If you sell products, your labels have to do quiet work. They need to stick, look clean, and survive real life. This review compares stickergiant vs makestickers for custom label printing. I focus on materials, order minimums, speed, proofing, and cost signals. I also call out where each one fits best.
StickerGiant vs MakeStickers at a glance
Both companies print labels on rolls for packaging. Both send free digital proofs before printing. Both have strong support and clear websites. The differences are in speed promises, order minimums, shipping rules, and a few pro features like machine application options.
Quick take:
- Speed: MakeStickers advertises a two‑day turnaround after proof approval. StickerGiant quotes two to five business days with an optional rush print option.
- Minimums: MakeStickers starts at 50 roll labels. StickerGiant’s label minimum typically starts at 125.
- Shipping: MakeStickers includes free shipping on all US orders, with free 2‑Day shipping once your cart hits a threshold. StickerGiant includes free ground shipping at a similar spend level.
- Automation: Both support roll orientation for applicators. StickerGiant offers optional PET backing for high‑speed machines.
- Materials: Both offer BOPP films in glossy, matte, and clear, plus specialty looks. Both offer paper label options for dry, indoor uses.
Materials, finishes, and real‑world durability
Most product labels here use BOPP film. It holds color well and handles moisture and oils better than paper.
- StickerGiant lists Glossy, Matte, Clear, and Holographic BOPP labels. Their help center is clear about expectations: BOPP labels are water and oil resistant but not fully waterproof, and they are intended for indoor use or refrigerated settings. Paper labels use UV‑cured varnish for light protection and are best for dry, indoor use. They also publish detailed specs like liner weight and adhesive type, and offer laminated label pages that spell out use cases like food, beverage, and health and beauty packaging.
- MakeStickers offers White BOPP, Clear PP, Holographic PET, and Semi‑Gloss Paper for labels. Marketing emphasizes waterproof and scratch‑resistant benefits in product pages. Their paper labels are positioned for single‑use tasks like freshness seals or takeout containers. Material descriptions are straightforward and include a 3 inch core for rolls.
Bottom line on materials: For wet or oily environments such as sauces and cosmetics, choose film labels. If you want the “natural” look, paper labels work but keep them away from moisture. Both companies will get you there. StickerGiant’s help docs are a bit more conservative about “waterproof” claims, which I appreciate for packaging truth in messy conditions.
Order minimums, sizes, and automation options
- Minimum quantities: MakeStickers lets you order as few as 50 labels per roll, which is great for micro‑batches or pilots. StickerGiant’s label minimum commonly starts at 125. If you test flavors or scents in tiny runs, MakeStickers may be the lighter lift. If your batches are past the pilot phase, StickerGiant’s minimum won’t be an issue.
- Sizes and roll details: StickerGiant supports a wide size range for custom labels, from small 0.5 x 0.5 inches up to 11 x 14 inches. That covers most packaging tasks. MakeStickers provides any size and shape through their configurator and confirms a standard 3 inch core.
- Machine application: Both let you choose unwind direction so labels feed correctly into your applicator. StickerGiant adds an optional PET backing on certain BOPP labels, which is useful for higher‑speed applicators because PET liners are stronger and release cleaner. If you hand‑apply, either shop works fine. If you run an applicator, both can set roll orientation, with StickerGiant adding the PET liner detail for tougher machine runs.
Turnaround, shipping, and rush options
Here the policies split.
- MakeStickers markets a two‑day turnaround after proof approval. They ship free in the US, and their shipping help page explains the thresholds clearly. Orders under a certain subtotal ship free via standard service, and you can pay a small fee to upgrade to 2‑Day. Orders at or above the threshold include free 2‑Day shipping. They also offer a rush service that prints and ships within one business day if you meet the placement cutoff. This setup is simple and fast.
- StickerGiant states printing and shipping within two to five business days after you approve your proof. They offer Rush Printing that moves production to the front of the line to print and ship one business day after proof approval. Shipping is free ground in the US when your cart clears their spend threshold. They also publish details for expedited shipping and even local pickup in Colorado.
Practical read: If you need a predictable two‑day rhythm and your cart crosses the threshold, MakeStickers is hard to beat for speed and free 2‑Day shipping. If your timeline is 3 to 5 business days or you plan to use a paid rush only when needed, StickerGiant works well.
Proofing and color expectations
Both shops send free digital proofs and will not print until you approve. That is standard and good.
On color, both print in CMYK and say so. Expect slight differences between what you see on your monitor and what prints. If you live or die by a brand color, build your file in CMYK and consider a small test before committing to a big run. Neither shop promises Pantone spot ink matching on these digital label lines.
What I liked:
- StickerGiant’s proofing docs outline what the proof shows and remind you that screen color is approximate.
- MakeStickers documents their timeline rules around proof approval cutoffs and reinforces that production starts after approval.
Pricing, samples, and support
- Pricing: Each shop uses a live calculator, so you price by size, quantity, and material. StickerGiant’s label pages sometimes show example price breaks by quantity for certain paper label lines, which helps you plan per‑label costs. MakeStickers doesn’t publish starting prices broadly for labels, but in exchange they push the lower minimum of 50 that reduces your total cash outlay for pilots.
- Samples: StickerGiant sells a $5 sample pack that includes multiple materials plus a $5 rebate coupon. MakeStickers offers a free‑shipping sample pack showcasing their materials, and they also sell printed custom samples of your own file with a discount baked in.
- Support and guarantees: Both offer responsive support and satisfaction guarantees. MakeStickers’ return page is short and empathetic, promising to reprint or refund if you are not happy. StickerGiant publishes a 30‑day window to report problems and focuses refunds on quality issues.
If you are risk‑averse, sample first. If you want to feel the laminate and adhesive on your actual container, order a small custom sample from MakeStickers. If you want swatches and a coupon, grab the StickerGiant pack.
Pros, cons, and who each is best for
StickerGiant
Pros
- Deep documentation on materials, adhesives, durability, and machine application
- Optional PET backing for automated lines
- Clear art templates and proofing guidance
- Free ground shipping at a reasonable spend level
- Strong support and a published 30‑day quality policy
Cons
- Minimums are higher for labels
- Standard production window is broader at two to five business days
- Label copy highlights water and oil resistance but avoids “waterproof” claims, which may feel cautious if you expect dishwasher‑level abuse
Best for
- Brands running label applicators or scaling up production
- Teams that want conservative, well‑documented specs and orientation options
- Orders where ground shipping plus planned lead time is fine, with rush available as needed
MakeStickers
Pros
- Low 50‑label minimum on rolls
- Two‑day turnaround standard after proof approval
- Free shipping on all US orders, with free 2‑Day at a spend threshold and a small fee to upgrade below that threshold
- Simple product setup and clear proofing cutoffs
- Easy custom sample option
Cons
- Fewer published hard specs on some pages compared to StickerGiant
- “Waterproof” language appears in spots, so match material choice to your exact use and test if you need extreme moisture handling
Best for
- Small batches, seasonal pilots, and fast restocks
- Makers who need labels in hand quickly and want low minimums
- Shippers who benefit from free 2‑Day once the cart hits the threshold
Bottom line
Both companies are solid. If you want the lowest label minimums and quick, predictable two‑day turnarounds, choose MakeStickers. If you value detailed specs, machine‑friendly finishing like PET liners, and broad size support, StickerGiant is a safe pick. In my opinion, the right choice depends on your batch size and how automated your labeling is. Order a sample pack or a custom sample first, apply it to your real container, and then scale. That one extra step saves money and stress.