to consider when buying a vinyl printer to print product packaging labels for your business.
From print resolution and size to connectivity options and cost, you will get the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect vinyl printer for your needs.
1. What Type of Printer Do You Currently Have or Plan to Use?
Customers who purchase print labels are increasingly requesting more enticing brands. According to Mordor Intelligence, over the forecast period of 2023 to 2028, the print label market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2%. Additionally, a rise in consumer disposable income and demand for produced products are anticipated to propel the print label market.
If you already own a printer, you’ll want to ensure that the vinyl printer you choose is compatible. If you have an inkjet printer, you’ll want to choose a vinyl printer that can accommodate the type of ink and size of cartridges used by your current printer.
If you don’t have a printer yet, you’ll want to consider what type of printer you plan to use. Inkjet printers are great for small businesses and home offices, as they offer excellent print quality and are relatively inexpensive.
However, if you plan to print large volumes of product packaging labels, you may want to consider a laser printer. Laser printers are faster and more efficient than inkjet printers and can handle high-volume printing without compromising quality.
According to projections by Tech Navio, between 2022 and 2027, the market for laser printers will expand at a CAGR of 5.67%. As a result, a rise of $4,016.55 million in market size is anticipated. It is because the rising demand for laser printers in emerging nations primarily drives the expansion of the laser printer market. It, therefore, makes it easy to get the best laser printers without any issues in the market.
2. Do You Need a Vinyl Cutter That Can Cut a Variety of Media Types?
If you plan to print on various media types, such as paper, cardstock, or even fabric, you’ll want to choose a vinyl printer with a built-in cutter that can handle a wide range of materials.
A built-in cutter is a feature that allows the vinyl printer to cut the printed material into a specific shape or size. This vinyl cutter is especially useful if you’re planning to print on different media types, as it eliminates the need to manually cut the labels after printing. Some vinyl printers can even cut multiple layers of material at once, saving time and increasing efficiency.
A vinyl cutter isn’t a characteristic of the tool. Rather, it is a feature of the retailer from whom you buy it. Nevertheless, it might be essential to the effective functioning of your budding sign and graphics firm, much like accurate tracking and clean cutting. Therefore, select a provider who can offer you the technical assistance you’ll require as you navigate the learning curve.
3. The Material Type You Will Consider for Printing
Vinyl printers can print on various materials, including paper, cardstock, and fabric. However, not all printers are created equal. Some may be better suited for certain types of materials than others. For example, some printers may have a higher print resolution or special inks better suited for printing on glossy materials.
Knowing what type of material you’ll be printing on before making a purchase will help you select a printer that is best suited for your specific needs. It will also prevent you from investing in a printer incompatible with the type of material you’ll be using. It could lead to wasted time, money, and materials.
The most common materials when printing on product packaging labels are vinyl and paper. However, it’s always good to know that some printers can handle multiple types of materials, and some may have more features that suit certain materials. Understanding what type of material you’ll be using is vital before making a purchase.
4. How Much Will You Be Printing?
The volume of printing you will be doing can assist you in choosing the printer that best meets your requirements.
If you plan on printing a high volume of product packaging labels, choosing a printer with a high print speed and large ink or toner cartridges is important. With a projected CAGR of 4.0%, the worldwide ink and toner market is expected to reach $31.620 billion in 2028, according to Business Research Insights. It saves you time and money in the long run, which is one of the reasons for its market growth and popularity.
On the other hand, if you plan on printing only a small number of labels, a printer with a lower print speed and smaller ink or toner cartridges may be more suitable. Remember that a high-volume printer will be more expensive than a low-volume printer, but the cost may be justified by the time and money saved on frequent cartridge replacements.
5. How Often Will You Be Printing?
If you plan on printing product packaging labels frequently, you’ll want to choose a reliable and easy-to-use printer. Look for features such as a user-friendly interface, easy set-up and maintenance, and a printer that can handle a high volume of prints per day.
On the other hand, if you plan on printing only occasionally, a printer with a lower print speed and less frequent maintenance may be more suitable. It’s also essential to consider the cost of the printer and the cost of running it, as a printer used infrequently may not justify a high purchase or maintenance cost.
6. Do You Need a Vinyl Printer That Comes with Software?
Some vinyl printers come with built-in software that allows you to design, edit and print your product packaging labels directly from the printer. On the other hand, some require the use of third-party software.
A printer with built-in software may be more suitable if you plan on using your vinyl printer to create custom designs or logos. It can save you time and money as you will not need to purchase separate software. However, if you already have design software that you prefer to use, a printer that does not come with built-in software may be a better option.
A Vinyl Printer Purchase is a Significant Choice That Has to Be Well Thought Out
Buying a vinyl printer for your business is an important decision that requires careful consideration. However, taking all the above points into account, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect vinyl printer for your needs.
Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality vinyl printer will save you time and money in the long run and ensure that your product packaging labels are of the highest quality. With these six crucial factors in mind, you’ll be well to finding the perfect vinyl printer for your business.
