When looking at branding irons for your business, you may be surprised how many options are out there, such as choosing torch or electric heating. Yet, the one question you may be overlooking is whether you should go big or small. Mini branding irons might not seem like the most effective tool, but here are a couple of reasons why they could be the better option for your business.
1. Cost Effective
The biggest advantage of a mini branding iron is that it will not cost you as much as a larger one. This benefits you in a couple of ways. First, you may want to try out branding your products first and see how your customers respond. Maybe you aren’t sure how to use a branding iron and want to try it out first.
Besides, using a branding iron is a low-cost way of putting your mark on everything you make, whether it is wood, leather, parchment, or something else. Branding irons, regardless of their size, are a very inexpensive marketing solution that is sure to impress your clients. It is cheaper to use a single branding iron for labeling than printing out new documents or labels. You also eliminate the chance of misprints and extra paper.
2. Ideal for Small Parcels and Packaging
For businesses that send out tiny packages, such as jewelry boxes, music boxes, tiny wooden figurines, artwork, or small labels, a large-sized branding iron is not going to work. Mini branding irons are generally more simple in design but provide you with a size that will not overwhelm the rest of the packaging. It is still a wonderful way to make a lasting mark on your packaging, but it will not detract from other elements.
An example would be thin tags on handmade clothing. You may want to brand the tag with an S, M, L, or XL to show the size in a unique way. A mini branding iron is the ideal size for this. Such an example is also applicable to food branding irons. Let’s say you want to brand a steak with an R for Rare or a W for Well Done. You get to upgrade the presentation with just a single mark.
3. Versatility
In the same vein of mini branding irons being ideal for smaller labels, tags, and packages, they also offer versatility. Mini branding irons work exactly like the standard versions and are used on wood, food, cardboard, paper, and leather (and other textiles). Use your mini branding iron on wooden or leather coasters, the lid of a candle, paper bags, and cardboard boxes. Being that they are small, you can put the brand in less conspicuous places. They also fit into hard to reach places or in spots where the brand can be hidden from sight.
For branding on food, it is recommended that you get your mini branding iron made in a food safe material, like aluminum. You can then print breads, meats, and fruits with the mini brand of your choice.
4. Customize Your Message
Mini branding irons sometimes come in batches, such as one for every letter of the alphabet. With a selection of mini branding irons, you can spell out words, make unique messages, and add personal touches to your products. If you are looking to make a variety of markings on your items, then ordering a couple of mini branding irons provides you with far more flexibility than a single large one. Plus, you can change the orientation or direction of the designs you make more easily.
This is also a good idea for businesses that are using branding irons to personalize their merchandise for their customers.
5. Easy to Use
At the end of the day, you want a branding iron that is easy to use and doesn’t require much skill to make a decent mark. Mini branding irons are lighter, easier to handle, and also heat up more quickly than bigger versions. This makes them a good tool for even those who have never used a branding iron.
Imagine how much faster production will be when you are not bogged down by printing and stitching and gluing? A mini branding iron can imprint on multiple products quickly, thereby speeding up productivity without adding in any extra steps. Depending on the type of branding iron you purchase, such as a torch-heated or electric-heated branding iron, you may need to reheat the metal, but you will still save a lot of time and energy.
What is a Mini Branding Iron?
Just how small can you make a branding iron? It depends. Just how mini your mini branding iron can be depends largely on the size and design on the head. The most common measurement for a mini branding is 1 inch by 1 inch, but there are some brands that are made to fit into hard to reach areas—like the inside of a violin—that are only a 1/2 inch in dimension.
Which Logos Work Best on a Mini Branding Iron?
Single letters and less complex logos are most ideal for mini branding irons. Usually, mini branding irons are made with a single image or symbol, not a full design, like larger branding irons. If you are looking for a simple design to add to leather, wood, paper, or another material, then a mini branding iron is the best choice. If you have an intricate design to be translated into a branding iron, such as one with close together words or minuscule details, consider selecting a bigger size.
Final Thoughts on Mini Branding Irons
You may have never considered getting a mini branding iron or several for your business, but take this as your sign. Mini branding irons are versatile, ideal for small packages and labels, and can be easily mixed with other mini branding irons for a more customized message. Why not purchase a couple of mini branding irons and see how creative you can get?