Frequently Asked Questions
[+] Order Questions and Answers
[-] Order Questions and Answers
[+] General Order Questions
[-] General Order Questions
[+] How long will it take to receive my order?
[-] How long will it take to receive my order?
Most orders ship the same day we receive them if the order is placed before 2:00 PM EST.
[+] How can I track my order?
[-] How can I track my order?
Once your order ships from our distribution center our system will automatically generate a shipping notice and will be emailed to the email address you entered when checking out.
This email includes a link to track your order. You will be redirected to the appropriate carrier website for order tracking. Most orders ship via FedEx or UPS however large orders may ship via conventional truck lines and in some instances online tracking may not be available.
If you created an account while checking out you may login to your account and view any previous order. The view previous orders function enables you to track any item once it has shipped.
If you need additional information regarding your shipment you can contact our customer service department at (888) 812-2189.
[+] Do you have a minimum order?
[-] Do you have a minimum order?
No, we don't have a minimum order, however all labels and ribbons are sold in case lots. We offer a variety of case sizes to suit most customer needs.
We do not sell labels and ribbons in single roll lots.
[+] My order was for multiple items and I received part of my order but not all of it?
[-] My order was for multiple items and I received part of my order but not all of it?
If your order contains multiple items it is likely that we shipped your order from multiple distribution points.
Most orders ship the same day, however, depending on the geographic location of each shipping point different products may have a slightly different shipping time.
[+] Do you ship internationally?
[-] Do you ship internationally?
No, we are sorry but at this time we only ship to the 50 United States and Canada.
[+] I have a problem with an order. How do I contact your customer service?
[-] I have a problem with an order. How do I contact your customer service?
Our customer service department is available toll free at (888) 812-2189.
Our regular business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00PM EST.
You may also contact us at customerservice@nationallabelandribbon.com
[+] Can I place an order without using the internet?
[-] Can I place an order without using the internet?
Orders placed on our website are highly secure. However, if you are uncomfortable using your credit card on the web, you can phone in your order to 1-888-812-2189. You can also fax your order to us at 1-937-434-9008.
[+] Payment Terms
[-] Payment Terms
[+] What sort of payment terms do you accept?
[-] What sort of payment terms do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Discover credit cards. If you would like to pre-pay you can contact a sales representative for arrangements.
We can set up schools and government agencies on Terms Net 30 days. Please fax or e-mail your credit/bank references and allow a few days to set up your account.
Companies and private organizations will be considered for open terms however, we have a minimum order to establish an account of $1,000.00.
[+] Can I establish an open account with National Label & Ribbon?
[-] Can I establish an open account with National Label & Ribbon?
We can set up schools and government agencies on Terms Net 30 days. Please fax or e-mail your credit/bank references and allow a few days to set up your account.
Companies and private organizations will be considered for open terms however, we have a minimum order to establish an account of $1,000.00.
[+] Returns & Exchanges
[-] Returns & Exchanges
[+] How do I exchange or return an item?
[-] How do I exchange or return an item?
National Label and Ribbon guarantees our products to be free of defects and we will replace any item found to be defective within 30 days of receipt.
Items that are purchased in error by the customer are subject to up to a 25% restock fee. Custom labels, ribbons, tickets and tags are non-returnable. Returns will not be accepted after 30 days of the invoice date. Please contact a customer service representative at (888) 812-2189 for an RA (Return Authorization) number and return shipping instructions. Returns with no RA# will be refused and returned to the customer. Returned merchandise must be in re-saleable condition, in its original packaging and in full case quantities only.
[+] Freight Charges
[-] Freight Charges
[+] How do I know how much my freight charges will be?
[-] How do I know how much my freight charges will be?
Once you begin checking out of our shopping cart system you will be presented with three shipping options: ground, two day air and next day air.
The charges will not be calculated until you enter your shipping zip code. Please make sure that you tab through the shipping zip code field once entered. Our system will then retrieve the best shipping rate from either FexEx or UPS based on the carrier, shipping zip code and weight of your order.
Alternatively, you may enter your own UPS or FedEx account number and have all shipping charges billed to your account.
