FAQ

Do you cater to individual customers?

We apologize, but we do not cater to individual customers. Our services are targeted towards corporate clients.

Do you offer free material samples?

We do offer free samples. However, in most cases, we ship the free samples after you have confirmed the price in the estimate. This allows you to get an idea of the cost and check the actual material.

Are free samples and prototypes different?

Yes, "free samples" and "prototypes" are different. Free samples refer to material samples or our achievement labels. A prototype is a paid service where we create a trial version of the sticker you want before the final production.

Can you print small quantities of stickers?

We can print small quantities, but the total cost for orders under 1000 pieces will be similar. We purchase materials in 100m units, so the unit price for small quantities (1-999 pieces) is higher. The unit price decreases as the quantity increases. For lower unit costs, we recommend ordering more than 3000 pieces. If you want to print 1 to a small number of stickers, using online printing services might be a better option.

What is the economical lot size?

It depends on the size, but generally, it is around 2000-3000 pieces or more. This quantity offers a lower unit price and is recommended. Stickers do not spoil, so producing more is not a problem.

Do you handle special colors?

Of course, it is possible. Please specify the number from the PANTONE or DIC color guide. If you do not have a color guide, you can provide us with the actual item, and we will match the color accordingly.

What is special color?

Special color refers to reproducing a color by mixing inks. Standard four-color printing reproduces colors by overlaying CMYK.
※CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black).

Do you accept credit cards?

We do not accept credit cards. All payments must be made via bank transfer.

What are the payment terms?

For the first transaction, we require prepayment. For subsequent transactions, we will bill according to your payment terms. If the amount for the first transaction is large, we can be flexible. We do not accept checks or promissory notes.

What information do I need to provide for inquiries?

Providing [Purpose of use], [Desired specifications], [Dimensions], [Number of colors], and [Quantity] will help us make accurate proposals. Contact us here.

How long does it take to get a quote?

We usually respond within 30 minutes to half a day during business hours. Special cases may take longer. Request a quote here.

What is the delivery time?

The delivery time will be stated on the quotation. For regular stickers, shipment is possible within about five business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from the order date. Special stickers may take longer. If you need to shorten the delivery time specified on the quotation (working business days) for your convenience, a rush fee will apply. Please plan and order early.

What is a plate?

A plate is a stamp needed for printing. The plate fee is charged only for the first order. If the design changes, a new plate fee will be incurred.

What is a cutting die?

A cutting die is a blade mold used to cut stickers. The more complex the shape, the higher the cost. The cutting die fee is charged only for the first order. If the design changes, a new cutting die fee will be incurred.

What is the storage period for plates and cutting dies?

We store plates and cutting dies for up to three years from the previous order. They will be discarded if they deteriorate and become unusable. If more than three years have passed since the last order, a new plate and cutting die fee will be incurred, even for reorders.

What is a prototype (proof)?

A prototype is a paid service where we create the same product as the final one. The prototype allows you to check the color and finish before mass production. Adjustments can be made if the prototype does not match your expectations. Complaints will not be accepted if a prototype was not made.

What is a color sample?

A color sample is a color reference provided by the customer. We print according to this color sample to achieve the desired color. Providing a color sample ensures that we can print the color to match your expectations. You can also specify the color number from PANTONE or DIC.

What is foil stamping?

Foil stamping is the process of heat transferring foil, such as gold, silver, or primary colors. For more details, please visit the foil stamping page.

What is embossing?

Embossing is the process of creating a raised or recessed design using a plate. For more details, please visit the embossing page.

What is potting?

Potting is the process of pouring resin onto a sticker and letting it solidify. For more details, please visit the potting page.

What are the types of sticker materials?

We offer both paper and film materials. You can choose according to your usage purpose. For more details, please visit the material lineup page.

What types of adhesives are available?

We offer various types of adhesives to suit different purposes. For more details, please visit the adhesive lineup page.

What are the delivery conditions for stickers?

We can deliver in sheets or rolls. Optimal sheet cutting is done to consider cost and usability. Specifying sheet sizes like A4 will increase the cost. For more details, please check the finishing image.

Is direct delivery possible?

Direct delivery is possible. You can also specify the sender. Instructions can be provided on the order form, which appears when you click the "Order" button on the PDF estimate.

Can I print stickers at home or using a convenience store printer?

Yes, it is possible. You can buy sticker paper from online stores or 100-yen shops like Daiso and print your original stickers at home using an inkjet or laser printer. This allows you to create custom stickers cheaply from a single sheet. For extremely low-cost printing, we recommend using printers at convenience stores.

※However, please note that household printers may not use waterproof pigments, which can cause smudging if exposed to water.

At Kojima Label Printing, we specialize in providing functional and attractive product stickers for corporate clients using medium-sized printing machines. Our strength lies in creating stickers that add value to your products.

Are there ways to print stickers cheaply?

