Frequently Asked Questions

Max OD or Max Outer Diameter is the maximum size you request your label rolls to be when you receive them. This is the total inches of your roll including the 3” core in the middle.  You can also tell us the preferred number of labels per roll, IE 1,000 labels per roll or 2,000 labels per roll.

Labels often come in 4 sizes or a custom shape.

The 4 sizes are below:

Rectangle 

Square 

Circle 

Oval

Custom/Special Shape

Simply request a free sample folder on our contact us form with your name, phone number, and mailing address, or give us a call. A sample folder will be mailed to you the same day. Samples are free and we do not charge shipping for them. One of our account managers will be in touch the day after you receive your sample folder to see if you are ready to move forward.  

We provide Digital proofs of all jobs before they move to production. They are emailed to you by one of our account managers. Double-checking your proof is very important because this means your job has been approved for production. If something is wrong with your proof, please notify us of the changes needed and we offer free proof revisions. When you submit print-ready artwork, you will receive your proof within 48 hours of submission or revision request. In production this proof has everything needed to complete your job.  

One of our account managers will notify you via email that your order has shipped and will also provide your tracking information. 

Yes! We can provide sheeted labels for a small additional cost.  Sheeted labels also require a few days longer to produce. Please note this request and the specifics needed when ordering. 

We work with both Stripe.com and Authorize.net, both widely used payment gateways that provide secure and reliable payment processing services. They are designed to handle sensitive credit card information securely, ensuring the safety of your financial data during transactions.  

Once we receive your art approvals, your job is ready to move to production, and a hold is placed on your credit card for the estimated amount of your job. This hold is essentially a temporary reserve of funds to ensure that the amount needed for your order is available when it's time to charge your card.  The actual charge for the full amount, including any overage that might have occurred during production, shipping, or any extra costs associated with the project, will take place once your job is ready to ship. This ensures that you are billed accurately for the final product you receive.  If you have any specific questions or concerns about the payment process or security measures, please contact us. 

We print our jobs with CMYK or add our Premium Electro White Ink. Combining this with the color gamete we can hit 98% of colors.  Cor Label offers a versatile range of printing options, allowing you to achieve a wide variety of colors for your labels. The primary printing methods are CMYK printing and the addition of Premium Electro White Ink. Let's break down the color capabilities of each method:

  • CMYK Printing:  As mentioned earlier, CMYK printing uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black inks to create a full spectrum of colors through a subtractive color mixing process. By overlapping these four colors in different densities, a vast range of hues, shades, and tones can be achieved. CMYK printing is the standard for most full-color printing processes and is highly effective in reproducing a wide array of colors.
  • Premium Electro White Ink: The addition of Premium Electro White Ink allows for greater flexibility in printing on transparent or colored label materials. This white ink acts as a base layer, providing a solid and opaque background that ensures the colors on top appear vibrant and true to their original design. It allows for printing on materials with varying levels of transparency or opacity, making it possible to achieve more vibrant colors on diverse label substrates.

Yes, we do.  Here's how the color matching process works:

  • Providing Previous Labels: If you have existing labels that you want to match, you can provide the artwork and printed labels to us.
  • Color Match Request: You inform us that you would like a color match for your labels.
  • Printing Laminated Press Proofs: To achieve an accurate color match, we will print laminated press proofs of your labels using the provided artwork. Laminated press proofs are physical samples that showcase the final appearance and color reproduction of the labels.
  • Delta Readings: During the color matching process, delta readings can be taken. Delta readings compare the colors of your current labels and the printed press proofs to identify any color discrepancies or differences.
  • Approval of Color Match: Once you receive the laminated press proofs, you review them to determine if the color match meets your expectations and accurately matches your existing labels.
  • Saving Color Standards: Upon your approval of the color match, we internally save the specific color values and settings as a color standard. This color standard will be used as a reference for all future print jobs to ensure consistent color matching on each order.  By saving your labels' color standards internally, we maintain consistent color accuracy on all subsequent orders. This process helps ensure that your labels remain consistent and on-brand throughout multiple print runs, providing a seamless visual experience for your customers.  

Color matching is especially valuable for maintaining brand identity and recognition. Whether you are introducing new flavors or reordering existing ones, you can trust that your labels will consistently reflect your desired color palette with our color matching services.

