Print Your Own Labels or Order Online? Let’s Break It Down

Trying to figure out the best way to label your products? Whether you're just getting started or shipping out orders by the dozen, deciding between DIY labels and ordering from a professional printer can feel like a toss-up. It really comes down to what your business needs most—speed, flexibility, a polished look, or just one less thing to worry about.

Let’s lay it all out and help you figure out which route fits your workflow.

Printing Your Own Labels: When DIY Makes Sense

Running a small shop, selling at weekend markets, or whipping up batches of handmade goods? Ordering blank labels and printing them yourself might just be your secret weapon. It’s great for switching things up on the fly—whether you’re testing a new scent, flavor, or your 12th rebrand this year (no judgment).

DIY labels make life easier when:

You’re making small batches or made-to-order items
You’re not quite ready to commit to large label runs
You need labels today, not in three to five business days
You care more about getting it done than getting it perfect

The upsides:

Total control over timing and design
Easy updates—just reprint with a new batch number or sale info
No minimums—print what you need, when you need it

But let’s be real—home and office printers have limits. You might run into:

Smudging or slow drying (especially with inkjets)
Alignment issues with templates
Paper jams or feed issues
Time lost reprinting when something goes wrong

DIY labeling is great for smaller brands that want flexibility. But when polish matters—or your business starts growing—it might be time to level up.

When Professionally Printed Labels Make More Sense

Professionally printed labels really shine when you’re scaling up or selling in retail settings. They’re consistent, durable, and save you time.

They’re the better choice when you need:

A clean, consistent look across lots of units
Specialty finishes like clear, foil, or matte
Waterproof, oil-resistant, or freezer-safe materials
Less time spent fiddling with printers

Why it works:

Labels show up ready to go—no trimming or setup
You get pro-level quality every time
You can focus on your product instead of your printer

If you’re growing fast or need retail-ready packaging, investing in professionally printed labels is usually worth it.

Can You Do Both? Definitely.

Some businesses mix and match their label strategy:

Use professionally printed labels for core products or wholesale packaging
Print your own for seasonal items, events, or small batches
Keep plenty of blank labels on hand for last-minute fixes or customizations

This hybrid approach gives you flexibility without sacrificing polish.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Ask yourself:

Are my designs staying the same or changing often?
Am I printing more than 1,000 labels at a time—or just a few?
Do I have time to deal with printer quirks—or do I need something done?
Is a professional finish critical for my brand?

If you’re in the early stages or need labels on the fly, printing blank labels yourself might be the move. But if consistency, time savings, or presentation are top priorities, professionally printed labels are worth the upgrade.

Want to Make DIY Smoother?

If you’re going the in-house route, here are a few tips to make life easier:

Use your printer’s “Labels” or “Heavy Paper” setting
Always run a test sheet on blank label paper first
Let printed labels sit for a few seconds before handling
Store label sheets flat and away from moisture
Use pre-sized templates—don’t try to wing it

Don’t Want the Hassle?

Our blank labels are made to work—no headaches, just reliable results. Whether you’re printing five or five hundred, you’ll get reliable blank labels that ship fast (and for free) so you can stay focused on your business. The best part? At Label Blanks, we sell blank labels in bulk quantities to give you the best price point for your next DIY label adventure.