Here are some tips to reduce costs:

1. Order directly from a specialized sticker printing company. Search for sticker printing companies online.
2. Design with easy-to-cut dimensions like rectangles or circles (e.g., 50×50mm). Using standard sizes may allow us to use existing dies, saving you around 1,000 to 8,000 yen.
3. Request letterpress printing, which is cheaper than offset printing by several thousand to tens of thousands of yen.
4. Choose economical materials like high-quality or art paper.
5. For monochrome designs, specify PANTONE (spot color) instead of four-color printing.
6. Skip lamination (surface protection film) if durability is not required.
7. Plan and manage internal work to avoid rush orders, as quick delivery is a service with additional costs.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

6 Tips for Ordering Stickers Cheaply

What are the printing methods for stickers?

At Kojima Label Printing, we offer four types of printing methods: letterpress, offset, silk screen, and inkjet printing. We select the printing method based on your needs, cost, quality, quantity, and the intended use of the stickers. If you have specific requirements, please let us know in advance.

Here are the differences between each printing method:

[Letterpress] The ink on the raised parts of the plate is transferred to the paper. This is the most common printing method for stickers, offering relatively low cost and high quality. Letterpress printing is not suitable for gradients, which are better handled by offset printing.

[Offset Printing] This method uses the repulsion of ink (oil) and water, transferring ink only to the printed areas. Offset printing is more expensive but provides high-quality results. It is ideal for reproducing detailed designs, such as high-resolution photos and gradients.

[Silk Screen Printing] Ink is applied to a mesh screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the open areas of the screen onto the sticker. Silk screen printing is more expensive but suitable for outdoor stickers. It is not ideal for fine details but offers durability and UV resistance.

[Inkjet Printing] Based on electronic data, pigment is sprayed from a nozzle onto the sticker. Inkjet printing is inexpensive and suitable for small quantities. However, the print speed is slow, making it costly for large orders. It is ideal for quantities up to about 100 pieces. Although the print quality is relatively rough, the pigment's durability makes it suitable for outdoor use.

For more details, please refer to the following page:

Printing Methods for Stickers

What types of sticker printing paper are available?

There are mainly two types of materials: "paper" and "film". You can choose according to your usage purpose. If you are looking for economical and affordable sticker printing, we recommend high-quality paper. For a luxurious and prominent appearance, Washi cotton is a good choice. For cost-effective and durable options, Yupo film is popular. We can propose sticker printing paper according to your application and requirements. Recently, there have been more inquiries about "environmentally friendly materials for stickers". If you want to check the image yourself, please see the details of the sticker printing paper.

How to make original transparent stickers?

Printing on transparent material completes the original transparent sticker. The transparent PET film has a smooth texture. Since it is transparent, the non-printed parts are not noticeable. It is highly durable and waterproof, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. This polyester film material is durable for outdoor use. For more details, please see the transparent PET film page.

Tell me about the adhesives for stickers.

There are various types of adhesives depending on the purpose of use, including general adhesive, strong adhesive, weak adhesive, removable adhesive, cold storage adhesive, frozen adhesive, and ham adhesive. Even general adhesive has strong adhesive strength and is used in most cases.

The choice of adhesive can be determined based on the purpose of the sticker and the substrate (the item to which it will be applied). A common mistake is choosing a strong adhesive, which can leave residue if not removed properly, or, conversely, choosing a strong adhesive that doesn't adhere well to the substrate, causing it to peel off within a few weeks.

Proposing the right material and adhesive is part of the job of each sticker and label printing company, so please feel free to consult with us. Contact us here.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

Adhesives for Stickers: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Adhesive for Your Needs

Differences between stickers, labels, and decals

Stickers, labels, and decals are adhesive materials used for different purposes and have various shapes, materials, and functions. Here are the differences between them:

[Stickers]
Stickers are adhesive materials used to attach designs or text printed on paper or plastic. They are generally applied to surfaces such as paper or plastic and are used indoors. There are various types of stickers with different finishes, colors, shapes, sizes, and printing techniques. For example, stickers can include printed photos, logos, text, or character stickers.

[Labels]
Labels are adhesive materials used to display information such as contents, usage instructions, and expiration dates on products. Labels typically include product names, brand names, ingredients, calories, nutritional information, barcodes, etc. Labels are used indoors but differ from decals used mainly outdoors. Their primary purpose is to display necessary information to maintain product quality.

[Decals]
Decals are adhesive materials used outdoors on vehicles, product packaging, etc. Decals are more durable and weather-resistant than stickers, with properties such as UV resistance and waterproofing. Decals include printed text and designs, such as car body decals and product decals.

These are the differences between stickers, labels, and decals.

Are there recommended sticker printing companies?

In short, there are many across the country. We recommend first searching online for "sticker printing companies" to find one that suits your needs.

Often, all printing is lumped together as something to consult a printing company about, but printing companies are categorized by their specialties. Each category has specialized printing companies, so it's important to consult a printing company that suits your needs. We specialize in high-quality sticker printing for corporate clients. If you need sticker or label printing, please feel free to consult with us. Contact us here.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

9 Recommended Sticker Printing Companies

Will the printed colors match what I see on my PC monitor?

