Gardenware Labels, Labeling software for Garden Centers and Nurseries

Please note! In late 2004, we re-designed our wrap-around tag to help address the feed errors that have occurred with a number of printers in the past. If you tried our tags prior to that and got a false "paper-out" error, please give us a call. We'd be happy to send you some samples of the new tags for testing.

It's all but impossible to keep up with changing printer technology and specific models, but we do try to make note of brands and models that work particularly well (or don't) for Gardenware's customers. Please feel free to call us if you're getting ready to purchase a printer that's to be used with Gardenware materials. We can't make specific recommendations, but we can share what we've learned about the current crop of offerings.

Some general tips---

Do not use ink-jet printers with Gardenware materials. Liquid inks are not compatible with our printer media and we can guarantee you'll be unhappy with the results.
Decide whether you want a monochrome (black & white) or a color printer. Simple tagging and labeling of stock can be accomplished very efficiently with an inexpensive black & white laser. However, if you wish to use photographs or color logos, or just want to add impact to specific information, color laser printers have come down in price to the point where they can be considered by many businesses. Color printers can handle black and white documents as well, but remember that you have FOUR cartridge/drum combinations to maintain with color units, and only one with monochrome.
When considering a color printer, find out all you can about the toners' longevity in long-term exposure to sunlight. Rapid fading is a problem with many printers with otherwise fine characteristics. In our experience, black toners are extremely resistant to fading.
When you are considering a particular printer, find out what the cost per sheet is. Determine if the drum is replaced along with the toner or if it is replaced separately. Make sure the cost per page includes the cost of replacing the drum.
If you will be printing 1" Tags and/or Pot Sticks, make sure the labels feed properly and do not jam. You can take samples to the store or ask if you can try the printer at your place of business.
Keep in mind that the rated printing speed (Pages Per Minute) is faster than you will actually experience. When labels include graphics and are on thicker materials (which means they must feed at a slower rate), they do not process at the maximum rated speed of the printer. Also, when a printer manufacturer makes a statement about how many pages can be printed from a toner cartridge, they are talking about 5% coverage unless otherwise qualified.

We've heard rather consistent customer feedback regarding a couple of different issues that we feel you should be aware of:

Recent (starting 2006 or so) "small office/home office" laser printers from HP have produced inconsistent fusing on heavier materials. Problem has shown up in both color and monchrome models. For Gardenware users, this would include adhesives and pot sticks. The problems have not been universal, but we've definitely seen the results.

Very recently (winter/spring 2008), we have heard indications that some Samsung printer driver software is essentially ignoring the commands sent by the Gardenware program. This can produce inconsistent fusing, but the biggest problem has been the inability to correctly print tags and landscape posters. The printer just won't change the orientation. To the best of our knowledge, only Samsung printers have had this issue.

Please remember that Gardenware does not sell, service or provide technical support for printers. The range of makes and models available is simply too broad to allow us to be familiar with all of the features and specific settings of individual printers.


			Choosing A Printer to use with Gardenware^® Please note! In late 2004, we re-designed our wrap-around tag to help address the feed errors that have occurred with a number of printers in the past. If you tried our tags prior to that and got a false "paper-out" error, please give us a call. We'd be happy to send you some samples of the new tags for testing. It's all but impossible to keep up with changing printer technology and specific models, but we do try to make note of brands and models that work particularly well (or don't) for Gardenware's customers. Please feel free to call us if you're getting ready to purchase a printer that's to be used with Gardenware materials. We can't make specific recommendations, but we can share what we've learned about the current crop of offerings. Some general tips--- Do not use ink-jet printers with Gardenware materials. Liquid inks are not compatible with our printer media and we can guarantee you'll be unhappy with the results. Decide whether you want a monochrome (black & white) or a color printer. Simple tagging and labeling of stock can be accomplished very efficiently with an inexpensive black & white laser. However, if you wish to use photographs or color logos, or just want to add impact to specific information, color laser printers have come down in price to the point where they can be considered by many businesses. Color printers can handle black and white documents as well, but remember that you have FOUR cartridge/drum combinations to maintain with color units, and only one with monochrome. When considering a color printer, find out all you can about the toners' longevity in long-term exposure to sunlight. Rapid fading is a problem with many printers with otherwise fine characteristics. In our experience, black toners are extremely resistant to fading. When you are considering a particular printer, find out what the cost per sheet is. Determine if the drum is replaced along with the toner or if it is replaced separately. Make sure the cost per page includes the cost of replacing the drum. If you will be printing 1" Tags and/or Pot Sticks, make sure the labels feed properly and do not jam. You can take samples to the store or ask if you can try the printer at your place of business. Keep in mind that the rated printing speed (Pages Per Minute) is faster than you will actually experience. When labels include graphics and are on thicker materials (which means they must feed at a slower rate), they do not process at the maximum rated speed of the printer. Also, when a printer manufacturer makes a statement about how many pages can be printed from a toner cartridge, they are talking about 5% coverage unless otherwise qualified. We've heard rather consistent customer feedback regarding a couple of different issues that we feel you should be aware of: Recent (starting 2006 or so) "small office/home office" laser printers from HP have produced inconsistent fusing on heavier materials. Problem has shown up in both color and monchrome models. For Gardenware users, this would include adhesives and pot sticks. The problems have not been universal, but we've definitely seen the results. Very recently (winter/spring 2008), we have heard indications that some Samsung printer driver software is essentially ignoring the commands sent by the Gardenware program. This can produce inconsistent fusing, but the biggest problem has been the inability to correctly print tags and landscape posters. The printer just won't change the orientation. To the best of our knowledge, only Samsung printers have had this issue. Please remember that Gardenware does not sell, service or provide technical support for printers. The range of makes and models available is simply too broad to allow us to be familiar with all of the features and specific settings of individual printers.