How Retail Stores Choose the Right Card Printers for Labels

In today’s competitive retail environment, presentation and efficiency play a major role in driving sales. Clear, professional labeling not only helps customers make informed decisions but also improves store organization. Retailers are increasingly moving away from handwritten or paper labels and investing in modern card printers to create durable and visually appealing price tags. But with so many options available, choosing the right system can feel overwhelming.
card printers

card printers

This guide explains how retail stores select the right card printers for labels and what factors to consider before making a decision.

Why Label Printing Matters in Retail

Labels are more than just price indicators—they are part of your store’s communication and branding. Well-designed labels help:
  • Improve product visibility
  • Build customer trust
  • Maintain pricing accuracy
  • Enhance overall store presentation
Traditional paper labels often fade, tear, or require frequent replacement. This is why many retailers are now switching to a printer for plastic cards to achieve long-lasting and professional results.

Understanding Card Printers for Retail Use

Card printers are specifically designed to print on durable plastic cards instead of paper. These cards are widely used in retail for:
  • Price tags and shelf labels
  • Promotional signage
  • Product information displays
  • Branding elements
Unlike paper labels, plastic cards are resistant to moisture, handling, and environmental factors. This makes them ideal for busy retail environments. Modern card printers are compact, efficient, and easy to operate, making them suitable for both small shops and large retail chains.

Key Factors Retailers Consider When Choosing Card Printers

1. Durability of Labels

Retail stores require labels that last. Plastic cards maintain their quality over time and reduce the need for constant reprinting.

2. Print Quality

Clear and professional labels improve customer experience. High-resolution printing ensures readable text and attractive design.

3. Ease of Use

Retail staff need systems that are simple to operate. User-friendly software and quick setup are essential.

4. Cost Efficiency

Although initial investment may be higher, in-house printing reduces long-term costs compared to outsourcing or frequent replacements.

5. Flexibility

Retailers often need to update prices, promotions, and product details quickly. A flexible printing system supports fast changes.

Edikio Product Range for Retail Stores

Edikio offers a complete range of card printers specifically designed for retail labeling and price tag printing.
Card Printers

Card Printers

Edikio Access

A practical entry-level solution for small retail stores. It is easy to use and ideal for printing basic price tags and labels.

Edikio Flex

Designed for growing businesses, this model supports higher printing volumes and offers greater flexibility for frequent updates.

Edikio Duplex

An advanced solution for large retail operations. It supports dual-sided printing and is ideal for detailed product information and professional labeling. These solutions are widely trusted across the card printers Australia market for their reliability and consistent performance.

Advantages of Using Edikio Card Printers

Retailers choose Edikio solutions because they are specifically built for in-store labeling needs.

Durable Plastic Labels

A printer for plastic cards produces labels that last longer than paper, reducing replacement costs.

Professional Store Appearance

Clean, high-quality labels enhance shelf presentation and improve the overall shopping experience.

Easy Price Updates

Retailers can quickly update prices and promotions without relying on external printing services.

Time-Saving Solution

In-house printing eliminates delays and allows immediate label creation when needed.

Consistent Branding

Custom-designed labels help maintain a consistent look across all products and store sections.

Why Choose Edikio for Retail Label Printing

Edikio is designed with retail environments in mind, offering a complete solution that includes hardware, software, and consumables. Key reasons to choose Edikio:
  • Specifically developed for price tag and shelf labeling
  • User-friendly interface for easy operation
  • Reliable performance for daily retail use
  • High-quality printing for professional results
  • Scalable solutions suitable for all store sizes
Whether you operate a small shop or a large retail chain, Edikio provides a solution that fits your needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Retailers often face challenges when selecting the wrong system. Avoid these common mistakes:
  • Choosing low-cost printers that compromise quality
  • Using paper labels that require frequent replacement
  • Ignoring long-term costs and efficiency
  • Selecting complex systems that staff struggle to use
Making the right choice from the beginning helps ensure better results and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right card printers is an important decision for retail stores looking to improve efficiency and presentation. A reliable printer for plastic cards offers durability, flexibility, and professional output—making it an ideal solution for modern retail environments. With dedicated solutions like Edikio, retailers can streamline labeling processes, enhance store appearance, and create a better shopping experience for customers. Investing in the right system not only improves daily operations but also supports long-term business growth.  

SPOTLIGHT ON THE EUROPEAN INCO REGULATION

A new European regulation named “INCO” makes it mandatory for food retailers to provide consumers with clearer information about the food products they sell.

WHAT IS THE INCO REGULATION?

The regulation (N°1169/2011) took effect on December 13, 2014, and impacts all food professionals selling unpackaged foods: bakers, pastry chefs, fish sellers, butchers, restaurant owners, food manufacturers and so on.

