If you’ve ever run into label challenges that off-the-shelf options simply can’t solve, it might be time to consider custom thermal labels. The ZPS Store—one of Zebra Technologies’ top custom label partners for nearly 30 years—has the experience, products, and service to help you design and deliver the exact label solution your application requires.

In this Q&A article, we’ll answer the most common questions about Zebra custom labels, covering everything from sizing and materials to pricing and lead times. Whether you’re labeling in extreme environments or need brand-specific color printing, you’ll find clarity here.

Q: How Do I Know if I Need a Custom Thermal Label?
A: If you're not finding the right combination of label size, material, or adhesive from the stocked selection at The ZPS Store, that's your first sign you may need a custom solution.

You may also need custom labels if:

• You require pre-printed branding, logos, or color elements.
  
• Your application demands floodcoated (solid color) labels.
  
• You're dealing with unusual substrates, challenging surfaces, or unique shape constraints.
  
• A custom label ensures you get exactly what your operation needs—no compromises.

Q: Does Zebra Technologies Offer Custom Labels?
A: Absolutely. Zebra has been manufacturing custom thermal labels for more than 30 years. Their unmatched capabilities make them a global leader in durable, high-performance custom barcode labels. The ZPS Store has partnered with Zebra since the beginning as a trusted and experienced custom label supplier, providing tailored labeling solutions across industries.

Q: Why Choose Zebra Custom Labels Over Competitors?
A: Zebra’s custom labels offer several key advantages that set them apart:

• Zero tooling or die charges for new label sizes and shapes—a cost most other label converters pass on to you.
  
• Consistent, high-quality production that ensures your labels work flawlessly with Zebra printers and scanners.
  
• Extensive material science expertise, ensuring labels stand up to heat, cold, chemicals, or abrasion.
  
• Competitive pricing and stable supply chain—especially important for long-term label programs.
  In short, Zebra delivers reliability, durability, and value.

Q: What are Some of the Different Custom Label Options Available?
A: With Zebra custom labels, the possibilities are nearly endless. Options include:

• Any width and height combination you can think of—standard rectangles, specialty shapes, or ultra-small labels.
  
  A broad portfolio of materials for:
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
  
• Outdoor exposure
  
• Chemical resistance
  
• Tamper evidence
  
• Abrasive conditions
  
• Opaque blocking for relabeling
  
• Multiple adhesive options, from removable and repositionable to aggressive, permanent high-tack.
  
• Pre-printed branding, instructional text, color zones, logos, or compliance markings. You can also request floodcoated color labels, where the entire label is coated in a color like red, yellow, or blue for high visibility.

Q: How Long Do Zebra Custom Labels Take to Produce?
A: Production timelines for Zebra custom labels typically run 2 to 4 weeks from the time you approve your proof. This lead time depends on:

• Material availability
  
• Order volume
  
• Current production capacity
  

With four manufacturing plants strategically located across North America, Zebra ensures that custom label orders are fulfilled and shipped efficiently after production.

Q: Can I Add Pre-Printing to My Custom Labels?
A: Yes—you can customize your labels even further with pre-printing. Whether it’s a brand logo, PMS color zone, serial number range, or other visual cue, Zebra can pre-print just about anything onto your labels.

You can:

• Specify any Pantone (PMS) color
  
• Submit your own artwork or design
  
• Print static data like text, logos, or warning icons
  
• Leave space for variable data (like barcodes or dates) to be printed onsite later
  
• Pre-printed labels save time, improve consistency, and elevate your packaging or product presentation.

Q: Do Zebra Custom Labels Cost More Than Regular Stocked Labels?
A: In some cases, yes. If your order volume is low, you’ll likely encounter minimum production costs—typically around $400 per label configuration. That’s the base price to get the press rolling, regardless of whether you need 1,000 labels or 50,000.

However, the more labels you order, the lower the cost per label becomes. If your business can forecast label needs and consolidate your purchase into a 6-month or 12-month order, you’ll find custom labels can actually become quite economical—sometimes even rivaling the cost of off-the-shelf options.

Q: Does Zebra Work with Customers Directly for Labels?
A: No. Zebra does not sell labels directly to end-users. Instead, they work through a network of trusted and trained partners like The ZPS Store, who have the experience and technical expertise to help you choose the right label solution, manage custom specs, and ensure you get exactly what you need.

Why Choose The ZPS Store for Zebra Custom Labels?
The ZPS Store is one of the most experienced Zebra custom label partners in the country, with nearly 30 years of hands-on experience helping businesses tackle their unique barcode labeling challenges.

Here’s What Sets The ZPS Store Apart:

• The most competitive Zebra custom label pricing in the US.
• Direct communication with your own custom label expert.
  
• Full support through design, quoting, proofing, and fulfillment
  
• Easy-to-use online custom label request form.
  
• Access to Zebra’s full custom label manufacturing capabilities.
  
• Free, no-obligation quotes for any label configuration.
  

Whether you’re running into label performance issues or simply need to scale your operations with custom branding, The ZPS Store can guide you through the process—from concept to production to delivery.

Get Started Today!
If your labeling needs are unique, demanding, or just not being met by stock solutions, Zebra custom labels through The ZPS Store may be exactly what you need.

Custom barcode labels don’t need to be complicated—not when you’ve got the right partner.

➡️ Call to Speak with a Custom Label Expert, or Visit The ZPS Store’s Custom Labels Page to Get Started!

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