Your Guide to Price Guns and Labels

In retail, manufacturing, and warehousing, efficiency and accuracy are non-negotiable. From tracking inventory to updating prices, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where price guns and their corresponding labels come in, offering a simple, fast, and cost-effective way to manage your stock.

For decades, businesses across Australia have trusted handheld labelling solutions to streamline their operations. Whether you’re pricing products, marking best-before dates, or coding batches for quality control, a reliable price gun is a must-have. At Priceguns and Labels, we offer a wide range of price guns and labels to suit your business needs. This guide will help you explore the different types available and find the perfect match for your operations.

What Are Price Guns?

Price guns, also known as pricing labelers or hand-labelling tools, are devices used to print and apply adhesive labels to products. They are widely used across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and even in medical and office environments. Their primary function is to simplify the process of pricing, date coding, and batch numbering, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time.

At Gleesons, we’ve been proudly serving Australian businesses since 1976. As a family-owned company now in its third generation, we understand the importance of quality and reliability. That’s why we stock a wide selection of models from trusted brands like Meto, Jolly, Open, and Motex.

Choosing the Right Price Gun

Price guns come in several configurations, primarily distinguished by the number of lines they can print on a label. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right tool for your specific tasks.

Single-Line Price Guns

As the name suggests, single-line guns print a single row of characters. These are ideal for straightforward applications like displaying a price. They are typically compact, easy to use, and perfect for businesses that need a simple, no-fuss labelling solution.

Two-Line Price Guns

Two-line guns offer more versatility by printing two rows of information. This allows you to include a price on one line and a date, batch code, or unit of measure on the other. They are a popular choice for supermarkets and fresh produce businesses that need to track expiry dates alongside pricing. Some advanced two-line models even feature alphabetic characters, enabling more detailed inventory management.

Three-Line Price Guns

For complex labelling needs, three-line guns provide the most flexibility. These tools can print three rows of data, making them suitable for detailed product information, multi-part codes, or extensive tracking numbers. The Meto 3329 Advanced Three-Line Hand Labelling Tool, for example, is an agile option for businesses requiring a high number of print bands for sophisticated coding.

Types of Labelling Guns for Every Need

Beyond simple pricing, specialised guns are designed for specific functions that help businesses maintain high standards of quality control and inventory management.

Date Coders

Date coding guns are essential for any business dealing with perishable goods. They provide a quick way to print and apply “Best Before” or “Use By” dates, helping to manage stock rotation and reduce spoilage. These tools are indispensable in food retail, medical clinics, and research facilities. We offer a range of date coding guns from Meto, Jolly, and Open to suit various requirements.

Alphabet Guns

When you need more than just numbers, alphabet guns are the answer. These tools typically feature at least one band of alphabetic characters, allowing you to create custom codes for inventory management. Retailers and manufacturers often use them to print product codes, department names, or other descriptive information directly onto labels.

Coding Guns

Coding guns are designed for applying specific codes to merchandise quickly and easily. Available in single, two, and three-line models, they are perfect for batch numbering, quality control tracking, or internal stock identification.

Sequential Guns

Sequential numbering guns automatically advance to the next number after each label is applied. This feature is incredibly useful for creating unique identifiers for products, assets, or documents, ensuring no two items are labelled with the same number.

Finding the Perfect Label

The gun is only half the equation; the right label is just as important. The type of label you choose will depend on your product, your business environment, and the information you need to display.

Adhesive Types

Permanent Adhesive: These labels are designed to stay put once applied and are difficult to remove without tearing or leaving residue. They are ideal for standard pricing and product identification.
Removable Adhesive: If you need to change prices or information without damaging the product’s packaging, removable labels are the perfect choice.
Freezer-Grade Adhesive: For products stored in cold or frozen environments, freezer-grade labels have a special adhesive that maintains its stickiness at low temperatures.

Speciality Labels

Date Coding Labels: Pre-printed with “USE BY” or “BEST BEFORE”, these labels make date marking clear and professional.
Weather-Proof Labels: Made from durable materials, these labels can withstand exposure to moisture and outdoor conditions.
Tamper-Proof Labels: These labels are designed to show evidence of tampering, providing an extra layer of security for your products.
Branded (Custom) Labels: Add a professional touch with custom labels featuring your company name, logo, or other unique information.