Ever bought something and then done a double-take at the label? Maybe you wondered if they were serious. From hilarious typos to unreadable fonts, a poor label design can be the talk of the store (for all the wrong reasons). Here are some classic label design fails that brands have made – complete with real-life examples to give you a chuckle. These tips will help you avoid having your label design end up as meme material.
1. Tint Fonts (AKA Squint to Read)
You’d think the goal of a label is to communicate, but some fonts are so small that you'd need a magnifying glass. Imagine grabbing a bottle of vitamins only to find that the dosage instructions are printed in what looks like 2-point font.
Tip: Keep fonts at least 6-point for minor details and 8-point for critical info like ingredients or warnings.
Struggling with font sizes on your labels? Visit Labelnet for expert advice on how to make your labels readable and effective!
Labels with too much text give customers a headache, not answers. Think of shampoo bottles with an entire essay about the ‘science of shiny hair’ on the back. Spoiler: No one’s reading all that in the shower, (well, maybe on the loo if they've forgotten their phone)
Tip: Stick to the essentials. Information overload on a label is more confusing than enlightening.
Ever spotted two products side by side, both with nearly identical colours and fonts, but very different purposes? Imagine reaching for a bottle of “Relax and Sleep” supplements only to accidentally grab the “Colon Cleanser” because the labels look so similar. Not quite the restful evening you had in mind!
Want to find the perfect colour palette for your labels? Request free samples to see how colours come to life on our high-quality materials!
Nothing says “trustworthy product” like good grammar and spelling... or does it? This “Tomato” sauce label, with its oddly placed quotation marks, seems to cast doubt on whether it’s actually made from tomatoes. Simple grammar or punctuation mistakes on labels can be distracting, confusing, and even make customers question the quality of your product.
Tip: Double-check all text on your labels to ensure there are no unnecessary quotation marks, misspelled words, or grammar mishaps. A small error can make a big (and often funny) impact on customer perception
Poor print quality – the ultimate buzzkill. Nothing screams “I skimped on quality” like a label with blurred text, faded colours, and ink smudges. Picture a juice carton where the vibrant fruit image looks like it went through a blender. It’s hard to get excited about your refreshing drink when it resembles a Picasso painting instead!
Tip: Invest in high-quality printing and always request a proof before proceeding with the full print run. A little investment goes a long way in ensuring your labels don’t end up looking like they were printed in the dark.
Ensure your labels look their best by choosing Labelnet for high-quality printing. Get a free quote today and request free samples to experience our print quality firsthand!
If your customers need detective skills to find the ingredients list, you’ve done something wrong. One label had its ingredients in fine grey text against a grey background. A true stealth mission for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Tip: Contrast matters. Use a clear, high-contrast font for ingredients, especially on food and skincare products.
7. Font Faux Pas – When Stylish Turns Silly
Sometimes, an elegant font can be too fancy for its own good. Take, for instance, a delicious “Key Lime Tarts” label where the font style makes “Tarts” suspiciously look like… well, “Farts.” Not the most appetising invitation to try a dessert! Fonts should enhance, not hinder, your product’s appeal and legibility.
Tip: Use decorative fonts sparingly and only for accents, never for essential information. Choosing clean, clear fonts for key details helps customers make decisions quickly and confidently.
8. Not Testing the Label in Real-Life Conditions - The Meltdown in Aisle 3
A beautiful label is only effective if it can hold up under real-life conditions. There’s nothing like a label that melts in the freezer or fades in the sun after a few hours. Just ask the unfortunate folks who grabbed frozen pizzas and ended up with soggy labels that peeled off in the trolley.
Tip: Test your labels for endurance in the conditions they’ll actually encounter, be it freezing, heat, or moisture. Better yet, give us a call and our experts will be happy to guide you in the right direction.
9. Ignoring Legal Requirements - Because Rules Don’t Apply to Me
Some industries have strict regulations on labelling. When it comes to allergens, clarity is everything. Imagine picking up an ice cream labelled as “Nut-Free” only to discover, upon closer inspection, that it’s made in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts. Talk about mixed signals! This kind of contradiction can confuse (and frustrate) customers, especially those with serious allergies. Even if the oversight is unintentional, it can lead to big fines or even product recalls.
Tip: Research your industry’s labelling requirements. From allergens to ingredient transparency, there are rules for a reason.
In the rush to get products on shelves, it can be tempting to skip the proofing process. But even tiny errors on a label—whether it’s a typo, a misplaced logo, or incorrect ingredient information—can impact customer trust and brand credibility. Overlooking this crucial step can lead to costly reprints, or worse, damaged customer perceptions.
Tip: Always request a proof to ensure that all elements – from sizing to text placement – are exactly as intended. A proofing step saves you from potential design hiccups that could otherwise be costly to fix.
By learning from these label design fails, you can avoid potential pitfalls and make a positive impression with your label. After all, your label is often the first interaction customers have with your product – make it count! If you’re ready to elevate your label design, reach out to us today for professional assistance!