Packaging Guides
Rush Order Custom Labels & Stickers: 2-3 Day Production Guide
Cubit Packaging Team
June 18, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Rush custom labels ship in 2-3 business days — the fastest rush turnaround of any custom packaging format
- Digital printing means zero plate fees and zero setup time — your label file goes from PDF to press in minutes
- Rush label minimums start at 250 units — same as standard orders, no increase for rush
- Rush premiums for labels run 40-60% above standard pricing but per-unit costs still start under $0.15
- Same-day digital proofs are included — approve your proof and production starts immediately
Why Labels Are the Fastest Rush Option
If you need branded packaging in your hands by Friday, labels are probably your best bet.
Labels and stickers have the simplest production process of any custom packaging format. There is no folding, no gluing, no lamination curing time. The process is: print, die-cut, roll or sheet. Two steps. That is why they can hit a 2-3 day rush timeline when mailer boxes need 3-5 days and mylar bags need 5-7.
This makes rush labels perfect as a bridge solution. Can't get custom boxes in time? Order plain kraft mailer boxes from a distributor and slap your branded label on them. You get brand presence on day one, then transition to fully custom boxes when the timeline allows.
Rush Label Formats and Timelines
| Label Format | Rush Timeline | Standard Timeline | Min. Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll labels (circles, ovals, rectangles) | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 250 |
| Sheet stickers (kiss-cut) | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 250 |
| Die-cut stickers (custom shape) | 3-4 days | 5-7 days | 250 |
| Clear/transparent labels | 3-4 days | 7-10 days | 500 |
| Metallic/foil labels | 4-5 days | 7-10 days | 500 |
Materials Available on Rush
| Material | Look & Feel | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| White matte | Clean, non-reflective | Indoor/dry | Product labels, jar labels |
| White gloss | Shiny, vivid colors | Water-resistant | Food packaging, bottles |
| Clear (no-label look) | Transparent, modern | Water-resistant | Cosmetics, beverages |
| Kraft brown | Natural, earthy | Indoor/dry | Artisan products, organics |
| BOPP (synthetic) | Durable plastic feel | Waterproof | Outdoor products, freezer |
Cubit's 2025 label production data shows: Over 89% of rush label orders ship within the quoted timeline. The most common rush label order is a 2" circular product label on white gloss — our fastest format to produce.
How to Get the Fastest Label Turnaround
Three things determine whether your labels arrive in 2 days or 5:
1. Submit print-ready artwork. 300 DPI, CMYK color mode, vector logos, 0.125" bleed on all sides. If we need to adjust your file, add half a day to a full day.
2. Choose a standard shape. Circles, rectangles, ovals, and rounded rectangles are the fastest because we have existing dies. Custom die-cut shapes require a new die — add 1-2 days.
3. Pick white matte or white gloss material. These are our highest-volume substrates and always in stock. Specialty materials (clear, metallic, kraft) are usually in stock but occasionally need 1-2 days for sourcing.
Rush Label Pricing
| Quantity | Standard Price/label | Rush Price/label | Rush Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | $0.12-$0.18 | $0.18-$0.28 | ~50% |
| 500 | $0.08-$0.14 | $0.12-$0.22 | ~50% |
| 1,000 | $0.05-$0.10 | $0.07-$0.15 | ~40% |
| 2,500 | $0.03-$0.07 | $0.04-$0.10 | ~40% |
Even with the rush premium, labels remain the most affordable custom packaging option. A rush order of 500 branded labels costs roughly $60-$110 total. That is less than most businesses spend on a week of Instagram ads.
Common Rush Label Use Cases
Product launch bridge. Your custom boxes are not ready yet, but your product is. Branded labels on plain boxes buy you 1-2 weeks while production finishes.
Seasonal or limited edition. Valentine's Day, holiday, or a collaboration — you need branded stickers for a window that will close. Rush labels let you execute on short timelines.
Regulatory updates. FDA changed a labeling requirement. A state updated its cannabis packaging rules. You need compliant labels on shelves before the enforcement date.
Event giveaways. Trade show next week, conference swag needed. Rush stickers are the fastest branded product you can produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I get custom labels?
Custom labels can be rush-produced in 2-3 business days with digital printing. Standard shapes (circles, rectangles) on white matte or gloss material are the fastest. Custom die-cut shapes and specialty materials add 1-2 days.
What is the minimum order for rush labels?
Rush label minimums at Cubit are the same as standard: 250 units. There is no minimum increase for rush production.
Can I get waterproof labels on rush?
Yes. BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) synthetic labels are waterproof, UV-resistant, and oil-resistant. They are available on a 3-4 day rush timeline. White gloss labels with lamination are a faster alternative with good water resistance.
How much do rush labels cost?
Rush labels cost 40-60% more than standard pricing. At 500 units, expect $0.12-$0.22 per label depending on size, shape, and material. Total order cost for 500 rush labels runs $60-$110.
Need labels fast? Get a rush label quote — pricing in 15 minutes, production in 2-3 days.