If you have a custom size for your labels that is not available among the 1,000 plus number of dies, we carry, there's no need to worry. As a custom Digital print shop, we can accommodate your specific requirements by ordering a custom die for your label size. Here's how the process works:

  • Requesting a Custom Die: Inform us of your sizing requirements. When doing so, we will also provide the closest die sizes we have.
  • One-Time Die Charge: Since a custom die needs to be specially ordered for your label size, there will be a one-time die charge associated with this service. This charge covers the cost of creating the custom die to match your exact dimensions.
  • Matching Your Exact Size: The custom die will be manufactured to precisely match your specified label size. This ensures a perfect fit and alignment for your labels during the printing process.
  • Tapered Dies for Curved Packaging: If your products have curved packaging, we can also provide tapered dies that accommodate the unique shape of your containers, ensuring the labels adhere smoothly and accurately.

When working with a custom label size and ordering a custom die, make sure to provide accurate measurements and discuss your requirements in detail with us. This will ensure that the custom die accurately matches your label size, resulting in high-quality and well-fitting labels.

HP Indigo printing is a leading digital printing technology that offers numerous advantages for label printing. Here's everything you need to know about the advantages of HP Indigo printing:

  • Advanced Label Printing Presses: HP Indigo boasts some of the most advanced label printing presses globally, equipped with cutting-edge technology that delivers exceptional print quality and performance.
  • Competitive Advantages: HP Indigo works closely with its customers, fostering a partnership approach. As a customer, we can benefit from their expertise and support, ensuring that our label printing needs are met efficiently and effectively.
  • Accurate Color Reproduction: HP Indigo is known for its high color accuracy. It can achieve color matching of up to 98% of Pantone and Color Gamut, ensuring that your labels accurately represent your brand's colors and meet your design expectations.
  • Digital Printing Precision: The digital nature of HP Indigo printing allows for precise and consistent results on every print run. This is especially valuable for small to medium-sized print batches or personalized labels.
  • Patented Electro Ink: HP Indigo uses its patented Electro Ink for printing. This ink is specially formulated for outstanding color vibrancy, durability, and adherence to various label materials.
  • Premium White Ink: HP Indigo offers premium white ink, which is essential for printing on transparent or colored label materials. This white ink acts as a base layer, enhancing the visibility and vibrancy of colors printed on top.
  • Quick Turnaround Times: Digital printing with HP Indigo enables faster turnaround times compared to traditional printing methods. This is beneficial for meeting tight deadlines and responding to market demands promptly.
  • Environmentally Friendly: HP Indigo printing is more environmentally friendly compared to some traditional printing processes, as it produces minimal waste and consumes less energy.

By leveraging the advantages of HP Indigo printing, you can expect exceptional label quality and color accuracy, making it a valuable choice for creating professional and eye-catching labels that reflect the quality of your products and brand.

Pressure sensitive labels (PSL) are a popular type of label that comes with adhesive pre-applied to the label material. These labels are designed to stick securely to various surfaces when pressure is applied, such as during the labeling process. Pressure sensitive labels are widely used in various industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and more. Here are some key features and types of pressure sensitive labels:

  • Self-Adhesive: Pressure sensitive labels have a pre-applied adhesive on the back of the label material. The adhesive is activated by applying pressure, allowing the label to adhere to the surface firmly.
  • Easy Application: These labels are easy to apply, as they do not require any heat, water, or additional chemicals for activation. Simply peel off the backing and stick the label to the desired surface.

Versatility: Pressure sensitive labels can be used on a wide range of materials, including glass, plastic, metal, paper, and more. They are compatible with various packaging types and shapes.

  • Permanent Adhesive: This type of adhesive is designed to create a strong bond between the label and the surface, making it difficult to remove the label without damaging it or leaving residue behind.
  • Removable Adhesive: Removable adhesive allows the label to be peeled off easily from the surface without leaving any residue.
  • Cold Temperature Adhesive: Cold temperature adhesive is suitable for labeling products that will be stored or used in cold environments, as it maintains its adhesive properties in low temperatures.
  • Wet Application Adhesive: Wet application adhesive is used in applications where the label needs to be applied to a wet surface, such as in the craft beer industry, where beer cans may be wet during the canning process.

Pressure sensitive labels are popular for their convenience, ease of application, and compatibility with various packaging types. They offer a reliable labeling solution for product branding, information, and marketing purposes.