[+] Can I use my own FedEx or UPS Account to ship my order?
[-] Can I use my own FedEx or UPS Account to ship my order?
Yes, during our checkout process you will have the option to have us prepay the shipping on your order and add it to the total or alternatively you may select to enter your own FedEx or UPS account number.
Please note that we are not responsible for delays in shipping for invalid carrier account numbers.
[+] Label Questions and Answers
[-] Label Questions and Answers
[+] General Label Questions
[-] General Label Questions
[+] What is the difference between Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal labels?
[-] What is the difference between Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal labels?
Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printing are two distinct printing technologies.
Many printers today can print both direct thermal and thermal transfer, however some can only printer direct thermal.
If you are currently printing labels and your printer does not have a ribbon you are printing direct thermal.
If your printer also uses a ribbon then you are printing thermal transfer.
Click here for a detailed article on the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.
[+] Should I use a paper or synthetic label?
[-] Should I use a paper or synthetic label?
Whether to use a paper or synthetic label will depend largely on the application for each individual use.
Generally, paper labels are used for shipping cartons, inventory control, document tracking and product labeling.
Synthetic labels are produced from a polyester and are much more durable, cannot be torn and are chemical and water resistant.
[+] I need a water resistant or chemical resistant label. Do you carry those?
[-] I need a water resistant or chemical resistant label. Do you carry those?
Yes, we offer a variety of synthetic labels that are chemical and water resistant. Depending on your exact needs you may want to contact one of our product experts at (888) 812-2189.
[+] What type of adhesive is used on your standard labels?
[-] What type of adhesive is used on your standard labels?
Our Labels features versatile, a general purpose, permanent emulsion acrylic adhesive with a good initial tack and excellent ultimate adhesion to corrugated and superior adhesion to plastics. This product is suitable for applications where compliance with FDA 175.105 is required (section covers applications where incidental contact between food and adhesive could occur).
[+] Direct Thermal Questions
[-] Direct Thermal Questions
[+] Why don't I need ribbon with direct thermal labels?
[-] Why don't I need ribbon with direct thermal labels?
Unlike thermal transfer labels which are basically plain paper with an adhesive backing, direct thermal labels are a chemically coated paper which is reactive to heat.
When a direct thermal label passes over the printhead, the heat created by the printhead causes a chemical reaction on this chemical coating which in-turn creates the image on the direct thermal label.
While convenient, direct thermal imaging is not as durable as thermal transfer.
[+] Thermal Transfer Label Questions
[-] Thermal Transfer Label Questions
[+] Ribbon Questions and Answers
[-] Ribbon Questions and Answers
[+] General Ribbon Questions
[-] General Ribbon Questions
[+] Should i use a Wax, Wax/Resin or Full Resin Ribbon?
[-] Should i use a Wax, Wax/Resin or Full Resin Ribbon?
Choosing the correct thermal transfer ribbon is important to the success of your printing operation.
Generally thermal transfer ribbons are manufactured using a wax, wax/resin combination or a full resin coating.
Which ribbon is right for a specific application will depend on many factors. Most paper label applications a wax ribbon that is most economical is the right solution.
For applications utilizing a synthetic or polyester label a wax/resin combination or full resin ribbon may be required.
If you have any questions as to the right ribbon for your application please call one of our product experts at (888) 812-2189.
[+] How do I know how much ribbon to buy?
[-] How do I know how much ribbon to buy?
Generally speaking each roll of ribbon will printer roughly two rolls of labels. This of course varies slightly by manufacturer of printer, but it is a good guideline to go by.
[+] How do I determine if I need Wound-In or Wound-Out Ribbons?
[-] How do I determine if I need Wound-In or Wound-Out Ribbons?
Ribbon wind is the term that refers to how the coated (or imaging) side of the thermal transfer ribbon is wound on the core. The ribbon can be wound with the coated side "in" or the coated side "out".
To determine which wind is correct for you refer to your printers owners manual or the directions on the inside of your printer. Most Datamax and Sato printers utilize a ribbon wound "in". Zebra utilizes a wound "out" ribbon.
If you are printing with an Intermec printer we strongly suggest referring to your printers manual as Intermec utilizes both wound in and wound out ribbons depending on the specific model.