No, they will not. The colors on PC monitors and smartphones vary by manufacturer, and even between Mac and Windows. The color calibration of monitors can differ from person to person, so the printed material will not exactly match what you see on your screen. There will be some color variation, which is unavoidable. For this reason, we recommend creating a prototype in advance to check the colors.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

Printed Colors Will Not Match Your Printer Colors

What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

In simple terms, RGB is for color representation on screens using light, while CMYK is for color representation suitable for printing. These two are different methods of color representation and should be used accordingly. When ordering sticker printing, always create data in CMYK.

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, representing the primary colors of light. RGB is suitable for color representation on screens and is used in computer monitors, displays, and smartphones.

On the other hand, CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key Plate (Black), representing the four-color process used in printing. CMYK is used in the printing process, where the four colors of ink are combined to create various colors.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

RGB is not for printing | Please create data in CMYK for sticker printing

How to specify PANTONE spot colors?

If you have specific color instructions for sticker printing, please check the PANTONE color guide and specify the number. PANTONE color guides are available for purchase online.

Note: Do not rely on the colors displayed on your PC monitor in Illustrator. Monitor colors vary by manufacturer and differ between Mac and Windows. Individual monitor color settings also vary, so the PANTONE colors you see on your PC monitor will not be accurate. If you do not have a PANTONE color guide, providing an actual color sample is acceptable. We prefer to receive color instructions using color guides or printed samples.

Specifying PANTONE colors for spot color printing involves:

  1. Accurate color specification: PANTONE is a color standard that guarantees accurate color reproduction. When specifying colors, it is essential to provide the PANTONE number from the color chip (color guide) to avoid any color discrepancies and achieve the desired color.
  2. Color confirmation: PANTONE colors may vary depending on the printer and paper type. Therefore, it is important to check color samples before printing. For critical colors, it is recommended to print a sample for confirmation.
  3. Ink mixing: Spot colors are created by mixing several inks. The printing company will mix the inks according to the specified PANTONE number.
  4. Printing material: The printing material can affect the quality and color reproduction. For example, high-quality or washi paper, which absorbs moisture, may result in slightly darker prints. Please be aware of this phenomenon, especially for light colors, and understand that while we strive to match your desired color, there may be slight variations.

By paying attention to these points, you can expect accurate color reproduction when specifying PANTONE colors.

For more details, please refer to the following articles:

Printed colors will not match the PANTONE colors you see on your PC monitor

Color Proofing for Sticker Printing | Essential Steps to Avoid Color Misunderstandings

What is the difference between four-color process and spot colors in sticker printing?

The "four-color process," known as CMYK, uses the four basic colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) to create a wide range of colors by overlaying them. Four-color process printing is a basic method used for many printed materials, including photos, illustrations, and graphics, producing colorful prints. In simple terms, four-color process printing affects the entire print area. The magazines you read are all printed using the four-color process.

On the other hand, "spot color" involves mixing inks to create the desired color. Spot color printing is used when you need to accurately reproduce a specific color, such as in company logos or product labels. In simple terms, spot colors are suitable for highlights. Four-color process printing cannot accurately reproduce spot colors, so if you need a specific color, use spot color printing.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

Explaining the Differences Between Four-Color Process and Spot Colors

What are the different finishing options for stickers?

Sticker finishing options include mainly five cutting methods: sheet cut, single cut, roll, straight cut, and die cut. Here are their main uses:

Sheet Cut - Multiple stickers are on a single sheet (product labels)
Single Cut - One sticker per sheet (stickers)
Roll - Stickers are wound on a tube (machine application/product labels)
Straight Cut - Stickers are cut into rectangles with straight edges (rectangular/stickers)
Die Cut - Stickers are punched out with a die (custom shapes/stickers)

When creating stickers and labels, it is important to consider the ease of application. Stickers can be applied automatically or manually to products, so please order according to your application needs. Get a quote here.

For more details, please refer to the following article:

Choose from Five Types of Finishes for Stickers According to Their Use

Is it possible to die-cut stickers into custom shapes?

Yes, it is possible. Die-cutting in sticker printing refers to cutting the sticker into specific shapes or sizes. Using a die, the sticker and its backing are cut out, allowing the creation of unique, custom stickers.

Many customers use this service to create novelty stickers for events and exhibitions, die-cutting their company logo or name into custom shapes.

Adding a single slit (back split) on the backing paper makes it easier to peel off the sticker and apply it. Complex shapes increase the cost of the die. Please feel free to consult with us first. Contact us here.

Freee Corporation Novelty Sticker Printing Example

Note Corporation Novelty Sticker Printing Example


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Contact

Feel free to contact us. Our response is very quick.

If you’ve decided on the specifications, we recommend checking the price. In most cases, we respond within half a day. Please provide the dimensions, colors, and quantity of the labels and stickers when making your request.