What a busy year it’s been for us all at Hallmark Labels.
There’s a real ‘back to school’ energy at our HQ at this time of year. (It’s been a long time since any of us sat in a classroom, but that feeling of heading into the autumn and getting ready to get back to work never really leaves you, does it?)
Summer was a blast, but now it’s time to think ahead as the seasons shift and we hurtle towards the New Year at a ridiculous pace. This includes preparing for the Christmas rush, which is always full-on!
Here’s what’s new at Hallmark, some useful advice for your Christmas orders, and a reminder that we stock and print one of the most important anti-fraud products on the market.
Our online store is now live!
We’ve made it easier than ever to order your custom printed labels and merchandise from our UK-based business!
We recently launched our digital shop, which boasts a pretty impressive catalogue of products, if we do say so ourselves.
From branded stickers to security seals, custom zip lock polybags to bespoke swing tickets and thank you cards, you’ll find everything you need to make your brand merchandise stand out here.
The platform is easy to use and available 24/7 – so you can buy from us whenever you like. Visit it here.
And if you can’t spot what you need, or have something else in mind, simply give us a ring to discuss your requirements instead.
Have you placed your Christmas order yet?
We can’t believe we’re uttering the ‘C’ word, but the festive season is only a few months away – so if you haven’t yet talked to us about your Christmas-themed labels and packaging, now is the time to get in touch.
Ideally, you would have set up a schedule for your design, sampling, production, and delivery well before October. Our printers get swamped in Q4, and delays are common if you leave things to the last minute. That said, we do usually have some last-minute availability, so it’s not too late to book your slot, as long as you act quickly!
Here are the questions you need to ask yourself when you’re getting ready to order your Christmas merchandise from us:
Do you know precisely what you need?
Make sure you get your head around our lead times and minimum order quantities. You can always ask us about our design and material options, request samples, and double check things like durability – and you can ask us to run through the types of packaging we have available and our portfolio’s sizing, inks and finishes.
Have you defined your message and branding?
Decide what you want your campaign to focus on, whether it’s sustainability, price, uniqueness, or another USP. Make sure your website, social media, and any supporting channels reflect that message. Your packaging should align with your brand identity, not be totally alien from it.
Are you going to experiment with the latest design trends?
Don’t be afraid to include some playful touches in your order! Nostalgic designs are hot at the moment (especially those that emulate retro styles from the 90s and 2000s, and use art deco fonts), as well as slogans and designs that strike an emotional chord with customers. You can use ideas like these to keep your labels and packaging fresh, which is super important at Christmas time, because you need to work even harder to be seen and remembered!
Are you ready to make every detail count?
The small things – like your swing tags, branded tape, self-adhesive labels, and anti-return ribbons – can all boost the perceived value of your items and help to keep your goods safe and secure. Packaging that’s both attractive and functional will do the job perfectly, and you can even talk to us about incorporating eco-conscious materials and water-based inks into your order for added sustainability credentials.
Anti-return ribbons: the branded accessory with added security benefits
Anti-return ribbons, sometimes called tamper-evident ribbons, offer retailers like you a simple but highly effective way to cut down on fraudulent returns and protect your profits. Because the ribbon must usually be cut or removed before an item can be worn or used, it serves as clear proof that the product has remained untouched. This reduces losses from returns of used goods, saves staff time by making the validation process quick and straightforward, and gives your customers confidence that what they’re buying is in its original condition.
There’s also the option to print custom designs onto these ribbons, meaning they can be used as an opportunity to showcase your identity and hammer home your branding. A ribbon carrying your company’s logo, colours, or slogan will add undeniable professionalism to your merchandise and take the unboxing experience from good to great. Plus, custom designed ribbons can act as an additional safeguard, because unique designs are harder to replicate.
All in all, anti-return ribbons are a must for any business that wants to take its anti-fraud strategy seriously. If you still need more convincing, here are 5 reasons why you need to invest in branded ribbons right now.
Ready to buy? We offer our printed anti-return ribbons in 500 metre, 1000 metre and 2500 metre rolls, with separate pricing for white and black versions. Your logo or other branding can be added to the product for an additional charge of £48. We can also provide stock security stickers containing your bespoke design.
See what our ribbons look like and how they work here. We’ve also put together a handy explainer video!
Want to get hold of your order fast? No problem! Lead times are typically 2 to 3 days from signing off your artwork.
