Companies of all sizes want and need specialized barcoded stickers for their products but there are so many different sizes, adhesives, materials, and colors to choose from. The first thing a company decision maker needs to do is get an idea in his/her mind of what they want the bacoded sticker to look like. They need to determine what it will be applied to, what size they want, how many of these they need, and if they will be preprinted or blank. If they are to be preprinted, the company decision maker will need to be able to provide the label manufacturer with artwork and/or color schemes. One important thing to remember is that all sticker prices are based on quantity. The more stickers that are quoted the less expensive they are per sticker.
If you want to purchase the sticker blank and print on it yourself, you need to make sure the sticker is compatible with your particular printers. You will need to know whether the barcoded stickers are direct thermal (when the image is created by direct heat from the print head as opposed to a ribbon) or thermal transfer (when the image is created by the melting of wax, wax/resin, or resin from the ribbon onto the sticker from the print head heat). 
There are also high gloss and semi gloss options. High gloss is a very bright and shiny material that gives your sticker a flashier look. Semi gloss is basically the same with just a bit less shine.
If they need a stronger, more durable sticker, polyester would be a wise choice because its’ properties make it highly water, UV, scratch, and chemical resistant. Companies could then put these on products that will be stored outside or in harsh environments that include chemical exposure and physical abuse because polyester also won’t tear near as easily as paper. Please be advised that if you decide to thermal transfer print these on your own, you will need to use a wax/resin or full resin ribbon. This is because a regular wax ribbon will not adhere well to the polyester and will smear right off. The wax/resin ribbon and full resin ribbon require more heat from the print head and bonds more effectively to the polyester.
Adhesives are another important aspect of the sticker. Here are some adhesive options to keep in mind. Permanent adhesive is the most common adhesive because most people intend for their stickers to stay attached to the products they adhere them to. However, some companies may want their stickers to be removable. Removable adhesive is also available for different types of applications. Another option is an ultra removable adhesive. This adhesive not only allows the sticker to be easily removed but also allows it to be reapplied to other surfaces. For applications that require strict adherence, there is an aggressive adhesive option. Once a barcoded sticker that is equipped with aggressive adhesive is applied, it is very difficult to remove it especially without destroying the sticker. This option is great for long term and stationary labeling.
You will need to consider perforations. Some companies run their stickers through a label applicator. Stickers that go through a label applicator must not have a perforation because the applicator is very sensitive and the suction that is used to take the sticker from the liner could tear at the perforation or the suction could escape through the holes in the perforation. A perforation is also a little bit more expensive so companies can avoid perforation charges by avoiding a perforated sticker. Perforations are suggested though if you need to separate stickers easily. They make it much easier to detach a sticker from the printer.
Here are a few good printer suggestions if you choose to print your own barcoded stickers. If your company needs a professional looking hi gloss or semi gloss label, they should consider a Primera LX400 or LX810. This is a full color inkjet printer that is capable of printing hi quality colored stickers. The LX400 can print stickers from 1 inch wide to 4.25 inches wide by 24 inches long and has a print resolution of 4800 dpi (Dots per inch). The LX810 is the same printer except it can print sticker from 1.5 inches wide to 8.25 by 24 inches long and also has a print resolution of 4800 dpi. There is also a matte finish sticker that works with this printer. Zebra and Datamax provide some quality printers for hi quantity and low quantity sticker runs. Zebra’s TLP and LP series printers are desktop models that are for short quantity sticker runs and they also have a XiIII series for hi quantity sticker runs. Datamax offers the E-class desktop model that is great for short quantity sticker runs and the I-class model for hi quantity sticker runs.
No matter what type of barcoded sticker your company is looking for, there are plenty of solutions in the sticker and barcode industry today. Just contact a sticker manufacturer and they will be able to explain all the possibilities that are included in this article and many more.
