What to Do After Receiving Your Free Label Samples

Our free samples help you explore label materials, finishes, and sizes before placing a full order. Testing samples allows you to see how labels print, how they look on your product, and how well they perform in real conditions.

This guide explains what to do after receiving your free samples so you can confidently choose the right labels for your project.

Unbox and Inspect Your Samples

Once your samples arrive, take a moment to review everything included. Note the different materials and sizes you received.

Seeing and feeling each label in person helps you evaluate thickness, texture, and surface finish. Compare the samples side by side to better understand how each option looks and feels.

Verify that each sample matches your request and make note of any immediate impressions. This first review can quickly help you narrow down which materials may work best for your project.

Test Your Samples With Your Printer

Next, test how the samples perform with your printer. Running a test print helps confirm that the labels work with your equipment and that your design appears as expected.

For blank sheet samples

Load the label sheets into your printer according to the instructions for your printer's label printing.

If you already have artwork, you can print it on your sample sheets to get a real-world look at your labels. You may also want to test different fonts, graphics, or colors to see what stands out best on the label material.

For blank roll samples

If you are using a compatible roll printer, adjust your printer settings to match the roll label size and spacing.

Print a small batch first to confirm that the labels feed correctly and align properly. This helps prevent misalignment or printing errors during your full run.

Test the Labels on Your Product

After printing, apply the labels to the surfaces you plan to use, such as glass, plastic, cardboard, or metal packaging.

Check how easily the labels apply and whether they conform well to curved or textured surfaces. Look for issues such as lifting edges, bubbles, or uneven adhesion.

This step helps ensure the label performs well in real-world use.

Evaluate Durability

If your product will be frequently handled or exposed to moisture, heat, or cold, perform a quick durability test.

Observe how the label holds up after handling, light exposure, or water or temperature changes. This can help you confirm whether the material will perform well during storage, shipping, or everyday use.

Testing durability now helps prevent surprises later.

Make Your Final Label Decisions

After testing your samples, review how each option performed during printing, application, and durability checks.

Shape and size

Choose the label dimensions that best fit your product packaging and design layout.

Material

Select the material that supports your product's appearance, durability needs, and application surface.

If one material does not fully meet your needs, consider ordering additional samples before placing a full order. Testing multiple options helps ensure your final labels perform exactly as expected.

Design Your Labels

Once you have selected your label size and material, you can begin creating your final design.

Maestro Label Designer makes it easy to build professional-looking labels that match your tested samples.

Use templates that match your chosen label size and shape to ensure proper alignment. You can also experiment with fonts, colors, and graphics to see how your design appears on the selected material.

If Your Samples Don't Work

If a sample does not meet your expectations, use the experience to refine your next selection.

Identify the issue

Review the sample and determine what did not work. This could include adhesion, flexibility, durability, or overall appearance.

Adjust your material choice

Use what you learned to select a material better suited to your product's needs.

Test labels on your product

Apply samples to your packaging and observe how they perform during handling, storage, or exposure to moisture and temperature changes.

Narrow down your options

Eliminate materials that clearly do not work, and focus on those that performed best.

Order additional samples if needed

Each round of testing helps refine your selection and prevents costly mistakes on a full order.

Turn Your Samples Into the Right Label Choice

Receiving free samples is an important step in creating labels that look great and perform as expected.

By inspecting, testing, and comparing your samples, you can confidently choose materials that support your design, printing setup, and product packaging.

If you would like to continue testing materials, visit our free samples page to request additional options and move one step closer to your final label order.