Die cutting is a process used in label printing to cut custom shapes and sizes from printed materials. It involves the use of a die, which is a specialized tool that cuts the label material into the desired shape. Here's how the die cutting process works:

  • Custom Die Sizes: As a digital print shop, we offer die cutting with thousands of custom die sizes. These custom dies are created to match specific label sizes and shapes requested by the customer.
  • Lamination and Matrix Stripping: During the die cutting process, the labels are typically laminated. Lamination adds a protective layer over the labels, enhancing their durability and resistance to external elements. 

Stripping: During the die cutting process, the waste material (the matrix and any excess label material) is removed from the finished labels. This is known as matrix stripping, and it leaves the individual labels ready for use.

As a digital print shop, we utilize digital printing technology, which does not involve the use of printing plates. Instead of using traditional printing plates, digital printing operates directly from electronic files, making the printing process more efficient and cost-effective. Here are the reasons why we don’t use plates:

  • Direct Printing: Digital printing does not require the creation of physical printing plates. The artwork is sent directly from the computer to the printing press, known as the “rip”, eliminating the need for the intermediate step of platemaking.
  • Faster Turnaround: Without the plate-making process, digital printing offers quicker turnaround times. The files can be processed and printed almost instantly, reducing production time, and allowing for faster order fulfillment.
  • Cost Savings: Platemaking can be a significant cost in traditional printing methods. By eliminating the need for plates, we as a Digital print shop, pass these cost savings on to our customers, making digital printing a more cost-effective option for print runs.
  • Less Waste: Digital printing is more environmentally friendly as it generates less waste. Traditional printing processes can result in excess paper waste during the platemaking and setup stages, which is minimized in digital printing.
  • Variable Data Printing: Digital printing allows for variable data printing, meaning each label can be customized with unique information, such as individualized QR codes, barcodes, or serial numbers. This is not easily achievable with traditional plate-based printing.
  • High-Quality Results:  Digital presses can reproduce vibrant colors and fine details, making them suitable for producing high-quality labels and graphics.
  • On-Demand Printing: Digital printing is well-suited for on-demand printing. This means that you can order labels as needed, reducing the need for large print runs or storage of excess inventory.

Overall, digital printing offers several advantages over traditional printing methods, making it a preferred choice for many businesses seeking efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality label printing solutions.

Gang Printing, also known as gang run printing, is the method we use to combine multiple label designs or versions onto a single print run. This process involves grouping different label types if they share the same material, size, and lamination.  Here's a more detailed explanation of Gang Printing:

  • Multiple Label Types: With Gang Printing, you can print multiple label designs or versions at once. These versions could include different flavors, product variations, or various branding designs.
  • Same Material and Size: For Gang Printing to be efficient, all the label versions must have the same material and size. This ensures that they can be printed together on the same material, optimizing the use of resources.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Gang Printing is a cost-effective solution because it allows you to print multiple label versions in a single print run, which reduces setup costs and material waste.
  • No Version Charges: When using Gang Printing, you don't incur version charges for each label design. This is advantageous when you have multiple label versions and helps you save on printing costs.
  • Tiered Pricing: The total quantity of labels printed in a gang run is considered when determining the pricing. As the total number of labels increases, you can benefit from higher tiered pricing, resulting in a lower cost per label.
  • Suitable for Small Batches: Gang Printing is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized print runs that involve multiple label versions. It is a practical solution for product launches, limited editions, or seasonal promotions.
  • Consistent Quality: Since all label versions are printed on the same material using the same print setup, they maintain consistent color reproduction and print quality.

Gang Printing offers an efficient and cost-effective way to produce multiple label versions simultaneously, providing advantages in terms of pricing, timesaving, and consistency across your label designs.

