Tag string is a common and cost-effective way to attach your tags. It usually involves tying elastic or cotton string through a hole in the tag. There are many ways to go about stringing your tags and choosing the right one can be critical in completing your project.
The Hang Tag String Dilemma
Hang tag string is often an afterthought when it comes to hang tag projects. Printing is only half the hang tag battle. Most people don’t realize how costly and labor intensive it can be to produce tags, string them and have them attached to their products.
Don’t be most people! Instead, know your budget and what it will take to attach your tags before you get them. Finding the right method can be a daunting task. To help, we describe three effective ways to string your tags.
Method 1: Fully-Automated Tag Stringing
This preferred method is cost-effective, convenient and fast. Automatic tag string services take out most of the labor. This technology punches the hole in your tag, strings it and ties it all in one step.
Fully automated tag stringing can be the best option for high volume projects (20,000+ tags) because it saves on labor and time. Half a million tags can be strung in as little one week. This time-efficient method, however, has limited options.
Limitations
A lot of fully-automated services cannot string a tag with a hole previously punched in. They also cannot string die-cut tags without 2 bottom right angle corners.
There are also limitations on the color and size of string. For instance, some tag-stringers will string only non-metallic colors and tie loops no longer than 4 inches. If you want your tags customized to stand out, this may not be the best option.
Keep in mind that tag options and their limitations vary from company to company.
Method 2: Semi-Automated Tag Stringing
This method is best for small to medium size projects (500-20,000 tags). Even though more expensive and with longer production time than fully-automated tag stringing, this method is still cost-effective and relatively quick. A few thousand tags can be strung in as little as one day.
Customization
Semi-automated tag services also provide more options for item customization. You can have almost any size and shape tag (including die-cut) strung with almost any length of string.
Semi-automated tag stringing also allows for a wider selection of string colors including metallic gold and silver.
Method 3: DIY Hand Application
With this method, tag string is hand applied and tied to the tags. Many people who have small projects will prefer to apply tag string to their tags themselves because it is often perceived as the cheapest method. In doing so, however, many underestimate the labor and time consumption.
Buying Hang Tag String Loops
It can be a very tedious venture to cut and tie pieces of string to tags and items. Buying pre-made loops can greatly reduce application time. There are a few options for this:
Loop With Knot
Cotton, cord and elastic loops can be purchased in any size and color. Most knotted loops are available for under $0.10 a piece with discounts on bulk orders.
Loop With Ball
An Elastic loop with ball option can be purchased for easier application and a more elegant look. Balled ends can come in silver or gold.
Finding Hang Tag String
In order to really figure out what your best tag stringing solution is, you need price quotes. Finding quotes, however, presents a whole different set of challenges. Some tag printers offer tag stringing but not all of them and their options may be limited.