Almost everything in our lives has labels but we never think about them much until something is missing a label. Then things can get frustrating, as we may not know what an item is, where it belongs, or what it contains. Anyone in business knows the importance of custom labels, but sometimes we forget ordering or using them, or we run out at the most inopportune time. Other times we create extra work for ourselves by not using labels properly, or we miss out on important business opportunities because products aren't properly labeled.

So let's take a look at the different types and categories of tags and labels:

Promotional labels and bumper stickers are usually made of clear or color vinyl. They may be applied to a car and advertise a business. They may contain a political message, a flag, a sports team, or just some funny slogan. These decals and labels can, of course, be used outdoors and you can get them in any size or shape.

Product packaging labels are the colorful stickers that are on virtually every product on the market. That includes food labels, labels on computer hardware and software, pharmaceutical labels, as well as warning and instruction labels. These labels often include barcodes.

Garment fabric labels are the brand, size, origin and care tags sewn onto or into clothing. They can be woven or printed in a large variety of colors and fabrics, including Satin, Damask, Acetate, Taffeta or Cotton Twill.

Computer, audio and video labels are the labels used on software CDs and DVDs, on software product packaging, on al sorts of audio and videotapes, and on other storage and multimedia products. Since one cannot tell what is on a disk or tape, these labels are essential for product identification and also for a professional look.

Caution and DOT labels are the often mandatory warning and information labels that various governmental agencies require on products. Sizes, colors and content are often regulated, so make sure to get it exactly right!

Standard shipping labels come in all sorts and sizes. Most often, they contain the company name and address and a field for customer shipping information. Shipping labels can be laser labels, sheetfeed labels or even labels that you fill out by hand.

UPC and barcode labels are the very precise UPC registration or product barcode labels that are mandatory on many products. They are usually supplied as film negatives, paper, or electronic files.

Stock blank labels remain the labels of choice for those who print their own on laser printers, inkjet printers, dot matrix printers or specialty printers (like photo printers, label printers, etc.). These come in an almost unlimited variety of shapes and sizes, some of them standardized. Make sure the labels you order work with your software.

Having a good understanding of all custom label needs is an important part of most businesses. Make sure you have a master list of all the labels you need, how many you have, where you get them from, and perhaps even a list of label projects that could expand your business!