LabelDrive: A paradigm shift in label procurement
                     LabelDrive: A paradigm shift in 
label procurement
 Introduction
 When selecting a label supplier, many procurement managers and executives fall into 
the trap of focusing on unit costs. While a lower price per label might seem the best 
option, this narrow focus often overlooks the hidden costs associated with traditional 
procurement models. Adding to this problem is printers are conditioned to sell volume, 
often leaving PLMs holding the bag of excess inventory that risks obsolescence, 
damage, or loss); long lead times and inflexible ordering processes further inflate the 
total cost beyond initial expectations.
 Enter LabelDrive a solution that helps private label manufacturers (PLMs) slash costs, 
streamline procurement, and gain control of their supply chain. With LabelDrive, the 
focus shifts from unit costs to total cost savings. Here’s why that change in perspective 
is critical for your business.
 The real problem: bulk buying and inflexibility
 To combat long and inconsistent lead times, PLMs are often forced to bulk buy labels 
just to secure a better price point or avoid stockouts. This bulk buying may reduce unit 
costs on paper, but it ties up valuable capital in excess inventory that could become 
obsolete with a simple design or regulatory change.
 In addition, brands are unable to vary their label designs for market testing or enhanced 
customer engagement (promotions, holidays, events, new sales channels, 
demographics, recipes, etc.), leaving them stuck with a "one-size-fits-all" approach. 
Without the ability to quickly produce press samples or adapt labels for different events 
or promotions, businesses miss out on valuable opportunities to connect with their 
customers.
 If these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many PLMs face these exact issues, 
driving up total costs far beyond the initial price of the labels themselves.
 The solution: LabelDrive
 LabelDrive is a game-changer that eliminates traditional label procurement constraints, 
inefficiencies, and hidden costs. It offers PLMs an on-demand label procurement 
platform with features that provide unprecedented flexibility, transparency, and control 
while realizing cost savings of up to 60% (see case study at the end of this article).
 Here’s what makes LabelDrive stand out:
• On-demand: Get 48-hour turnarounds or opt for a consistent weekly (or biweekly, etc.) 
inventory refresh, giving you just-in-time delivery without bulk buying or carrying excess 
inventory.
• No minimum order quantities (MOQs): LabelDrive eliminates the burden of high-cost 
MOQs, allowing you to order exactly what you need for your current production cycle—
nothing more, nothing less.
• Branded procurement platform: With a fully branded label procurement and 
management platform, you gain full control and visibility over the entire label 
procurement process, from order to delivery.
 The benefits of shifting focus to total cost savings
1. Slash costs: By using LabelDrive, you can reduce total costs by up to 60%. The savings 
come from more than just a lower unit cost:
o No excess inventory means less wasted, lost, or damaged stock.
o Reduced stock audits and storage costs free up capital.
o No risk of holding obsolete labels due to regulatory or design changes.
2. Flexible procurement: Instead of being locked into bulk purchasing to hit price points, 
you can order only what you need for your current production schedule. This flexibility 
helps free up cash flow,  reduces warehouse space requirements, and allows you to 
respond quickly to market demands.
3. Targeted consumer engagement: With fast 48-hour turnarounds, you can vary label 
designs for events, seasonal promotions, A/B testing, new sales channels, and more. 
This agility allows you to customize your labels for specific demographics, social causes, 
or promotional events, boosting consumer engagement and increasing sales.
4. Streamlined & automated procurement: LabelDrive automates and consolidates the 
entire procurement process, eliminating back-and-forth emails, phone calls, and status 
checks. This reduces errors and speeds up the flow of information, removing friction 
from your supply chain.
5. Full supply chain visibility & control: LabelDrive provides predictable lead times, 
meaning you can plan your supply chain with confidence. With complete visibility into 
the production and shipment of your labels, you’ll never be in the dark again. This 
transparency enables better decision-making, reduces waste, and minimizes the risk of 
production delays.
6. Consolidated procurement: By consolidating your label procurement with LabelDrive, 
you can take advantage of group pricing, lowering costs for all your brands and private 
label customers. With one centralized supplier, procurement becomes easier to 
manage, and costs are reduced across the board.
7. Boost sales & foster innovation: LabelDrive supports the growth of startups and 
smaller brands by providing them with faster, cheaper, and more flexible label options. 
By eliminating traditional constraints like long lead times and MOQs, PLMs can foster 
innovation and grow alongside emerging brands.
8. Generate new revenue streams: LabelDrive’s branded reseller platform allows you to 
add a markup to label prices for your customers, creating an entirely new revenue 
stream for your business. Alternatively, you can pass on the cost savings directly to 
your customers, strengthening your relationship and building loyalty.
 How much does LabelDrive cost?
 Implementing LabelDrive is free because it streamlines and automates the procurement 
process and eliminates errors for all parties involved, providing you with faster service 
and enabling our team to scale without hiring more customer service reps.
 Conclusion: focus on the big picture - total cost savings
 Focusing solely on unit costs when choosing a label supplier can lead to hidden 
expenses and inefficiencies that drive up your total cost of ownership. LabelDrive shifts 
the focus from the price per label to total cost savings, providing procurement flexibility, 
reduced inventory waste, and increased supply chain control.
 Don’t let the illusion of lower unit costs cloud your judgment. By embracing LabelDrive, 
you can unlock significant savings, enhance your operations, and set your business up 
for long-term success.
 Want to see how much you can save with LabelDrive? Try our new TOTAL Costs 
Calculator.
 For more information or a demo, please contact Mark Pohlkamp at 513-260-4400 or 
[email protected] or visit Think Different Print.