Seven Questions to Ask Before Buying New Food Labels
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Before replacing food labels, ask suppliers for specifications that match your containers, writing method and cleaning routine. Use the same seven questions for each quote so the answers are directly comparable.
Send this supplier checklist
- What are the exact label dimensions, usable writing area and labels per roll?
- Which surfaces has this exact product been tested on?
- What is the minimum application temperature, and what holding range is specified?
- What moisture exposure is supported, including condensation or splashes?
- Which writing tools are recommended, and can we test them on a sample?
- How should this label be removed, and what washing conditions are required?
- What are the delivered price, order quantity and confirmed replenishment lead time?
Add the kitchen’s own requirements
Attach photos or measurements of the smallest bottle and largest tub. State whether you need blank space or preprinted fields. If a product must work on chilled plastic, say when staff apply it and whether the surface is dry.
Turn answers into a trial
Ask for enough samples to cover prep, holding, service and removal. Record any qualification in the supplier’s response. “No residue” without a named surface and removal method is less useful than instructions you can reproduce.
Approve before buying in volume
Keep the completed checklist with the trial results. Resolve essential unanswered questions before committing to a case, and confirm the live product specification at reorder rather than relying on an old photo.