The purpose of the legislation is to help consumers make well-informed choices about the food they consume.

Specifically, the regulation requires professionals to indicate the country or region of origin of meats and to declare certain allergens present in their prepared foods.

The 14 allergens it is mandatory to declare:

Pictograms allergenic regulation sulfitePictograms allergenic regulation soyPictograms allergenic regulation sesamePictograms allergenic regulation fishPictograms allergenic regulation nuts
Pictograms allergenic regulation eggsPictograms allergenic regulation mustardPictograms allergenic regulation molluscsPictograms allergenic regulation lupinePictograms allergens gluten regulation
Pictograms allergenic regulation milkPictograms allergenic regulation crustaceansPictograms allergenic regulation celeryPictograms allergenic regulation peanut

According to the latest scientific research, these fourteen substances are the chief causes of food allergies.

WHY LABEL ALLERGENS?

An increasing number of people are intolerant of or allergic to certain foodstuffs, with

the principle food allergens being gluten, lactose and certain additives.

The increase in food allergies can be explained by several factors, primarily:

  • The more varied types of food we eat and
  • The increased amount of processing by the agri-food industry.

It is important that you display this information clearly.

In response to the new mandatory regulations, professionals in the food sector must clearly identify any allergens used in the food they sell to consumers. Failure to do so is considered an offence and may be subject to a fine.

EXAMPLE OF FOOD-COMPLIANT LABELING:

The labeling of fresh, unpackaged food products must include certain information, such as:

  • The exact name of the product sold
  • Price Tag FishThe list of ingredients
  • The presence of allergens
  • The weight
  • Country/region of origin (meat and dairy, etc.)

This information must be easy to see and read, and must be indelible.

Important: The minimum height of non-capitalized letters must be 1.2 mm.

While French law stipulates the principle of obligation to inform consumers, it leaves the method used to provide that information up to the food professional concerned.

A new European regulation named “INCO” makes it mandatory for food retailers to provide consumers with clearer information about the food products they sell.

 
Solution-impression-etiquettes-de-prix-2

Evolis has the simple answer to your labeling obligations

The Evolis design-and-print price tag solution lets you display all the statutory information required.

Evolis offers an all-inclusive package that makes it easy to entirely customize your price tags. By defining your “text” fields where you include things like allergens, country of origin or specific information, you automatically comply with all the statutory labeling requirements by providing full, clear and easy-to-read product information.

COMMERCIAL PRICE SIGNS

Application of the INCO regulation: displaying prices, ingredients, and allergens.

Price Tag King Crab created with Edikio food labelling solutions

THE CHALLENGE

Facilitating the daily price tag update, in order to limit the risks of commercial losses from sales carried out with out-of-date prices.

THE SOLUTION

Kortho, an Evolis distributor in Holland, put together a package deal

Zenius-imprimante-carte-plastique-300x225

 especially aimed at retailers to optimize, simplify, and professionalize price signs. The offer includes:

  • An Evolis Zenius card printer
  • eMedia CS badge design software
  • All the required consumables: ribbon, pre-printed cards

The process involves users opening price tag templates which are connected to an Excel spreadsheet, containing all the products. In a few seconds, Zenius prints the new noticeboard on a plastic card.

“More than 160 retailers have already chosen our solution and demand is growing. We haven’t had any products returned to date, which confirms the high quality of Evolis solutions.” Jan van Vliet, Account Manager, Kortho

USA NEW FOOD LABELING LAW

By May 5, 2017 the new regulation on menu labeling issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require restaurant chains and food establishments with more than 20 points of sale in the U.S.A to clearly display nutritional information on menu boards of prepared food.

FACILITATING COMPLIANCE WITH THE U.S. MENU LABELLING REGULATION

Calorie information should be listed on menus and menu boards to help consumers make informed decisions about meals and snacks. The menu labeling final rule also requires calorie labeling for certain alcoholic beverages and certain foods sold at entertainment venues such as movie theaters and amusement parks. Evolis sample price tag card for USA new food labeling lawThe menu labeling final rule also requires establish ents to provide, upon consumer request, written nutrition information about total calories, total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein.

Price Tag Chicken Hot Pie created with Edikio price tag solution

Food establishments include sit-down and fast-food restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and grocery and convenience stores. According to the FDA’s analysis, a total of some 300,000 establishments, includ­ing grocery stores that sell meal items to go, will be covered un­der the law.

Besides facilitating compliance with the regulation, a clear and esthetic signage communicates a professional brand imageWhile food professionals might be concerned about the mean and the costs to implement these new requirements, one affordable and innovative solution exists in the market.

EVOLIS SYSTEMS TO CUSTOMIZE AND PRINT PRICE TAGS ON PLASTIC CARDS

The solutions from Evolis enable grocers and restaurant managers to create their own price tag design showing all information they need and print them in a few seconds.

