Selling Labels into the Educational Marketplace

For distributors, the education marketplace presents a treasure trove of untapped potential.  From primary and secondary schools, to colleges and universities, to specialty and graduate programs, there are more than 100,000 education institutions in the United States. This includes both public schools and private schools in a wide variety of specialties. The opportunities are vast.

If you are selling forms into this market, there is an opportunity to sell labels and tags, as well. In addition to labels used in classrooms and offices, schools also have need for name tags and badges, asset tags, security labels, branded shipping labels, and wide variety of other label products. With so many different departments to sell into (from administration and teaching to athletics and transportation), the volume and variety in labels is all but endless.

Don’t miss the opportunity to expand your portfolio by adding or cross-selling these high-profit products.

The Hidden Demand for Labels and Tags

The educational ecosystem in the United States is nothing short of diverse. Whether public or private, each institution comes with its own unique areas of focus, specialties, and educational missions. This diversity translates into a myriad of opportunities for print distributors.

That’s why  it’s important not to overlook the demand for labels and tags. Classrooms, offices, libraries, laboratories, and various departments within these institutions all have unique labeling needs that extend far beyond the basics.

Here are some of the types of labels you can sell:

• Name Tags and Badges: Schools regularly use name tags and badges for faculty, staff, and students. These can be personalized with names, titles, and affiliations to enhance security and facilitate identification.
• Asset Tags: Asset management is critical in educational institutions. Asset tags help track valuable equipment, computers, and other assets, minimizing losses and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Security Labels: Educational institutions are increasingly focused on security. Security labels can be used to protect sensitive documents, access points, and equipment.
• Branded Shipping Labels: Schools often have a need for branded shipping labels when sending out materials or merchandise. These labels reinforce the school’s identity and professionalism.
• Department-Specific Labels: Different departments within educational institutions have specific labeling requirements. For example, laboratories may need labels for chemical containers, while the library may require book identification labels.

Think “Vertical Markets”

Because the education marketplace is so diverse, you can actually think about it as a microcosm of nearly every other vertical market. Consider all of the different areas within an educational system:

Administration

• School Principal
• School Superintendent
• School Board Members
• Administrative Staff
• Human Resources
• Finance and Budgeting

Think: office labels, financial labels

Teaching and Instruction

• Classroom Teachers (Various Subjects and Grades)
• Special Education Teachers
• Librarians
• Counselors
• Curriculum Developers
• Teaching Assistants

Think: office labels

Support Staff

• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Receptionists
• Custodial and Maintenance Staff
• Security Personnel
• Nurses and Health Services Staff

Think: office labels, healthcare labels

Information Technology (IT)

• IT Directors
• Network Administrators
• Technicians
• Educational Technology Specialists
• Database Administrators

Think: office labels, asset tags

Student Services

• School Counselors
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Speech Therapists
• Occupational Therapists

Think: office labels

Library Services

• Librarians
• Library Assistants
• Media Specialists

Think: office labels, security labels 

Academic Departments

• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities
• Arts
• Physical Education
• Foreign Language

Think: office labels, healthcare labels, asset tags

Curriculum Development

• Curriculum Coordinators
• Instructional Designers
• Assessment Specialists

Think: office labels

Special Education

• Special Education Coordinators
• Behavior Specialists
• Speech and Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists

Think: office labels

Student Affairs

• Student Affairs Directors
• Dean of Students
• Student Activities Coordinators
• Career Counselors

Think: office labels

Testing and Assessment

• Test Coordinators
• Assessment Specialists

Think: office labels

Transportation

• Transportation Directors
• Bus Drivers
• Mechanics

Think: office labels, automotive labels, warehouse labels

Food Services

• Food Service Directors
• Cooks
• Food Service Workers

Think: office labels, warehouse labels

Facilities and Maintenance

• Facilities Directors
• Maintenance Workers
• Groundskeepers

Think: office labels, home services labels, warehouse labels

Finance and Accounting

• CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
• Accountants
• Payroll Specialists
• Budget Analysts

Think: office labels, financial labels

Legal and Compliance

• Legal Counsel
• Compliance Officers

Think: office labels

Public Relations and Marketing

• Public Relations Specialists
• Marketing Coordinators

Think: office labels

Research and Development

• Education Researchers
• Grant Writers

Think: office labels

Security and Safety

• Security Officers
• Safety Coordinators

Think: office labels, security labels, asset tags

Technology Integration

• Technology Integration Specialists
• Adult Education and Continuing Education:
• Adult Education Instructors
• Continuing Education Coordinators

Think: office labels, security labels, asset tags

Early Childhood Education

• Preschool Teachers
• Early Childhood Specialists
• Community Engagement and Outreach:
• Community Engagement Coordinators

Athletics and Physical Education

• Athletic Directors
• Coaches
• Physical Education Instructors

Think: office labels, warehouse labels, asset tags

Environmental Services (Sustainability)

• Sustainability Coordinators

Think: office labels

Language and Cultural Services

• ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructors
• Language Coordinators

Think: office labels

Transportation Services

• Transportation Coordinators

Think: office labels, transportation and logistics labels, warehouse labels

Mind blown? That’s kind of the point. If you found yourself scrolling and scrolling, wondering when you would hit the bottom of this list, that is the point — there are so many different areas within educational institutions that each is very much like its own market. Each of these areas also has diverse needs for different types of labeling solutions, giving distributors a vast universe in which to sell educational labels.

Think about each one of these areas as its own universe and ask yourself which types of labels would be needed in that market. You may find that the list of label types is entirely different. Now that’s opportunity!

At Wise, we specialize in educational labels, including those for highly specialized applications and needs. Contact us at our label plant in Anderson, SC, to find out how we can help you stay ahead in this high-profit market.

Or contact your RSM.