If you are in doubt please contact one of our product experts at (888) 812-2189.
[+] Cleaning Supplies Questions and Answers
[-] Cleaning Supplies Questions and Answers
[+] General Cleaning Supply Questions
[-] General Cleaning Supply Questions
[+] Why do I need cleaning supplies for my thermal printer?
[-] Why do I need cleaning supplies for my thermal printer?
Cleaning cards and pens keep your printers running efficiently and minimize downtime. Label adhesive and ribbon residue collects on the printhead and can cause reduced printhead life.
[+] How often should I clean my printhead?
[-] How often should I clean my printhead?
Printer manufacturers recommend cleaning the printhead after each roll of ribbon to keep your printer running at top efficiency.
[+] Printheads Questions and Answers
[-] Printheads Questions and Answers
[+] Label/Ribbon Kits Questions and Answers
[-] Label/Ribbon Kits Questions and Answers
[+] General Label and Ribbon Kit Questions
[-] General Label and Ribbon Kit Questions
[+] Are the labels and ribbons shipped in the same box when ordered as a kit?
[-] Are the labels and ribbons shipped in the same box when ordered as a kit?
Yes, the exact amount of ribbon is boxed with the labels for ease of ordering and reduced shipping costs.
[+] How do I know if I need wound in or wound out ribbons?
[-] How do I know if I need wound in or wound out ribbons?
Ribbon wind is the term that refers to how the coated (or imaging) side of the thermal transfer ribbon is wound on the core. The ribbon can be wound with the coated side "in" or the coated side "out".
To determine which wind is correct for you refer to your printers owners manual or the directions on the inside of your printer. Most Datamax and Sato printers utilize a ribbon wound "in". Zebra utilizes a wound "out" ribbon. If you are printing with an Intermec printer we strongly suggest referring to your printers manual as Intermec utilizes both wound in and wound out ribbons depending on the specific model.
If you are in doubt please contact one of our product experts at (888) 812-2189.
[+] Account Questions and Answers
[-] Account Questions and Answers
[+] General Account Questions
[-] General Account Questions
[+] Why should I create an account?
[-] Why should I create an account?
There are many advantages for creating an account with National Label & Ribbon.
Our online system makes it easy to find the items you need for reordering. You can build a list of all printers by location in your facility and quickly and easily find compatible labels, ribbons and printheads for every printer you own.
Or, you can easily view and reorder from a convenient list of previous orders.
Rest assured your data is secure. Our servers are SSL secured with the highest level of encryption possible.
[+] Can I create an account even if I am not purchasing today?
[-] Can I create an account even if I am not purchasing today?
Yes. Simply click on the "My Account" button at the top of our site. You will be directed to our login page.
At the bottom of the login page you will see a link for creating an account. You can then begin storing your printers and purchasing information that will make checkout quick and easy!
[+] Manage My Printers Questions
[-] Manage My Printers Questions
[+] What's the advantage of storing my printers in my account?
[-] What's the advantage of storing my printers in my account?
If you have multiple printers at your facility that uses a variety of media, you can save time when ordering by building a list of printers and locations.
In your account you can store each printer that your facility uses, name the printer for quick identification and then quickly and easily locate labels, ribbons and printheads that are compatible with that specific printer.
[+] How do I add a printer to "My Printers" list?
[-] How do I add a printer to "My Printers" list?
Adding a printer to your account is easy. Simply login into your account by clicking the "My Accouont" button at the top of our site.
If you don't have an account you can create one at this point.
Once logged into your account select the option "Manage My Printers". Press the "Add New Printer" button.
[+] Can I edit or delete printer information in "My Printers"?
[-] Can I edit or delete printer information in "My Printers"?
Yes. Login into your account by clicking on the "My Account" button at the top of our site.
Once logged in click on the "Manage My Printers" link. You will be directed to a list of saved printers in your account.
At the far left of the list there will be an "edit" and "Delete" link for each printer.
[+] View Previous Orders Questions
[-] View Previous Orders Questions
[+] How do I view my previous orders?
[-] How do I view my previous orders?
