Label guns are useful for manufacturing, shipping and merchandising. They quickly and accurately apply information, such as the time, date or price, to goods. This information is essential for dating perishable goods, like food, or labeling incoming inventory. Label and pricing guns are used at supermarkets, warehouses, manufacturing plants and many other businesses to keep track of important item information.

Retail labeling guns can be automatic, semi-automatic, or completely hand operated. Whether a price label gun is automatic usually depends on the price and model. Automatic store labeling guns tend to be more expensive, but many come with a warranty and a more durable exterior.

1. Make sure the labeling gun you choose can handle the label size you desire. Labels often come in standard sizes, but there are exceptions. Most label guns only support one size of label.

2. Some guns come with labels, but make sure refills are available for both labels and ink, or you may be forced to buy a new gun when you run out.

3. If you work in fast-paced environment, or you just don't want to worry about ink smears, use fast-drying ink in your labeling guns.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy one-line guns from label gun suppliers

One-line guns use smaller labels and are only capable of printing one line of text. This type of pricing gun works well for the vast majority of applications, including expiration dating, inventory numbering, and other uses. One-line guns are often cheaper to operate than two-line because they require less ink and paper.

I recommend: Purchase a one-line price or labeling gun from Hubert, or check out the models available from iBuy Office Supply.

Choose two-line price guns for labels with more information or multiple codes

Sometimes you just need to fit more information on your pricing labels. Often, expiration dates will have a product code on the label in addition to the expiration date, allowing the item to be easily tracked and inventoried. Labels like this require two lines instead of one. A two-line label gun allows you the flexibility to add a second line when you need it without complicating things.

I recommend: Pick up at two-line labeler from Fixture Zone, or get one from Instawares Restaurant Supply.

Buy electronic labelers for more customized pricing labels

Electronic label guns provide more customization for your information needs. Most allow you to change the font, font size, box style and bold or italicize lettering. Some electronic label guns also allow you to make larger labels than the simpler mechanical models. This type of labeling gun works best for bar code labels, UPC labels, and complicated larger labels where you need more than just the label gun basics.

I recommend: Check out the electronic labeler from Business Supply, or buy one from Office World.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's best to choose a labeling gun that has a wide variety of ink and label styles available. That way, if you choose to have a red label sale or begin color-coding labels, you won't have to buy another label gun.

A label gun allows you to quickly and precisely apply labels. Some are simple manual dispensers while others are much more advanced.

Ask yourself these questions when shopping for a label gun:

1. How many labels do you need to print? There are some label guns that will work better for high-volume printing, such as a semi-automatic applicator.
2. How much do you want to spend? Prices start at about $30, but can jump up to a couple of hundred dollars.
3. How many lines do you need to print? Eight lines are the standard, but you may need more.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy online

You can buy in store, but it's much easier to order online.

I recommend: GlobalSpec offers a database of more than 200 suppliers of label applicators. You can search the company catalogs online and view technical info.

And don't forget the labels

While you can order preprinted labels easily, consider custom-printed labels which look more professional.

I recommend: Frontier Label has a simple Web site that can walk you through creating custom labels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy new. Also go name brand, if possible.
• •  Got parts? If you do buy used, make sure labels and parts are readily available.
• •  Keep in a cool, dry place. Be careful with storing labels as they will be easily ruined if kept in a hot, humid environment.

Labeling guns require a lot of supplies to keep your business functioning as usual. These include ink, label paper, replacement parts and more. You may even need multiple types of the same supplies, such as different types of labels or ink colors.

Always check to make sure that the types and sizes of things like label paper and ink are compatible with your label guns. Often, each brand of labeling gun will use only labels from its particular brand.

1. Label paper and ink for discontinued models are usually only available from suppliers who ordered before the model was discontinued. This means that you will eventually be unable to purchase ink and paper refills for discontinued models.

2. Label paper is sometimes available in different forms, such as iron-on, cloth or adhesive. These types of label can be useful for specific projects, but only if your label gun supports them.

3. Custom or pre-printed label designs will generally cost more than plain white standard rolls for your retail pricing guns.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy label paper for your label gun

Pricing labels come in many different sizes, colors and types. Often though, a label maker will only use a specific set of sizes, so choose carefully. If you'd like unusual or custom-designed labels, it's best to let a professional label design service handle it. A service can cut patches with the logo, size and material you want, while leaving room for relevant information from price gun.

I recommend: Check out the label design service from West Coast Label, or order labels from Kenco Label & Tag for your price guns.

Purchase ink for your pricing guns

There are a wide variety of inks available for store labeling guns. Which one you choose will depend on the selections available for your pricing gun and what you plan to use the ink for. Ink for labeling guns comes in cartridges, so make sure your label gun is compatible with your selection. In addition to different colors of ink, there are different types as well. Many guns use fast-drying ink to prevent label smears.

I recommend: Grab an ink cartridge replacement at Trio Display, or order one from Staples.

Get accessories for your electronic price label gun

Electronic label guns usually require extra accessories, like USB cords and batteries. Some even support memory cards for extra in-unit storage. Before purchasing supplies for your label gun make sure you know what it supports and what it doesn't. For instance, not all electronic labelers connect to computers through a USB port. Some use mini-USB while others don't connect at all.

I recommend: Buy a USB cord from CompUSA to connect your electronic labeler to your computer, or get accessories like an AC adapter or carrying case from Brother International.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you expect to use your labeling gun for a long time, it's best to buy the newest model available. This way, supplies for your gun, like label paper and ink, are more likely to be available in the future. Older guns are more likely to be retired and replaced with newer models, which means the companies often stop making cartridges and refills for them.

If you own a retail business, a label gun is vital to marking product prices or expiration dates for your customers’ convenience. Understanding key terms used to identify different label guns themselves or individual parts and accessories used with the labeling tools will enable you to order the correct items from manufacturers. Keeping up with terminology like “one line,” “tamper-resistant labels” and “drop-in loading” will also help you choose the accessories and labels that coordinate best with your products and suit the nature of your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

One line

Keep the look of your pricing labels simple by using a one line label gun. The customizable label designs allow you to print prices, times or expiration dates in a single line for clarity. The two line models which present information on two lines are also available.

I recommend: See a selection of one line label guns, including photos, label samples and specifications, through Hubert.

Drop-in loading

Simplify label gun operation and eliminate jams by using models that feature the drop-in loading capability. The feature allows users to place the refill label roll into the unit without excessive threading and winding.

I recommend: Find label gun models with drop-in loading, along with applicable refill rolls, at iBuyOfficeSupply.

Tamper-resistant labels

Consider ordering tamper-resistant labels to coordinate with your label guns and help prevent theft and fraud. The labels feature multiple cuts to make in-store removal difficult.

I recommend: Get an up close look at tamper-resistant labels on The Fixture Zone website.

Pre-printed labels

In addition to customizable labels for your store label guns, find pre-printed styles to help mark clearance items or your most commonly priced items quickly. Ensure the labels are compatible with the label gun model you own before ordering.

I recommend: Find assorted pre-printed labels, such as price and sales tags, through Kenco Label & Tag.

Ink rollers

To ensure price labels are crisp and clear, replace ink rollers often. Find label guns that feature easy loading ink rollers with ink colors that are easy for customers to read.

I recommend: Get additional information on replaceable ink rollers, including their ink capacities, through Allen Designers.

Label scraper

Equip your merchandisers with a heavy duty label scraper along with their label gun. The tool easily removes outdated or incorrectly placed labels, even if they've used tamper-proof labels.

I recommend: Find a selection of label scrapers in different sizes and styles through Merchandising Tools.