Mistakes to avoid · Nº 08
Label ordering & MOQ mistakes
The ordering mistakes that cost money are not obvious: not understanding why the MOQ exists (fixed press setup), being surprised by higher minimums on coloured or specialty stock, paying for custom die tooling you didn’t need, and accepting a suspiciously low quote that quietly dropped the spec. Understand what drives the cost and you negotiate from the right place — and always test a sample first.
- 01
Not understanding the MOQ
WhyThe minimum exists to spread fixed setup — plates, dies, press make-ready — not to be difficult.
FixAsk about digital printing (low setup) for a pilot run, and treat the MOQ as negotiable around the production process.
- 02
Surprised by specialty-stock minimums
WhyColoured-background and special-ink stock (thermochromic, security, scented) carries much higher minimums than standard white.
FixBudget for it, or use standard white stock for a first run.
- 03
Paying for tooling you didn’t need
WhyA custom die shape adds a one-time tooling fee; standard shapes (round, oval, rectangle) carry none.
FixUse a standard shape, or rotary-laser die-cut at low volume to skip the physical die.
- 04
A low quote hiding a spec change
WhyA surprisingly cheap price sometimes comes from a lighter facestock, a thinner adhesive coat, or a lighter liner.
FixAsk every supplier to quote the same facestock weight, adhesive coat and liner so you compare like for like.
- 05
Ignoring Incoterms and landed cost
WhyA low ex-factory (FOB) price can sit alongside freight, duty and clearance you had not counted.
FixAgree the Incoterm and work out your landed cost, not just the unit price.
- 06
Not testing a sample first
WhyCommitting to a run before testing means a wrong material only fails after production is paid for.
FixRequest a free sample and test it on your actual container and conditions before ordering.
Common questions
Why is the label MOQ so high?
The minimum spreads fixed setup costs — plates, dies and press make-ready — across enough units to be viable. Digital printing has low setup and suits small pilot runs, so the floor is negotiable around the process.
Why is one label quote much cheaper than another?
Often the specification quietly dropped — a lighter facestock, thinner adhesive coat or lighter liner. Ask every supplier to quote the same spec so you are comparing like for like.
Avoid the guesswork
Tell us the surface, the environment and the job, and we’ll spec a material and adhesive that won’t fail — and ship a free sample to prove it.
Materials facts verified by
Kevin— co-founder, materials & manufacturing, Guangzhou. Every claim traces to the factory-floor knowledge base.About Euphora →