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Costs & ROI

Everything you need to know about the costs and return on investment of printing color labels in-house. Discover how you save, what to take into account, and when your investment pays off

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What does it cost to print a label yourself (ink, material)?
The cost per printed label depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Label size: the larger the label, the higher the cost per unit.
  • Color coverage: labels with a lot of color or images use more ink.
  • Material choice: paper types and synthetic labels vary greatly in price.
Calculation example: A 10×15 cm label with approximately 50% color coverage costs on average between €0.05 and €0.15 in ink. The material additionally costs approximately €0.02 to €0.10 per label. For more insight, download the PDF with ink cost examples.

What does an Epson ColorWorks printer cost and what additional expenses are there?
The costs of an Epson ColorWorks color label printer vary greatly depending on the model and specifications. In addition to the purchase price of the printer, you should take into account additional costs such as:

  • Ink cartridges (periodically replaced)
  • Maintenance box (replaceable with intensive use)
  • Label material (costs vary greatly depending on the material and size)
  • Optional: additional warranty or service contracts (CoverPlus)
Want to view current prices and models? Visit our Epson ColorWorks printer category in our webshop for a complete and up-to-date overview.

How quickly do I recoup my investment when printing labels myself?
How quickly you recoup your investment depends mainly on how many labels you print annually:

  • With small print runs (from 100 to 1,000 labels per month), the investment can be recouped within 1–2 years.
  • With larger print runs (more than 1,000 labels per month), it is often more cost-effective than outsourcing within just a few months.
Tip: Want to calculate exactly what your break-even point is? Feel free to contact us — we are happy to help you with a customised calculation.

Are there hidden costs when printing color labels yourself?
No, Epson ColorWorks printers are transparent in terms of running costs. However, it is good to take the following into account:

  • Ink cartridges: these need to be replaced periodically.
  • Maintenance box: depending on usage, this needs to be replaced a few times per year.
  • Maintenance: occasional replacement of the cutter unit with intensive use (only on Ae models).
We are happy to advise you in advance on realistic running costs.

Is printing labels in color more expensive than black-and-white labels?
In general, color labels are slightly more expensive than black-and-white labels due to higher ink costs. However, color labels offer clear advantages such as better recognizability and brand appeal. Thanks to efficient pigment inks, costs remain manageable, especially at lower and medium print runs. That said, there are also applications such as logistics where the cost per label can actually be lower compared to traditional thermal labels.
Do labels become cheaper when I print more?
Yes, the more labels you print, the lower the cost per unit becomes. This is because your fixed costs (such as purchasing the printer and maintenance) can be spread across more labels. Your label rolls also quickly become cheaper when order quantities increase. In the Businesslabels webshop you will already find many standard volume pricing tiers, and custom solutions for large quantities are often even more cost-effective. In addition, larger cartridges for the bigger Epson ColorWorks models are more economical per ml of ink. This makes higher print runs more cost-efficient.
Is it cheaper to have labels printed externally at large volumes?
At extremely large volumes (above 20,000 labels of exactly the same design), having them printed externally can quickly become cheaper. On the other hand, printing them yourself at these quantities still offers advantages such as flexibility, variable data, and fast turnaround times that cannot be expressed in monetary terms.
How long do Epson ColorWorks printers last on average?
Epson ColorWorks printers are designed for long-term intensive use. On average, an Epson color label printer lasts at least 5 years with daily intensive use. With proper maintenance and normal use, a lifespan of 7–10 years is very achievable.
How can I save on label and printing costs?
You can save costs by:

  • Creating efficient designs with less ink coverage.
  • Fully utilizing cartridges before replacing them.
  • Choosing larger cartridges with a better price-to-quality ratio.
  • Choosing more affordable materials when high durability is not required.
Are the costs for colorfast pigment labels higher than for labels with dye ink?
The price differences between pigment and dye ink labels are limited, but pigment labels offer significantly higher durability (water-, UV- and chemical resistant). The higher durability can ultimately save costs because labels need to be replaced less quickly in demanding applications.
From what print run is a dedicated color label printer cost-effective?
With regular use from a few hundred labels per month, it is more cost-effective than outsourcing. You save costs, gain flexibility, and avoid inventory risks. But even at much smaller or larger print runs, a color label printer quickly becomes an attractive option.
What does it cost to print a color label?
The cost per label depends on the design, label material, and size. We are happy to provide a cost estimate for your situation. Want to get an idea in advance? Then read our PDF about ink costs.

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