Inkjet Roll Labels vs. Going Custom: Which Is Right for Your Brand?

When you’re building a brand, every detail matters, right down to the labels on your products. After all, labels aren’t just stickers; they’re your handshake with your customer, your chance to say “this is who we are” before a single word is spoken.

But when it comes to printing, businesses often face a choice: do you grab an inkjet roll label printer for DIY jobs, or invest in custom professionally printed labels? Let’s break it down.

The Case for Inkjet Roll Labels

Inkjet roll printers let you print labels in-house, on demand. Sounds convenient, right? And in some cases, it is.

Pros:

Flexibility: Need just a few labels? No problem, you can print them instantly.
Fast iterations: Great for testing product samples, prototypes, or short runs.
Lower upfront costs: If you’re printing super small quantities, it might save you some money in the short term.

Cons:

Quality limitations: Inkjet labels often can’t match the crispness, vibrancy, and durability of professional printing.
Material restrictions: Options are limited; you can only print on what your machine supports.
Hidden costs: Ink, maintenance, and time spent managing the printer can add up fast.
Brand perception: DIY labels can sometimes look… well, DIY. And in competitive markets, that can cost you sales.

The Power of Going Custom

Custom printed labels give you more than just your brand on a roll; they give you consistency, polish, and flexibility at scale.

Pros:

Professional quality: Sharp details, bold colours, and finishes that pop.
Endless options: From waterproof laminates to specialty foils and unique shapes, your labels can match your exact vision.
Scalable: Whether you need 500 or 50,000, you get consistent, high-quality results every time.
Time-saving: No troubleshooting printers, no ink refills, just ready-to-apply labels.
Stronger brand impact: Custom labels elevate your product, making it look established, trustworthy, and retail-ready.

Cons:

Minimum orders: Many printers require massive commitments, but Altro’s low $350 MOQ means even small and growing brands can access premium custom labels.
Lead times: Sure, custom takes planning, but Altro offers a 2-day rush option to keep you covered when timelines get tight.

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you’re just starting out, experimenting, or printing a handful of samples, inkjet roll labels might work. But if you’re ready to scale, grow your presence on shelves, and give your customers an unforgettable first impression, custom labels are the way to go.

At Altro Labels, we help brands at every stage turn packaging into an extension of their story. Whether you’re ready for your first retail launch or preparing to scale nationwide, we’ve got the materials, finishes, and expertise to make your products shine.

Would you like to discuss what custom labels might look like for your brand? Let’s chat.