Frequently Asked Questions

There are many advantages to being in business since 1970, one of them is that we have had the opportunity to listen to literally thousands of questions.  Listed below are some of the more frequently asked questions we have heard over the years...we've even gone ahead and provided some answers.  Better still, we are going to update this page regularly so check back often.

Dont see the answer to your question?  Give us a call at 1-866-975-2235 or drop us a line at info@westernshield.com.  One of our applications experts will get back to you right away.

Q) Will you help me design my label?                                                                                             A) Absolutely.  One of our in-house graphic designers can help you design you label, but it's best to have a good idea of what you want before you start.  We only charge $65 per hour for design work, which is a great deal for creative services. 

Q) How soon can I get my labels?                                                                                                 A) Your labels will be ready about five (5) working days after you approve a final proof. 

Q) Will you send me some free samples?                                                                                      A) We sure will.  Just drop us a line at info@westernshield.com and let us know what type of samples you'd like to check out.  We will send you out a sample pack within the next business day.  Oh, dont forget to include your name and address.

Q) What are your prices?                                                                                                              A)In order to get a quote on your custom label project you can do one of three things.  You can give us a call toll free at 1-866-975-2235 to discuss your project over the phone with one of one of our applications experts.  You can drop us a line at info@westernshield.com or you can fill out our online quote request form.  Generally, all we need to get you pricing is some fairly basic information about your custom label project such as quantities, materials, and number of colors.  If you're still not sure, just give us a call and our Inside Sales team will walk you through the process.

Q) If I need my labels sooner, do I have to pay a rush charge?                                                 A) There are no rush charges.  If you need your order shipped quicker than the standard lead-time, just let us know.  We'll do everything we can to meet your deadline.

Q) Do you have any testimonials from current customers?                                                          A) We sure do.  Check out some of our testimonials page to see what our customers are saying about Western Shield's quality and service.

Q) How much do you charge for printing plates?                                                                         A) The cost is $60 per plate and each color typically requires one plate.  The plates are made digitally, directly from your artwork.  Plate charges are one-time only, and do not apply on repeat orders.

Q) How do I check order status?                                                                                                    A) It's real easy.  All of our accounts are assigned their own dedicated customer service representative.  You can contact you representative directly anytime to check on the status of your order.

Q) What is a die?                                                                                                                             A) A 'die' is the stainless steel tool that we use to cut the shape of your label out of the raw material (think of a cookie cutter).  We literally have thousands of different die sizes available for you to choose from.  If we don't have the size you're looking for, we can have a die custom made to your exact specifications for a one-time charge.  For more information on dies, just click here.

Q) How much does a new die cost?                                                                                              A) That depends.  Some dies can cost as little as $150, while others can be over $1000.  Typically, the more engraving there is, the more expensive the die.  Most fall in the $400-$600 range, but the charge is one-time only.  Check with us first though, we may already have the size you're looking for, in which case there is no cost to you.

Q) If I have to pay for set-up charges (plates, dies, screens), do I own the materials?             A) Yes.  Although we store them at our facility, if you paid for them, you own them.

Q) Before I order, can I see an actual sample of what my label will look like?                            A) Kind of.  We can provide you with a digital proof, that will give you closest visual representation of the label without actually printing on press.  For an actual label sample, a press proof is required, in which case you would be responsible for the associated plate charges.  Click here to see our 'Press Proof Policy'.

Q) Can I order online?                                                                                                                   A) Since all of our orders are custom, we like to do the inital order with some old fashioned personal interaction between our customers and their sales representative.  After the first order though, you can use our online re-order page.  We also offer paperless invoicing and an online quote request form.     

Q) I am ready to order.  How do I set up an account?                                                                A) We accept all major credit cards and we also offer net 30 terms with an approved credit application.  Click here to download a credit card authorization form or a credit application.

Q) What kind of design files should I use to submit my artwork?                                        A) Adobe Illustrator is the preferred format, with all photos, fonts, and barcodes "linked".  We can also work with Quark, Freehand, Indesign, Pagemaker, PhotoShop, and others.  If necessary, we can scan an existing label or image that you'd like to replicate.  

Q) How do I submit my artwork?                                                                                                  A) You can send your artwork to art@westernshield.com or submit it directly to your Inside Sales Representative.  If the file is larger than 10MB, please call us and we'll give you access to our FTP site.

Q) Can we stop by to visit your facility?                                                                                      A)If it's convenient for you, absolutely.  Just give us a call toll free at 1-866-975-2235 to set up an appointment.  We are located at 2146 E Gladwick Street in Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220.  We are very proud of our new offices and would love to give you a tour.

Q) Does Western Shield sell label applicating equipment?                                                             A) Western Shield is not an equipment dealer.  However, we do have industry partners with whom we have worked that can assist you with applying your labels.

Q) I just got my order and there are more labels than I requested.  What's up?                        A) Due to the custom nature of printing labels, all of our orders are subject to an overrun or underrun of 10%.  That means that you could receive, and be charged for, 10% more labels than you originally ordered.  When we order raw material, we have to order significantly more than is required.  The extra material is used for "make-ready", which is the material wasted to get your labels "just right", with perfect color and registration.  If we dial it in quickly, you get 10% more.  If it takes longer, you might get 10% less. 

Q) What are unwind directions?                                                                                                      A) Label unwind direction is simply the way in which a label unwinds from a roll.  This is most easily explained by the looking at this diagram. 

Now, why is this important?  Well it is usually only important if you are having your labels applied by machine - if you are hand applying your labels then unwind direction typically does not matter.  So, if you are applying your labels by machine, or having a contract manufacturer apply the labels then you will need to know the unwind direction.  Most labeling machines will only be able to work with one unwind direction for each type of container. 

Q) What do you mean by the term 'coated paper'?                                                                    A) A wide variety of papers have undergone coating to increase their degrees of gloss, ink holdout, brightness, and smoothness.  Enamel papers are high-gloss papers with high bulk and opacity; they are ideal for offset printing.  The basic size of enamel papers is 25 x 38.  It comes in basis weights of 60,70,80 and 100-pound.

Matte coated papers are low gloss, glare-free papers that also offer many of the printing advantages of enamel papers.  Their basic size is also 25 x 38; they come in basis weights of 30 and 40-pound.

Lightweight coated papers are used primarily for magazines, catalogs, and newspaper inserts.  Their size is also 25 x 38 and they come in basis weights of 30 and 40-pound.

Please note that the explanations for the preceeding 2 questions were supplied from our friends at http://printwiki.org. 

Q) What kind of materials can you print on?                                                                               A) We can print on a very wide variety of materials, some of which are summarized below.  For a more complete listing, please check out our capabilities page.  If you are looking for a particular material that we don't have listed; give us a call toll free at (866) 975-2235 and we will do our best to meet your request.

Films: Polyester (PET), Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyolefin                                                                 Paper: High Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Matte Litho, Cover-Up                                                                        Eco Friendly: Earthfirst® PLA (Corn-Based), Tree Free (Bamboo & Pulp Based).                           Pouches: Poly-Paper-Foil-Poly (PPFP), White & Silver Cosmetic Web, Dry Food Packaging.

Q) What is a metallic ink?                                                                                                               A) A metallic ink is a variety of printing ink made with actual metallic powders so as to impart a metallic luster to the printed image.  What does this mean for you?  Metallic inks are very popular means to help make the labels and packaging of food/beverage products 'pop' at the point of purchase.  Still not sure what we're talking about?  Just click here to request some samples.