If you've never ordered custom labels before, the process can feel like a black box. What file do they need? When do you pay? How do you know the colour will be right? The good news: it's a simple, predictable sequence — and one step matters more than all the others.
Here's the whole thing, step by step, so your first order goes smoothly and your bulk run comes out exactly as you approved.
The ordering process in 6 steps
Woven, satin, printed or care? What finished size in mm?
Vector file, fonts outlined, colours set.
Send spec + quantity for a price.
Check colour, feel, size on the real material.
Production runs against your approved sample.
Compare the bulk against your sample.
What you need before you start
- Vector file (AI/EPS/PDF/SVG)
- Fonts outlined
- See our artwork setup guide
- Finished size in mm
- Material and fold
- Pantone colours + quantity
If you're unsure about size, material or fold, don't worry — share what you have and we'll advise before quoting. See our size guide and fold guide for reference.
The one step that matters most: sampling
Always sample before bulk. A screen can't show you the true colour or feel of a woven or printed label. A small sampling charge lets you approve colour, feel, size and finish on the real material — and protects you from an expensive wrong bulk run. This is the single most important step.
When your sample arrives, check it against four things: colour (does it match your brand?), feel (soft enough for the garment?), size (right against a real product?), and finish (fold and edges clean?). Only approve when all four are right.
Starting small on your first order
You can order from a low minimum, which suits first-time brands and small batches. Per-piece cost drops sharply with volume, so many founders order a slightly larger quantity of a reusable neck label while keeping other labels small. A small first run lets you test both your design and the process before scaling up.
For pricing by quantity, see our 2026 label price guide; for how low you can start, our low-MOQ sourcing guide.
After the bulk arrives
When your labels arrive, compare the bulk against your approved sample for consistency (see our QC checklist). Keep the approved sample safe — it's your reference for future reorders, so the same look is reproduced batch after batch.
The short answer
Ordering custom labels is a simple six-step flow: decide type and size, prepare artwork, get a quote, approve a sample, place the bulk order, receive and check. Have your vector artwork, size in mm, material, fold, colours and quantity ready before you start. Above all, always approve a physical sample for colour, feel, size and finish before bulk — it's the one step that protects your whole order. You can start from a low minimum. Send us your artwork and spec and we'll quote and sample so your first order comes out right.
