Overview & Specifications
What Are Promotional Labels?
Promotional labels are temporary labels that add a promotion to a package that already exists. The box, bag, bottle or jar stays the same; the label carries the offer for the weeks it runs, then stops being applied.
Promotional Labels sit in PR & Promotions and are made as Custom Sticker Rolls, Custom Sticker Sheets or Custom Individual Stickers.
What it has to do
What a Promotional Label Has to Do
A promotional label has to be seen at the shelf, sit on packaging designed without it, and often come off when the promotion ends. Each need below is matched to how it is met.
01
Seen
Seen at the Shelf
A bright shape, such as a starburst, flag or circle, with one short message ("20% more", "limited edition", "scan to win") reads at a glance from the aisle.02
Clear
Clear of the Barcode and Required Text
The label sits on a free area of the pack, so it does not cover the barcode or required product information. Position is set on the proof against the real pack artwork.03
Off
Off When the Offer Ends
A removable adhesive lets a retailer peel the label after the promotion. A permanent adhesive suits labels meant to stay, such as a limited edition mark.04
Applied
Applied at Line Speed
Rolls feed an applicator on the packing line, once label dimensions, spacing, core size and unwind direction are confirmed for the equipment. Sheets and singles suit hand application.
Promotional Label vs Reprinting the Package
A promotional label adds an offer for a few weeks without changing the pack; reprinting puts the offer into the pack itself. The table compares them.
| Attribute | Promotional Label | Reprinted Package |
|---|---|---|
| What changes | A label is added to the existing pack | The whole pack artwork changes |
| Stock already printed | Still used | Replaced or used up first |
| After the promotion | Label stops being applied, or is peeled off | Pack must be reprinted again |
| Best for | Short offers, contests, test promotions | Long-running or permanent changes |
Types of Promotional Labels
Limited-time offer labels, bonus or "extra free" labels, contest and sweepstakes labels, QR code labels, limited edition flags and seasonal labels. Offer terms and any required disclosures on the label are the brand's responsibility.
Promotional Labels Specifications
Promotional Labels are specified around the pack surface, the message, the format and the adhesive. Review the specifications below to plan the run.
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Promotional label applied over existing packaging |
| Category | PR & Promotions |
| Formats | Custom Sticker Rolls, Custom Sticker Sheets, Custom Individual Stickers |
| Dimensions | Custom width × height and shape |
| Material | SBS, kraft, metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured paper; PET, vinyl/PVC or BOPP film; clear and foil options |
| Adhesive | Permanent or removable, matched to the surface |
| Roll Setup | Label dimensions, spacing, core size and unwind direction confirmed for the applicator |
| Print Methods | Offset, digital, UV, screen or flexographic printing; full-color CMYK, spot color, white ink plus color |
| Finishes | Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV |
| Content | Offer, QR code and disclosures supplied by the brand; QR scanning confirmed on the printed sample |
| Starting Price | From $1.25 / unit; final price depends on size, material, print, finishes and quantity |
| Minimum Order | 500 units |
| Standard Production | 7 days from approved proof |
| Rush Production | Available on request |
| Shipping | USA and worldwide |
What Size Promotional Label Do I Need?
Measure the free area on the pack where the label can sit without covering the barcode or required text. Final size and shape are set on the approved proof.
| Measurement | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Pack surface | Box, bag, bottle, jar or film |
| Free area | Width and height clear of barcode and required text |
| Curve | Flat or round; diameter for bottles and jars |
| Application | Applicator (roll setup) or by hand |
Proof on the Pack Artwork
Place the label on the real pack artwork at proof stage, so its position is checked against the barcode and required text before printing.
What to Check Before Bulk Production
Review printed labels applied to the real pack. Record the approved material, adhesive and finish on the signed-off sample. Where a sample shows a problem, review the cause, revise the specification and confirm it on another sample.
| If the sample shows | Cause to review |
|---|---|
| Label edge lifts on a curved pack | Material stiffness and label size against the curve |
| Removable label leaves residue | Adhesive against the pack surface |
| Label covers required text | Position and size against the pack artwork |
| Roll will not feed the applicator | Label dimensions, spacing, core size and unwind direction |
Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately, so count back from the date labeling starts.