One of the great advantages to establishing an online account with NationalLabelandRibbon.com is our account features.
All of your orders are saved on our server and you can view any previous order easily and reorder an item directly from that view.
To view your previous orders login to your account by clicking the "My Account" button at the top of our site.
Once logged in to your account click the link "View Previous Orders & Reorder".
This will provide you with a chronlogical list of all orders placed through our online system.
Each item on an order has a link to track the shipping details and a small checkbox on the right side that enables you to reorder an item quickly and easily.
[+] How do I reorder an item I previously ordered?
[-] How do I reorder an item I previously ordered?
One of the great advantages to establishing an online account with NationalLabelandRibbon.com is our account features.
All of your orders are saved on our server and you can view any previous order easily and reorder an item directly from that view.
To view your previous orders login to your account by clicking the "My Account" button at the top of our site.
Once logged in to your account click the link "View Previous Orders & Reorder".
This will provide you with a chronlogical list of all orders placed through our online system.
Each item on an order has a link to track the shipping details and a small checkbox on the right side that enables you to reorder an item quickly and easily.
Once you have located the items you would like to reorder simply check the checkbox on the right side of each item.
Once you have checked all items you would like to reorder click the orange button at the top of the list "Reorder Checked Items".
Our system will place each of the checked items into your current shopping cart. No Searching! No hunting!
[+] Manage My Shipping Locations Questions
[-] Manage My Shipping Locations Questions
[+] I have multiple plants and shipping locations. Can I save them in my account?
[-] I have multiple plants and shipping locations. Can I save them in my account?
Yes! One of the great advantages of establishing an online account with National Label & Ribbon is that our system allows you to store an unlimited number of shipping locations in addition to your billing address.
Simply log in to your account and follow the link on your "My Account" page titled "Manage My Shipping Locations".
You can add, edit or delete shipping locations from this screen.
When checking out you have the option to select any of your saved locations, making check out fast and easy.
[+] How do I save a shipping location in my account?
[-] How do I save a shipping location in my account?
Our system allows you to save an unlimited number of shipping locations for your account.
Simply log in to your account and follow the link on your "My Account" page titled "Manage My Shipping Locations".
Select the Add Location button at the bottom of the screen and complete the required information.
Your new location will now be available at checkout so you don't have to reenter the information each time you order.
You can also save a new shipping location while you are checking out by simply checking the checkbox on our order form titled "Save This Location in my account for future use".
[+] Custom Label Questions and Answers
[-] Custom Label Questions and Answers
[+] General Custom Label Questions
[-] General Custom Label Questions
[+] I don't see what I need. Do you do custom labels?
[-] I don't see what I need. Do you do custom labels?
Yes! We have a complete custom label and media department than can do just about anything whether it's a custom label size or a fully printed specialty label.
Contact our custom label sales department at 888-812-2189.
[+] What is the turnaround time for a custom label order?
[-] What is the turnaround time for a custom label order?
While every custom order can vary generally most custom orders can be produced within 3 weeks of receipt of order. Some a little quicker and some a little slower depending on the complexity of the job.
[+] Large Quantity Questions and Answers
[-] Large Quantity Questions and Answers
[+] General Large Quantity/Special Quote Questions
[-] General Large Quantity/Special Quote Questions
[+] I need a large quantity of one of your items. How do I get a quantity quotation?
[-] I need a large quantity of one of your items. How do I get a quantity quotation?
National Label and Ribbon works with many companies of all sizes. We service many Fortune 500 companies and would be happy to provide you with a special quotation on your high volume/high quantity needs.
Please contact our sales office at (888) 812-2189 or email sales@nationallabelandribbon.com.
[+] I need a large quantity but I don't need them shipped all at once. Do you offer staggered ship times?
[-] I need a large quantity but I don't need them shipped all at once. Do you offer staggered ship times?
National Label & Ribbon offers "Blanket" order service. Provide us with a purchase order for a large volume and we can establish a shipping schedule that meets your needs yet still saves you money.
You get the advantage of not bringing in the supplies until you need them and still a great price based on your overall annual volume.
Contact our sales department at (888) 812-2189 for more information and a special "Blanket" quotation.

