You’re looking for the right labeler for your production line, but you’re on a budget. How do you pick a labeling machine? How do you balance your business’s production needs with your need not to blow that budget to smithereens? You may also be wondering: Why do some labelers cost as much (or as little) as they do?
Let’s take a look at the various factors that, collectively, contribute to the cost!
Labeling Machines Construction
This one’s pretty basic: A bigger packaging machine is going to cost more than a smaller one, thanks to the costs of materials. For instance, Accutek’s line of tabletop semi-automatic labelers—the SPS—costs less than the APS or PSA, our automatic labelers that are, let’s just say, not exactly easy to place on a tabletop.
Labeling Machine Capacity
A machine that’s able to accommodate more or larger containers is going to be more expensive. Take our APS line, for example; the APS108 costs more than the APS-106. Why? Because the 108 has a wider conveyor, so it can label bigger containers.
Labeling Machines Capabilities
As a machine’s capabilities increase, so does the price. To give a basic example, a labeling machine that can tilt for square/tapered containers is going to cost more than one that can’t. So naturally, the most expensive labeler is going to be the one with the most onboard features, and the cheapest is going to be the one that can carry out just the bare labeling minimum.
Labeling Machine Upgrades
Adding upgrades will also inevitably bring up the cost of your labeling machine, whether that’s a tamp station—which you can use to apply wraparound labels on flat surfaces—or a clear label sensor—which makes it easier to detect a label instead of its backing when you’re using a clear or translucent label.
Which upgrades you opt to pay for should align with your production needs; you don’t need to buy a fancy add-on if its purpose isn’t compatible with your production line.
Why Pay for More?
It’s understandable if you’re questioning whether it’s worth it to pay a lot of money for a labeling machine. But the benefits are clear: Purchasing a machine for labeling leads to a positive return on investment, though it may be a few years before you see it.
When you buy a labeling machine, you decrease how much you spend on labor and the amount of human error. You’ll see greater accuracy and consistency in labeling, which will increase the overall quality of your output and the efficiency in your production line. This will reflect in your relationship with your customers, who will see that you’re committed to producing a high-quality product.
It doesn’t hurt that labelers are fun to use and can give you a sense of satisfaction from how much they can improve your production process.
If you’re interested in labelers but are unsure how best to invest in one this article can help you in your decision How Labeling Machines Improve Compliance and Brand Trust. Give us a call, we’ll be happy to talk to you about our various labelers and what they can do for you.
