What Most Businesses Get Wrong About Labels (And How to Fix It)

Labels seem simple — until they fail.

Peeling edges, unreadable barcodes, fading ink, or labels that won’t adhere in real-world conditions are common problems businesses face when labels are treated as an afterthought instead of a system.

At Maverick Printing & Creative, we help Reno and Northern Nevada businesses design and produce labels that actually work — not just labels that look good on a proof.

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Labels Are an Operational Tool, Not Just a Graphic

A label isn’t decoration. It’s often responsible for:

• Identification

• Tracking and inventory

• Compliance and safety

• Branding and presentation

• Logistics and fulfillment

When labels fail, it impacts operations, not just aesthetics.

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Mistake #1: Choosing Label Materials Based on Price Alone

One of the most common mistakes is selecting label materials without considering where and how they’ll be used.

Common oversights include:

• Using paper labels in moisture or heat

• Ignoring UV exposure

• Choosing adhesives without surface testing

Low-cost materials often fail quickly in real environments, leading to reprints, relabeling, and downtime.

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Mistake #2: Ignoring the Surface and Environment

Labels don’t live in perfect conditions.

Real-world factors include:

• Metal, plastic, cardboard, or textured surfaces

• Heat, cold, moisture, or chemicals

• Indoor vs outdoor exposure

• Handling, abrasion, and friction

The right label material and adhesive must match both the surface and the environment.

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Mistake #3: Treating Barcodes and Data as an Afterthought

For many businesses, labels carry critical data.

Problems arise when:

• Barcodes aren’t sized correctly

• Contrast is too low for scanners

• Variable data isn’t tested

• Printers and applicators aren’t considered

If a barcode doesn’t scan reliably, the label has failed — regardless of how it looks.

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Mistake #4: Designing Labels Without Application in Mind

Label application matters just as much as label design.

Issues we commonly see:

• Labels that wrinkle during application

• Adhesives that fail at speed

• Layouts that don’t account for wrap or placement

• Designs that don’t align with applicator tolerances

Designing labels without understanding application leads to inefficiencies and waste.

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Mistake #5: Assuming One Label Works for Everything

Different uses require different solutions.

For example:

• Warehouse labels vs product labels

• Short-term shipping labels vs long-term asset labels

• Marketing labels vs compliance labels

Trying to force one label solution across multiple use cases often creates avoidable problems.

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How to Fix These Label Issues

The solution is simple, but often overlooked: treat labels as a system, not a commodity.

That means considering:

• Material selection

• Adhesive performance

• Print method

• Data and barcode requirements

• Application and environment

This approach prevents failure before it happens.

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Why Maverick Takes a Systems-Based Label Approach

We help businesses think through labeling from start to finish — not just artwork.

Our label solutions support:

• Industrial and warehouse environments

• Packaging and fulfillment operations

• Product branding and marketing

• Compliance and identification

Explore our Custom Labels & Industrial Labeling Solutions:
https://maverickprinting.com/custom-labels-industrial-labeling-solutions-reno/

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Labels for Reno, Sparks & Northern Nevada Businesses

From manufacturing and logistics to food, beverage, and retail, we support businesses across Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada with labels designed for real conditions — including demanding industrial and warehouse environments.

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Need Help Fixing a Label Problem?

If labels are peeling, fading, failing to scan, or slowing down operations, we’re ready to help.

📩 Request a label consultation:
https://maverickprinting.com/contact-us/

📞 Talk with a labeling specialist
📍 Serving Reno, Sparks & Northern Nevada

Maverick Printing & Creative delivers labeling solutions built for durability, compliance, and real-world performance.