The Ultimate Guide to Custom Hang Tags: How to Boost Branding, Sales and Perceived Value

Discover maximizing custom hang tags for branding, product appeal, and sales with our guide on benefits, design, and promotion tips.

Introduction

Hang tags are an essential yet often overlooked part of product branding and merchandising in retail stores. According to The Overlooked Importance of Retail Hang Tags, "A high-quality branded swing tag ensures the customer that the product is of the same standard and adds to its credibility. Also, it gives you a chance to convey the story behind your product".

Custom-branded hang tags provide numerous benefits over generic tags. As stated in Hanging Tags and Consumer Behavior, "Hang tags are a way to connect with your customers, and they can play a vital role in attracting customer attention and motivating the purchase decision process". Well-designed custom hang tags allow you to reinforce your brand, provide product information, showcase your unique story, and boost sales.

Benefits of Custom Hang Tags

Custom branded hang tags offer many advantages compared to generic blank tags. Some key benefits include:

Brand recognition - Custom hang tags allow you to prominently display your logo, brand colors, and other brand identifiers. This helps customers instantly recognize your products and reinforces brand awareness. As customers browse products, custom hang tags create visual brand consistency.

Product information - Hang tags provide a convenient place to communicate important product details like materials, care instructions, sizing, etc. You can include as much or as little info as needed. Custom hang tags ensure the product information reflects your brand voice and messaging.

Brand storytelling - The extra space on a hang tag creates a unique opportunity to share your brand story and values. You can use creative copy and graphics to convey your brand personality. This helps connect customers to your brand on an emotional level.

Security - Custom-branded hang tags are more difficult for shoplifters to replicate. Unique designs with your logo make it obvious if a product is counterfeit. Some hang tags also allow you to include anti-theft devices for added security.

Essential Hang Tag Information

Hang tags should contain key details about the product to inform customers and meet retail requirements. Here are some essential elements to include:

Product Name and Description

The product name and a brief description help identify the item and its features or benefits. This helps customers learn about the product at a glance. GotPrint recommends using persuasive wording to highlight value.

Branding

Include your brand name, logo, tagline, or other brand identifiers to reinforce your brand. Consistent branding helps connect your product to your company's reputation and story. As Dmather notes, repeating your branding builds customer familiarity.

Price

List the retail price prominently so customers know the value. The pricing should match what's shown at checkout. Listing the price builds trust and transparency.

Barcode/SKU

A barcode or SKU number helps with inventory management and checkout scanning. It allows your product to be easily identified in your system. Including it on the tag ensures it's readily available.

Materials

Detail the materials used to make the product, like 100% cotton, leather, polyester blend, etc. This provides customers with information about quality, feel, and durability.

Hang Tag Materials

Hang tags can be made from various materials, each with its own benefits. The most common options are:

Cardstock: This thick, durable paper is the most popular material for hang tags. It's affordable, lightweight, and easy to print on. Cardstock comes in a range of weights and can have different finishes like glossy or matte. Standard cardstock hang tags cost 1-2 cents each.

Plastic: Plastic hang tags are waterproof, tear-resistant, and very durable. They're a good choice for products that will be exposed to moisture or wear and tear. Common plastics used are polypropylene and polyethylene. Plastic tags cost 2-4 cents each on average.

Fabric: For clothing and soft goods, fabric hang tags can provide an upscale, high-end feel. Materials like cotton, linen, burlap, felt, and leather can be used. Fabric tags tend to be more expensive, from 5-10 cents per tag. They provide a softer texture and can be dyed or imprinted with designs.

The right material depends on your product, brand image, and budget. Heavier cardstock or plastic works well for durability, while fabric offers a refined, craft look and feel. Compare the costs and benefits when choosing hang tag materials for your retail products.

Hang Tag Shapes and Sizes

Hang tags come in a variety of standard and custom shapes and sizes. Some of the most common shapes include:

• Rectangle - This is the most popular and widely used hang tag shape.

• Circle - Round die-cut circle tags stand out on products.

• Tag - These have a cutout hole at the top for hanging on products.

Standard hang tag sizes range from as small as 1.375" x 2.75" up to 3.125" x 6.25" or larger. According to BoxPrinting, common standard sizes include:

• 1.375 x 2.75

• 1.625 x 3.25

• 1.875 x 3.75

• 2.125 x 4.25

• 2.375 x 4.75

• 2.625 x 5.25

• 2.875 x 5.75

• 3.125 x 6.25

For a truly custom look, you can create hang tags in unique shapes like stars, clouds, hearts, or product silhouettes. The shape possibilities are endless for making your product stand out.

Designing Custom Hang Tags

When designing custom hang tags, there are several elements you'll want to focus on to create an eye-catching and functional design:

Branding - Incorporate your brand colors, logo, and other visual identity elements. This helps customers instantly recognize your product. Using your brand fonts also helps reinforce your brand.

