What is the difference between a label and a custom sticker?
A label tells people what something is: it goes on a jar, box or bottle, usually in a simple shape, and often carries ingredients, a barcode or a batch number. A custom sticker is the item itself: something people peel off and put on a laptop, bottle or car. At Stickerine both are printed on waterproof, laminated vinyl.
| Label job | Identify a product on packaging |
|---|---|
| Sticker job | Merch, giveaway or decoration |
| Typical label shape | Rectangle, circle, oval |
| Typical sticker shape | Die-cut to the artwork |
| Free digital proof | Yes, on every order |
The short version
| Label | Sticker | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Names or describes a product | Is the product, or a giveaway |
| Where it goes | Jars, boxes, bottles, bags | Laptops, bottles, cars, notebooks |
| Shape | Usually a simple shape | Often cut to the outline of the art |
| Content | Brand, ingredients, barcode, batch | Logo, art, a message |
Which should you order?
If the sticker goes on something you sell and tells the buyer what's inside, order custom labels. If people will collect it, hand it out or stick it on their own things, order stickers.
Same material, different job
We print both on laminated vinyl, so they hold up to water, handling and condensation. Every order gets a free digital proof before printing, so you can check the size, text and cut line first.
Related questions
- Can a sticker be used as a product label?
- Yes. A laminated vinyl sticker works as a product label on jars, bottles and boxes. Labels just tend to use simple shapes and carry product information.
- Are your labels waterproof?
- Yes. Labels and stickers are printed on laminated vinyl and are waterproof.