The all-in-one desktop solutions, consisting of design software, a printer, plastic cards and a ribbon, enables fast and independent label printing on plastic cards.

The price tags can therefore be changed at any time, directly at the point of sale, individually or by batch. The instant printing of price tags implies important time savings and increased reactivity in managing the labeling.

Black cards with white printed text and white cards with color printed text from Evolis have gone through laboratory tests carried out by the international body TÜV Germany and are compliant for food contact compatibility according to US Chapter 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (FDA)

Evolis launches Edikio

Evolis, the worldwide leader in plastic card personalization solutions, has developed three new all-in-one solutions for price labeling on plastic cards that meet the diverse needs of small, independent food retailers up to large retail outlets.

No more hassles of illegible and unattractive labeling! With these office solutions for the design and printing of price tags, the retailer can display all the necessary consumer information that complies with the European regulations: ingredients, prices, allergens (INCO). The Edikio plastic card printing system creates and prints durable, easy-to-clean price tags within seconds. In addition to saving time and respecting hygiene rules, Edikio solutions also offer the opportunity to rethink price tags as true marketing tools: a harmonized display, clearly legible, clean and aesthetic that reflects the professional image of a shop.

THREE SOLUTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL RETAILERS

All Edikio solutions are comprised of card design software, a card printer, blank plastic cards and a print ribbon, enabling cards to be printed quickly and independently onto a plastic card. Price tags can thus be created at any time, directly at the point of sale, individually or in batches. Evolis offers three solutions adapted to the needs of all food retailers:

  • Edikio Access, the affordable solution for single-sided card printing in credit card format for small volumes.
  • Edikio Flex, the flexible solution for printing price tags in long format as well as credit card format to fit different display needs.
  • Edikio Duplex, the advanced solution for double-sided and high-volume card printing. The reverse side allows the display of information dedicated to the sales staff.

The printers operate just as easily as an office printer. The plastic cards and the print ribbon included in the Edikio pack are installed in a single gesture.

INTUITIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE

The software, unique in the market, is the only one dedicated to price management and printing of price tags on plastic cards and has been specially designed for food professionals (butchers, bakeries, delis, caterers, fishmongers, …). All versions of the software are simple to use, customizable and allow the import of price data via an Excel file. The most advanced version of the software, «Edikio Pro» available with the Edikio Duplex solution, is able to manage multi-user rights, a requirement of most large food retail outlets.

A RANGE OF FOOD CONTACT COMPLIANT CONSUMABLES

Evolis also offers various supports for presenting price tags. These devices exist in several formats, they can fit standard narrow or wide shelves. Some have magnetic bases, some can be spiked directly into food and some allow for joint card presentation. They are specific to different retail professions such as bakeries, butchers, caterers, fishmongers or cheesemongers.

WHERE TO BUY IT ?

The Access and Duplex solutions will be available from April 2017 within the Evolis distribution network in each country; the Flex solution from July 2017. Resellers of Evolis systems offer on-site or remote installation of products as well as technical support. On average, half an hour is enough to install the system and train the user to use it. No IT expertise is needed. It is possible to utilize the printer for many other print applications.

“Thanks to Evolis printers, a customized plastic card can be used in other applications such as loyalty cards, gift cards or ID badges,” explains Nathalie Clément, market developer at Evolis.

Where To Buy?

New paper cards: an alternative for short-term uses

A sustainable alternative to PVC for a variety of applications

The paper card, made from cellulose fibres with no added plastic, completes the Evolis range of consumables. It therefore offers an alternative to PVC cards for certain specific uses in the retail and hotel trades.

Paper cards are ideal for short-term use:

  • event cards (participants in seminars, table placements, etc.)
  • luggage tags,

 or cards for occasional use with little handling:

  • Gift or VIP cards,
  • loyalty cards, etc.

Compatibility

These CR80 standard-dimension cards (0.76 mm thick) are compatible with the following printers:

  • Edikio Flex
  • Edikio Duplex

The paper cards can be printed with the black monochrome ribbon “BlackFlex RCT019NAA” and are available in two packages (Ref. C2501 and C2511).

They are also compatible with the Edikio Price Tag and Edikio Guest accessories.

Low environmental impact

The cards have the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label: the paper used comes from forests that are certified as sustainably managed.

At end of life, paper cards are biodegradable and compostable. As paper is recyclable, it can be disposed of in recycling bins.

Using paper cards for specific applications reduces the contribution to global warming, reduces the contribution to water pollution and reduces the potential exhaustion of non-renewable fossil resources," says

Sonia Chauvet, Product Manager at Evolis.

For pricing information, please contact your Evolis Sales Rep.
Back to Top
Product has been added to your cart