Labels are an essential component of your company’s sampling tools. Whether clients are browsing through sample books, swatch cards, or memo samples, labels help clients make informed purchasing decisions. The fabric manufacturer, pattern, and color are typically listed on labels. However, there may be additional information that is just as important to the purchaser.
So, how effective are the labels on your samples? Do they give your clients the information they need to know? Let’s look at the type of information that is most useful to the buyer.
Fabric Composition
The composition of the fabric gives the buyer an idea of how well the fabric will hold up in normal use. It is generally listed in percentages, such as 65% Acrylic, 35% Polyester. There may be additional information concerning yarn weights and texture, such as whether slubs are inherent characteristics of the fabric and not defects. A fabric grade may also be given.
Care Instructions
Symbols are often used to convey care instructions. It’s important for the consumer to understand how soiled fabrics may be safely cleaned. For example, silk draperies would not be cleaned in the same way as heavier upholstery fabrics. Common symbols are a laundry tub for washable fabrics, a triangle for bleach, a circle for dry cleaning, and an iron for fabrics that can be ironed. An X drawn through the symbol means do not clean or treat the fabric in that manner. Some companies prefer to use an alphabet code for cleaning instructions. “W” stands for water-based cleaner or water-based foam. “S” means dry clean only (solvent). “WS” stands for spot clean with upholstery shampoo or foam from a mild detergent. Cleaning codes help clients determine whether a particular fabric is suitable for a heavy use area or for light use.
Pattern and Repeat
A fabric pattern has a specific size, which indicates how often it occurs across the fabric. The repeat tells how many inches the pattern is before it starts over again. Repeat is measured horizontally and vertically. A regular pattern runs up the roll of fabric, and a railroaded pattern indicates the pattern runs across the roll.
Harris Sample Book Labels
We can affix labels in a variety of ways including a bottom strip, labels attached to the front or back of the sample, and labels attached to a header. This may depend on the type of sampling tool. Labels can be printed in black and white or in color. A manufacturer or designer logo can be printed on the front with fabric information on the back.
Harris Sample Book helps customers stand out from the competition. Contact us today for more information.