How long do label orders take?

29 October 2026 · Production

Lead time is the first question in most label enquiries, and the honest answer is that it depends on one thing: whether the job has run before. A repeat order and a first order are not the same job, even when the label looks identical on the drawing.

Repeat orders run in five days

Once artwork, plates and dies exist, a repeat order is a production slot. We schedule the run, print it, inspect it and dispatch it. For repeat orders we quote 5 days.

First orders need seven to ten

A first order carries work that a repeat does not: the artwork has to be checked and approved, then plates and dies are made before the press can run. That is why first-time orders take 7 to 10 days, depending on the readiness of the artwork and the time needed for plate and die making.

Why artwork decides the date

When artwork is print-ready at confirmation, the job sits at the shorter end of the range. When it is not, the clock starts later: colours have to be agreed, barcodes and statutory text have to be checked, and the dieline has to be right before plates are cut. Sending print-ready artwork with the enquiry is the single easiest way to get a firm date instead of a range.

Minimum order quantity

Minimum order quantity is 10,000 to 15,000 labels, depending on the size of the label. A smaller label fits more per run, so the minimum sits lower; a larger label needs a longer run to cover set-up. If your requirement is below that, say so at enquiry stage and we will tell you what is possible rather than quoting something we cannot run.

How delivery works

• Within Chennai — delivered by QTEK.
• Outside Chennai, within India — delivered by courier.
• Outside India — shipped by international cargo.

Before you ask for a date

• Label size and shape, or the dieline if you have one.
• Quantity, and whether it is a repeat of an existing job.
• Print-ready artwork, or a clear brief if you need design support.
• Where the label is applied and what the pack goes through afterwards.
• Your required delivery date, if the pack has a launch date attached to it.

With those five answers we can usually confirm a date on the first reply instead of a range.

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