Product Label Pricing: Cost Per Label for Candles, Soap and Small Batch Brands
How to find your cost per product label and what to charge for custom labels: label stock, ink, cutting and waste, with examples for candles, soap and jars.
In this guide
Labels make a product look professional, and they are part of your cost to make. Whether you print labels at home or order rolls, knowing your cost per label helps you price your products and decide when to switch suppliers. This guide shows how to cost labels and how to price them if you make labels for others.
- Cost per label = label stock + ink + cut time + waste + setup share.
- A 2 in round label costs about $0.19 each to make yourself.
- Home printing is often cheaper for small batches. Ordered rolls can be cheaper for big runs.
- Add warning labels such as candle safety labels to your product cost.
Why labels matter for pricing
Labels are a small cost, but every product needs one or two. Missing them in your cost lowers your profit on every sale.
If you print labels for other brands, setup, proofs and waste become the big costs.
The steps
1. Find label stock cost
Divide sheet or roll price by labels.
2. Add ink
Estimate by coverage.
3. Add cutting time
Pre-cut sheets save time. Cutting machines take a few minutes per sheet.
4. Add waste
Add 5% to 10% for misprints.
5. Add setup share
Design and test prints shared across the run.
Worked example: cost per label at three sizes
$20 an hour for cutting and applying, 10% overhead. This is cost only, for your own products.
| 2 in round candle label | 2 x 3 in soap label | 3 x 4 in jar wrap label | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label stock | $0.05 | $0.08 | $0.15 |
| Ink | $0.03 | $0.05 | $0.08 |
| Waste (about 8%) | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.02 |
| Labor at $20.00/hr | 0.004 hr = $0.08 | 0.005 hr = $0.10 | 0.008 hr = $0.16 |
| Overhead (10%) | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.04 |
| Cost to make | $0.19 | $0.26 | $0.45 |
Labels cost a few cents to make yourself. Add that cost and any warning labels into your product price.
Pricing labels you make for other brands
| Quantity | 2 in round | 2 x 3 in | 3 x 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $0.68 | $0.79 | $1.05 |
| 100 | $0.47 | $0.58 | $0.84 |
| 250 | $0.35 | $0.46 | $0.72 |
| 500 | $0.31 | $0.41 | $0.67 |
Price per label with a $15 setup shared across the run, 35% profit and 3% card fees. Small runs are expensive per label, which is normal.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Leaving labels out of product cost. Every product needs labels. Add them.
- No waste allowance. Misprints happen. Add 5% to 10%.
- Wrong material. Candles and bath products often need oil or water resistant labels.
- Pricing custom labels with no setup. Small runs need a setup charge.
Label cost checklist
- Label stock cost per label.
- Ink by coverage.
- Cutting time.
- Waste allowance.
- Setup shared across the run.
- Warning labels included.
Find your cost per label
Type your label stock, ink and time into the peach cells. The calculator shows cost per label and price for custom orders.
Get the Product Label Cost CalculatorCalculators that help
- Wedding favor candles: Quote custom label candles. Use the Custom Label & Wedding Favor Candle Quote Calculator.
- Ink cost: Find ink cost per print. Use the Printer Ink Cost per Print Calculator – Cartridge Yield, Coverage, Safety Factor & Monthly Ink Cost.
- Packaging cost: Total packaging per order. Use the Packaging Cost per Order Calculator – Boxes, Filler, Tissue, Labels, Pack Time & Damage.
- Retail packaging: Cost packaging shops expect. Use the Retail-Ready Wholesale Packaging Calculator – Hang Tags, Header Cards, Barcodes & Cartons.
Common questions
How much does a product label cost?
Labels you print yourself often cost a few cents each.
Should I print labels or order them?
Home printing is often cheaper for small batches. Ordered rolls can be cheaper for big runs.
What label material is best for candles?
Many makers use waterproof or oil-resistant labels.
How do I price custom labels for others?
Charge setup and price by quantity.
Do I need warning labels?
Candles and some bath products need warning or ingredient labels. Check the rules for your product.
How do I reduce label waste?
Print a test sheet and check alignment first.
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