Variable data printing and unique numbering are advanced printing capabilities that allow you to personalize each label with different information, such as sequential numbers, QR codes, barcodes, or other unique data. These features are particularly useful for applications where individual labels need to contain specific and distinct information. Here's how variable data printing and unique numbering work:

  • Variable Data Printing: Variable data printing (VDP) enables you to print labels with varying information on each label. Instead of having a static design, certain elements on the label can change from one label to the next. For example, you can print different names, addresses, serial numbers, or QR codes on each label within a print run.
  • Unique Numbering: Unique numbering involves printing sequential or individualized numbers on each label in a batch. This is commonly used for products that require identification, tracking, or verification purposes. The numbering can be sequential (e.g., 1001, 1002, 1003) or customized according to specific criteria.
  • Personalization and Customization: With variable data printing and unique numbering, you can personalize your labels for different customers, products, or applications. This level of customization enhances the customer experience and allows for targeted marketing campaigns.
  • QR Codes and Barcodes: Variable data printing can also include QR codes and barcodes, which can be unique for each label. These codes can store product information, website URLs, or other data that can be scanned by mobile devices or barcode readers.
  • Batch Creation: You can use variable data printing to create unique batches of labels with specific information. This is helpful for tracking inventory or production batches.
  • Serialized Labels: In cases where each label represents a unique item or product, such as serial numbers on electronic devices or certificates, variable data printing ensures that no two labels are identical.
  • On-Demand Printing: Variable data printing and unique numbering are ideal for on-demand printing, where each label can be customized as needed. This eliminates the need for pre-printed inventory and allows for more flexibility in label production.

Our advanced printing capabilities offer numerous benefits, such as improved efficiency, reduced waste, enhanced product tracking, and personalized marketing. Whether you need individualized labels for product packaging, promotional campaigns, or identification purposes, variable data printing and unique numbering provide a powerful and versatile solution.

Printing invisible ink or incorporating security features is a valuable method to protect your products from counterfeiting and ensure authenticity. With our printing technology, we can implement various security features to enhance the security and integrity of your labels. Here's how invisible ink and security features are implemented:

  • Invisible Ink: Invisible ink is a special type of ink that remains hidden to the naked eye but becomes visible under specific conditions, such as when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared light. We can print invisible ink on your labels, making it challenging for counterfeiters to reproduce or tamper with your labels. The presence of invisible ink can only be detected by using the appropriate light sources, providing an added layer of security.
  • Variable Data Printing: Variable data printing allows for unique information, such as serial numbers, QR codes, or random patterns, to be printed on each label. This variable data can serve as a security feature, providing a way to verify the authenticity of each product or label. It becomes challenging for counterfeiters to replicate the exact sequence of variable data on your labels.
  • Micro-text and Fine Details: Our high-resolution printing capabilities enable the printing of micro-text and fine details that may not be easily visible to the naked eye. These intricate features can serve as additional security measures, as they are difficult to replicate accurately.
  • Custom Watermarks: Cor Labels’ printing allows for the incorporation of custom watermarks, which are subtle designs or patterns embedded in the label artwork. Watermarks are challenging to replicate and provide an additional layer of authentication.

By leveraging the advanced capabilities of HP Indigo, Cor Label can provide comprehensive security solutions to protect your products from counterfeiting and ensure the trust of your customers. These security features not only safeguard your brand but also enhance the perceived value of your products in the market.

Cor Label's free 2-day shipping program is an initiative that aims to provide a seamless and efficient ordering experience for customers in the lower 48 states of the US. Here are the key features and benefits of this program:

  • Free 2-Day Shipping: Cor Label offers free 2-day shipping on standard orders to customers located in the lower 48 states. This means that once an order is placed, customers can expect their labels to be delivered within 9 business days after art approval at no additional cost.
  • Speed to Market: With the free 2-day shipping program, customers can receive their label orders quickly, allowing them to get their products to market faster. This expedited shipping option is beneficial for businesses that have tight production schedules and need their labels promptly.
  • Simple Pricing: Our free 2-day shipping program comes with straightforward pricing. Customers can enjoy the convenience of not having to calculate shipping costs separately, making the ordering process more streamlined.
  • Transparency in Delivery: By offering a 2-day shipping option, customers can easily plan for when their label orders will be delivered. This transparency helps businesses manage inventory and meet their production timelines effectively.

By offering fast and reliable shipping at no additional cost, the program enhances the overall customer experience and ensures a smooth and efficient label ordering process.

Our policy is that all orders will be shipped with a quantity of labels that is 10% more or less than the actual label order quantity. This is a common practice in the label industry and is known as an "overage" or "underage" policy. Here's a breakdown of what this policy means and its benefits: 

  • Overage: Providing 10% more labels than the ordered quantity is known as an overage. This means that if you place an order for 1,000 labels, you may receive up to 1,100 labels. The overage helps to ensure that you have enough labels to cover any unexpected issues during the label application process or potential damages during shipping. 
  • Underage: Providing 10% less than the ordered quantity is known as underage. In this case, if you order 1,000 labels, you may receive as few as 900 labels. The underage policy helps to account for any manufacturing errors or defects that might occur during the printing process. 