Graphics and Images - Consider using photos of your products or lifestyle imagery that fits your brand. Infographics and icons can also help illustrate key information. Images make hang tags more visually compelling.

Clear Product Details - Include essential product information like the name, materials, care instructions, and origin. This helps customers learn about the product at a glance.

Creative Shapes and Embellishments - Die-cut shapes, rounded corners, textured paper, foil stamping, and other unique embellishments can make your hang tag stand out. But don't go overboard - simplicity is key.

By incorporating strong branding, impactful graphics, clear details, and creative touches, you can design custom hang tags that effectively represent your brand and attract customer attention.

Printing Custom Hang Tags

There are two main printing methods for custom hang tags - digital and offset printing. Digital printing is best for shorter print runs of a few hundred or thousand tags, while offset printing is better for larger quantities of 10,000+ tags. Here's a comparison of the two:

Digital printing offers:

• Lower minimum orders, often starting at just 100-250 tags

• Faster turnaround times, often 3-5 business days

• Ability to print variable data like numbers and barcodes

• More flexibility for design changes

Offset printing offers:

• Lower per unit costs for large quantities 10,000+

• High quality, professional printing

• Wide range of paper stocks and finishes

For coatings and finishes, popular options include:

• Gloss coating for a shiny, sleek look

• Matte coating for a smooth, non-reflective look

• Soft touch coating for a velvety feel

• UV high gloss for a shiny, scratch-resistant finish

Expect per unit pricing around $0.05-0.25 for digital and $0.02-0.05 for offset printing. Get free quotes to compare hang tag printing costs.

Attaching Hang Tags

There are a few common methods for attaching hang tags to products, each with their own pros and cons related to durability and cost.

String or twine is a popular option. Small holes can be punched in the hang tag to allow a piece of string to be threaded through and tied around the product. String provides a classic look but may not be as durable as other options. Make sure to use enough string to allow the tag to dangle freely and be easily read by customers.

Plastic attachments like zip ties, plastic strings, or plastic rings can also be used. These tend to be inexpensive and durable. However, removing plastic attachments can be trickier at checkout or when trying on clothing items. The rigid plastic attachments may also feel less high-end than options like string.

Glue is another common method, either using permanent adhesive or removable dot glue. Gluing allows the tag to lie flat against the product. But over time, the adhesive may wear off, so this is generally less durable. Make sure glue won't damage delicate fabrics or leave residue on products.

The best attachment option depends on the product itself, cost considerations, branding style, and ease of use at checkout. In general, aim for an attachment that is secure but also easy for staff to remove. Prioritize durability so hang tags remain attached throughout the sales journey, withstanding customer handling, storage, and transportation.

Using Hang Tags Creatively

Hang tags present a great opportunity to boost sales through creative promotions, personalization, care instructions, and cross-selling. Here are some ideas:

Promotions

Run special promotions by adding coupons, discount codes, or punch cards to hang tags. This creates an incentive for customers to come back and make another purchase. For example, a clothing boutique could offer 10% off if the customer brings back the hang tag after their first purchase. Or a handmade soap company could include a punch card for a free soap after 5 purchases. Promotions help drive repeat business.

Personalization

Offer custom engraving, monogramming, or other personalization options and highlight them on the hang tag. Personalized gifts tend to sell well because they feel special and unique. A jewelry shop could note on their hang tag that customers can get items engraved. Or a handbag retailer could promote monogramming services on the back of their hang tags. Personalization helps create an emotional connection.

Care Instructions

Use the hang tag real estate to provide product care instructions. For apparel and fabrics, highlight if the item is machine washable or dry clean only. For beauty products, share tips for storage and usage. Providing this info on the hang tag keeps it attached to the product so customers can easily refer back to it. This prevents products from being damaged due to improper care.

Cross-Selling

Suggest complementary products on the hang tag to encourage add-on purchases. A clothing store could recommend tops to pair with bottoms or a makeup brand could share which products create a full look. Cross-selling increases order values. Just keep the suggestions relevant to avoid overwhelming customers.

Conclusion

In summary, custom-branded hang tags can provide immense value for retail products and small businesses. Well-designed hang tags act as mini billboards to promote your brand and draw attention to specific products. They also allow space for key product information, care instructions, promotions and more.

Investing in customized hang tags rather than generic ones allows you to maximize their branding, marketing, and functional benefits. This includes choosing the right shapes, materials, and printing methods for your needs and budget. With some creativity, hang tags can be used for unique promotions, personalization, cross-selling, and building customer loyalty.

Overall, custom hang tags are an impactful but cost-effective way to boost your product presentation and sales. By putting care and strategy into maximizing your branded hang tags, you can elevate the perceived value of products and your brand. Distinguish yourself from competitors and drive more revenue by exploring all the possibilities with custom hang tags.