Label Printers
If you are a business that sells products, then you may need a label printer. You might need one if you plan on using it for similar purposes. This is a basic buyer’s guide that will help you decide on finding one that will fit your true needs and preferences.
While we won’t list specific products, we will mention what key features are common among printers. We’ll also help you out with what you need to consider in a label printer. No matter your budget, there’s always a label printer that will satisfy your critical needs.
With that said, let’s begin with a list of common features to look for.
Common features of label printers
Connectivity
Wired connectivity still exists in printers. However, the latest technology includes wireless capabilities. This means you’ll be able to print labels while using wireless devices like your smartphone and tablet.
This will be a handy feature to use if you’re on the go. It may also work to your advantage if you are unable to get to a desktop computer. Either way, connectivity (wired or wireless) will be one of the key factors in your decision making process.
Portability
Some label printers will have portability and others may not. However, it’s a great feature to have whenever you’re on the go. You may be delivering certain items to customers or clients.
You can print a label on demand if you need to. With a portable printer and a wireless device, it’s also one more good reason why a wireless label printer might work. Otherwise, you might not care about portability at all.
You may be more apt to keep a label printer in the office. But nevertheless, this feature exists for those who need it.
Material compatibility
Label printers can use regular paper. Or it can use a different type of material that you use for them. For example, you can use semi-gloss or high gloss paper.
Either way, there are printers out there that can handle the materials you normally use for your own labels. You should also take into account the kind of products you’re labeling. Some products will need a specific material paper for it’s labels.
The reason for this is that it can be stored in a specific environment. Can the labeling material withstand the elements like the storage temperature? Who knows for sure?
Additional features
Some of the additional features that may be included could be what else it can print. Aside from words, it might print QR codes or bar codes. Or, it can also have the ability to connect with external programs and sources so it can populate the labels you want to print.
Check to see whether these additional features are fitting for your own needs. If they do, choose that printer and we’ll know that you’ll be happy.
What to consider in a label printer?
With the list of common features put together, it’s time to consider the following factors in purchasing a label printer. These considerations will help you eliminate the many options and whittle it all down to what could fit your critical needs and preferences.
With that said, let’s take a look at the list below:
Size and portability
Label printers come in different sizes. The smaller the printer, the more capable it is to be portable. Of course, it won’t be as portable if it’s too large and heavy.
Consider your daily tasks at the office. Are you mostly at the office or out and about when you need printers? The answer to this question will help you decide if a more portable option will benefit you or not.
Printing technology
Label printers will have thermal transfer or direct thermal technology. What are their purposes? Printers that use direct thermal will utilize heat in order to activate the label’s chemical coding.
Once this happens, a printed image will be created. Meanwhile, thermal transfer will use ribbons to transfer ink onto the label you’re printing out. The printing technology you choose will be based on your needs for quality.
Thermal transfer label printers will produce more high quality labels. Because of this, they will be more expensive compared to its direct thermal counterparts.
Wired or wireless
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t include this consideration. Wired connections can be connected to a computer using a standard USB cable. Otherwise, you may consider wireless options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
If you plan on using wireless devices to produce and create labels, the option is a no brainer. If you’re using a computer, you can still use a wireless printer if you so choose. But if you prefer a wired connection, that’s entirely up to you.
With that said, some of these factors will be major ones in your decision process. If you’re on a budget, let’s keep reading.
How much are you willing to spend?
In many of our buyer’s guides, we stress that the cheapest option is never the best one. The reason for this is due to overall quality and performance. You want to consider what your most pressing needs are that a label printer can fulfill.
Then, you can find a printer that can take care of that at a price that fits your budget. There are plenty out there that could be affordable for you. You may also need to consider additional features that may play a role in your decision.
Yes, it can print labels. But would you be fine if it had wireless connectivity? Does this kind of printing technology satisfy your printing needs?
These are the questions that you want to ask yourself when purchasing a printer on a budget.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering a label printer, this buyer’s guide might be the only one you can use. Again, we don’t recommend specific products or brands like other buyer’s guides. We can only help you take care of what you need to know about these printers in general.
At the end of the day, you decide based on the considering factors we provide along with your understanding of what a label printer does.
