FAQs
Answers to common questions about blank labels, materials, printer compatibility, shipping, ordering, and product support.
Choosing the Right Label
What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?
Direct thermal labels use heat-sensitive material and print without a ribbon. They are commonly used for shipping, barcode, inventory, and other short- to medium-term applications.
Thermal transfer labels require a compatible ribbon and are often selected when greater print durability or longer-term readability is needed.
Do direct thermal labels require a ribbon?
No. Direct thermal printers create the printed image directly on heat-sensitive label material, so no ribbon is required.
Do thermal transfer labels require a ribbon?
Yes. Thermal transfer printing requires a compatible ribbon to transfer the image onto the label.
OpStrata sells thermal transfer labels but does not currently sell printing ribbons.
How do I know which label size I need?
Confirm the space available on the carton, container, product, bin, or other surface. Also consider how much information needs to fit on the label, including addresses, barcodes, product details, lot numbers, or handling instructions.
What does core size mean?
Core size is the inside diameter of the cardboard or plastic center around which roll labels are wound. The core must fit your printer or label-handling equipment.
What does roll OD mean?
OD means outside diameter. It is the total diameter of the finished label roll.
Even when the individual label dimensions and core size are correct, a roll may not fit if its outside diameter is too large for the printer.
How do I know whether a label will fit my printer?
Confirm the specifications for your exact printer model, including:
- Print method
- Maximum media width
- Core size
- Maximum roll outside diameter
- Media sensing method
- Winding direction, when required
OpStrata does not guarantee compatibility based only on the printer brand.
What is the difference between paper and synthetic labels?
Paper labels are commonly used for controlled indoor applications such as shipping, warehousing, inventory, and routine identification.
Synthetic labels may provide greater resistance to moisture, tearing, abrasion, temperature changes, or environmental exposure, depending on the construction.
What adhesive should I choose?
The adhesive should match the application surface, temperature, environment, and required label life.
Permanent adhesive is commonly used when the label needs to remain attached. Removable adhesive may be appropriate when the label needs to come off more cleanly.
Testing is recommended for unusual surfaces or demanding environments.
Product Quantities and Ordering
Can I order a single roll, or are all labels sold by the case?
All OpStrata labels are sold in full case quantities. The number of rolls or sheets included in each case is listed on the product page.
How do I request pallet or volume pricing?
Use the pallet or volume-pricing request link on the applicable product page or submit a request through the Request a Quote or Product Assistance page.
Include the product, estimated quantity, delivery location, and anticipated ordering frequency.
Can I order a label size that is not listed?
Yes. Submit a custom-label quote request with the required dimensions, material, adhesive, print method, application, and estimated quantity.
Can I reorder the same products later?
Yes. Your Shopify account and order history can help identify previously purchased products. You can also contact our team if you need help confirming a prior item or recurring requirement.
Shipping and Fulfillment
How is shipping calculated?
Shipping charges are calculated during checkout based on the order and delivery information.
Large, pallet, or special-handling orders may require a separate freight review.
When will my order ship?
Availability and fulfillment timing can vary by product and order quantity. Order information and updates will be provided as the order is processed.
Contact our team before ordering if you have a firm required-delivery date.
How will I receive tracking information?
Tracking information will be sent when it becomes available for the shipment.
Can large orders require additional lead time?
Yes. Large-volume, pallet, custom, or recurring orders may require additional production, inventory confirmation, freight coordination, or scheduling.
Submit the request early when the labels are needed for a specific launch, production run, or operational deadline.
Can I request expedited shipping?
Expedited options depend on product availability, fulfillment timing, carrier service, and the size of the order. Contact us before ordering if you have an urgent requirement.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?
Contact OpStrata promptly with the order number, affected product, quantity, and photos when applicable.
Keep the packaging and products available while the issue is reviewed. Do not discard damaged material until you receive further instructions.
Custom Labels and Specialty Projects
What information is needed for a custom-label quote?
Helpful information includes:
- Label dimensions
- Material
- Adhesive
- Application surface
- Printing requirements
- Colors or artwork
Environmental exposure- Estimated quantity
- Required timing
- Current label sample, when available
You can submit the information you currently have. Our team can help identify what else is needed.
Can OpStrata help with chemical or GHS labels?
Yes. OpStrata can help evaluate the physical label construction, including size, material, adhesive, printing method, and application environment.
The organization supplying or using the chemical remains responsible for chemical classification, required regulatory content, final artwork, and compliance approval.
Can OpStrata help with RFID labels?
Yes. RFID projects require information about the RFID system, item and packaging, printer or encoder, label placement, encoding requirements, environment, and estimated quantity.
Testing the complete application is normally an important part of approving an RFID label.
Does OpStrata create the regulatory content for chemical labels?
No. OpStrata does not classify chemicals or determine the regulatory statements, pictograms, signal words, or precautionary information required for a specific product.
Customers should provide approved content based on current safety data and applicable requirements.
Can OpStrata print variable information on labels?
Variable-data projects may include changing barcodes, serial numbers, lot numbers, dates, identifiers, or other information.
Submit the project requirements, data format, label specifications, quantity, and verification needs for review.
Replenishment and Product Support
What is a managed label replenishment program?
Managed replenishment is a planned approach to recurring label needs. Depending on the program, it may include expected products, quantities, reorder points, reminders, scheduled reviews, or recurring shipments.
The specific process depends on usage, storage, lead times, order volume, and the products involved.
Who should consider a replenishment program?
A replenishment program may be useful when:
- The same labels are ordered repeatedly
- Running out would interrupt operations
- Several departments or locations use the same products
- Usage is reasonably predictable
- Emergency orders or expedited shipping have become common
Can someone help me choose a stock label?
Yes. Use the Blank Label & Product Assistance form and include the label size, print method, core size, roll diameter, application, quantity, and printer model when available.
What should I do if I am not sure which form to use?
Use the Request a Quote or Product Assistance page. Select the option that most closely matches your need, or choose General Inquiry when you are unsure.
Still Need Help?
Our team can help with stock labels, custom projects, product selection, volume orders, RFID, chemical-label constructions, and replenishment planning.