Custom Labels for Small Business: The 5-Minute Ordering Guide
Why Custom Labels Are Essential for Small Businesses
Custom labels are the fastest, most affordable way to brand any product. Whether you sell candles, skincare, hot sauce, or supplements, a professionally printed label transforms a generic container into a branded product that commands premium pricing.
The numbers back this up: products with professional custom labels sell for 25–40% more than identical products with basic labels (Packaging Digest, 2025). For small businesses operating on tight margins, custom labels deliver the highest ROI of any packaging investment.
Best Label Materials for Small Business Products
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) — The Industry Standard
BOPP is the #1 label material for product labels. It is waterproof, oil-resistant, tear-proof, and does not wrinkle when exposed to moisture or condensation. Available in white, clear, silver, and gold finishes. Best for: bottles, jars, cosmetics, food products, and any product that gets wet.
Clear/Transparent BOPP — The "No-Label Look"
Clear BOPP labels create the illusion that your design is printed directly on the container. This premium "no-label look" is popular for craft spirits, essential oils, and luxury skincare. The label virtually disappears, leaving only your design visible.
Kraft Paper — The Artisan Choice
Brown kraft paper labels convey a natural, handmade, eco-conscious brand image. Perfect for farmers market vendors, small-batch food producers, artisan soap makers, and organic brands. Not waterproof without additional lamination.
Vinyl — The Extreme Durability Option
Vinyl labels last 3–5 years outdoors, withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and chemical contact. Best for outdoor products, industrial applications, and equipment labeling.
Label Shapes and Die-Cutting Options
| Shape | Best For | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Round/Circle | Jar lids, bottle caps, seals | Standard (no extra cost) |
| Rectangle | Bottles, boxes, product panels | Standard |
| Oval | Wine bottles, cosmetics, premium products | Standard |
| Square | Boxes, tins, modern branding | Standard |
| Custom Contour | Logo-shaped, unique branding | +$50 die setup |
| Kiss-Cut Sheets | Multiple labels per sheet, sticker packs | Standard |
Waterproof Labels: What You Need to Know
If your product gets refrigerated, shipped in ice, used in bathrooms, or stored outdoors, you need waterproof labels. Here is how each material performs:
| Material | Water Resistance | Oil Resistance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOPP | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fully Waterproof | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2–3 years |
| Vinyl | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fully Waterproof | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3–5 years |
| Laminated Paper | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Water-Resistant | ⭐⭐⭐ | 1–2 years |
| Kraft Paper | ⭐ Not Waterproof | ⭐ | 6–12 months |
Custom Label Pricing for Small Business
| Quantity | 2" Round BOPP | 3"x2" Rectangle | 4"x6" Full Wrap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 labels | $0.08/label | $0.12/label | $0.25/label |
| 500 labels | $0.05/label | $0.08/label | $0.18/label |
| 1,000 labels | $0.04/label | $0.06/label | $0.12/label |
| 5,000 labels | $0.03/label | $0.04/label | $0.08/label |
All prices include full-color digital printing. No plate fees, no setup charges.
FDA-Compliant Food Labels
Selling food products? Your labels must comply with FDA 21 CFR requirements. This includes:
- Nutrition Facts Panel — formatted to FDA specifications with required nutrients
- Ingredient List — listed in descending order by weight
- Allergen Warnings — "Contains: milk, soy, wheat" etc.
- Net Weight — in both metric and US customary units
- Manufacturer Info — name, address, and contact
Cubit's design team can help format your FDA-compliant food labels at no extra charge. We provide templates for Nutrition Facts panels and ingredient lists.
Roll Labels vs. Sheet Labels
Roll Labels
Labels wound on a core for use with automatic label applicators. Best for businesses applying 200+ labels per day. Available in 1" and 3" core sizes. Speed: 200–500 labels/minute with an applicator machine.
Sheet Labels
Labels on flat sheets for hand application. Best for small batches, Etsy sellers, and businesses applying under 200 labels per day. Available as individual cut labels or kiss-cut sheets with multiple labels.
How to Order Custom Labels for Your Small Business
- Choose your label size — measure your container and leave 1/8" margin
- Select your material — BOPP for waterproof, kraft for artisan, vinyl for outdoor
- Upload your design — PDF, AI, or PNG at 300 DPI
- Pick your shape — round, rectangle, oval, or custom die-cut
- Choose roll or sheet — roll for high volume, sheets for hand application
Get a free quote for custom labels →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for custom labels?
Cubit offers custom labels with no minimum order for digital printing. You can order as few as 250 labels with full-color printing on any material. Perfect for testing new products, seasonal flavors, and small-batch production.
How fast can I get custom labels?
Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days from proof approval. Rush orders ship in 2–3 business days. Sheet labels are typically 1–2 days faster than roll labels.
Can I order different designs on the same order?
Yes! Digital printing allows unlimited design variations on the same order at no extra cost. Order 250 labels each of 4 different flavors on a single purchase order.
Related Guides
- Custom Mailer Boxes with Logo: Design & Ordering Guide
- Custom Bottles with Labels: One-Stop Guide
- Custom Cosmetic Packaging Boxes: Beauty Brand Guide
🏷️ Ready to Order Custom Labels?
From $0.03/label with no minimum order. Free design support, 5-day turnaround.
Order custom labels. Custom Product Labels → — waterproof BOPP, vinyl, kraft, clear. Roll or sheet. From $0.03/unit. Browse labels →
