3 Signs You Are Ready To Stop Labelling By Hand

If you’re a small business owner still labelling your products manually, you’re not alone. Most small businesses start by hand-applying labels to jars, bottles, boxes or pouches—especially when selling at markets, through Etsy, or via a small e-commerce store. At this stage, manual labelling is low-cost, flexible, and gives you complete control.

But as your business grows, your processes need to grow with it. At a certain point, labelling products by hand can become time-consuming, inconsistent, and wasteful, ultimately holding your business back.

So, how do you know when it’s time to invest in a labelling machine?

Here are three clear signs that you’re ready to upgrade—and why a labelling machine could be one of the smartest investments for your production process.

Your Sales Are Growing

Every business wants to grow. But with that growth comes greater demand and tighter turnaround times. If you’re finding that you’re spending evenings or weekends applying labels to fulfil orders, or constantly working overtime to stay on top of packing, that’s a red flag.

A surge in orders is great—but only if you can meet them efficiently. Hand-labelling quickly becomes a bottleneck when you’re dealing with dozens (or hundreds) of products each week.

A labelling machine can dramatically speed up your workflow, letting you label more products in less time—with fewer hands involved. That means faster dispatch times, less stress, and more time for business development.

Your Labels Are Inconsistent

Manual labelling can lead to common issues: labels being applied crooked, bubbling under the surface, or adhesive not sticking properly. This is especially true when you’re rushing to meet shipping deadlines.

While these imperfections might have been manageable early on, they become more noticeable—and damaging—as your customer base grows. Inconsistent or messy labels can affect how people perceive your brand and your product’s quality, especially if you’re selling in retail environments or online marketplaces where presentation matters.

A labelling machine ensures consistent placement every time. Whether you’re applying labels to curved bottles or flat cartons, automation gives your packaging a professional finish that builds brand trust.

You’re Wasting A Lot Of Labels

Applying labels by hand often leads to waste. You might accidentally tear a label when peeling it from the backing, apply it unevenly and have to remove it, or damage the product in the process. All of this adds up—costing you money, time, and resources.

If you’re throwing away multiple labels every day due to manual errors, it’s time to calculate the cost. A labelling machine can reduce waste significantly, by applying labels cleanly and accurately on the first try.

Lower waste not only means lower costs, but also a more sustainable and efficient workflow—especially important if you’re aiming for eco-conscious operations.

Is a Labelling Machine Right for Your Business?

If any of these signs sound familiar, your business is likely ready to upgrade from hand labelling. Fortunately, labelling machines are more accessible than ever—with models available for everything from cylindrical bottles to flat surfaces, and budgets of all sizes.

By investing in labelling equipment, you can:

• Save hours of manual labour
• Improve consistency and appearance
• Reduce label waste and production errors
• Scale up confidently and efficiently

There are so many types of labelling machines to choose from, and choosing the right one to move away from manual hand labelling can make a big difference to your business. Many brands choose to move to a manual label applicator such as a print and apply labelling machine, before eventually moving up to a fully automated advanced labelling system. For more information on purchasing your first labelling machine, contact us today.