Benefits of the Overage/Underage Policy

  • Setup and Application: Having a few extra labels (overage) can be beneficial during the label application process. If some labels are misaligned or damaged during application, the overage allows you to have replacements without any disruption in your workflow.
  • Quality Control: We use the overage to perform quality control checks, ensuring that the labels meet our specified standards before sending them to the customer. 

If you require a specific quantity without any overage/underage, you should communicate this to us to ensure your needs are met.

Yes, it is possible to have alternating labels on a single roll when printing labels. Alternating labels refer to having different designs or versions of labels printed sequentially on the same roll. It is common to have front and back labels on the same roll. This is a common practice for us and it allows you to efficiently manage multiple label variations or designs within a single batch.

When you place an order with us, you will receive a proof before the final production of your labels. A proof is a representation of how your labels will look once printed, and it allows you to review and approve the design and content before proceeding with the full print run. Its essential to note that a proof may not be a true representation of colors as they can vary from proof to the actual label. Proof colors can also look different on a computer vs a phone, etc. There are two common types of proofs you may receive: 

  • PDF Proof: A PDF proof is a digital file that will be sent via email and allows you to review the design, text, color separations, spacing, and barcodes. It provides a close visual representation of your label, and you can check for any errors or discrepancies. It is essential to carefully review the PDF proof to ensure that all the details are correct before giving your approval for production. 
  • Hard Copy Proof: A hard copy proof, also known as a physical proof or press proof, involves printing a sample of your label directly from the press onto the actual label material. This allows you to see exactly how the colors and other elements will look on the finished product. Hard copy proofs are beneficial if color accuracy is crucial for your labels. While PDF proofs give a good representation, colors on a screen may not perfectly match the printed result. Hard copy proofs provide a more accurate representation of the final product, ensuring that you are satisfied with the colors and overall appearance before proceeding with the full print run. 

Regarding the charges for a hard copy proof, we charge a minimal fee to cover the cost of printing the sample labels.

In Summary

Before approving the proof, it's essential to carefully review all aspects, including design elements, text, colors, and any other specific requirements you have. Once you are satisfied with the proof and have thoroughly checked for any errors, you can give your approval to proceed with the printing of the full label order. Approving the proof indicates that you are satisfied with the label's design and content and that you are ready for the final production to begin. Once this is approved it triggers our production of your labels internally.

Yes, it is possible to print multiple versions of labels in the same print run, especially when using digital printing technology. Digital presses offer the flexibility to print different label designs or versions within the same batch, making it an ideal solution for projects that require various label variations. Here's how printing multiple versions typically works: 

  • Design Variations: If you need multiple versions of your labels, each version will have its own unique design elements, such as different colors, text, images, or barcodes. These variations could be used for different product lines, flavors, languages, promotions, or any other distinct purposes. 
  • Digital Printing: Digital printing technology allows for quick and easy customization, as there are no physical plates or setup required for each design. Instead, the digital press can seamlessly switch between different label designs within the same print run.
  • Data Management: For variable data printing, such as adding unique serial numbers, QR codes, or personalized text, the data for each version is managed through digital files or databases. This allows for efficient production of labels with different content. 
  • Printing in Batches: We can produce a specific quantity of each label version before moving on to the next one. This reduces waste and allows for cost-effective production, especially when printing small quantities of each version. 

Benefits of Printing Multiple Versions: 

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Digital printing allows for cost-effective production of multiple versions, as there are no setup costs for each design variation. 
  • Quick Turnaround: With digital printing, you can get your labels printed quickly, even with multiple versions, since there's no need for lengthy setup times. 
  • Customization: Multiple versions allow you to tailor your labels for specific target markets or customer preferences, adding a personalized touch to your products. 
  • Testing and Marketing: Having different label versions enables you to test various designs or messages to see which resonates best with your audience. It also allows for targeted marketing efforts. 
  • Product Differentiation: If you have a product line with different flavors, scents, or varieties, multiple versions help differentiate the products visually on the packaging. 

As mentioned, we do not charge extra to print multiple versions!