When it comes to barcode printing, the quality of your Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) directly affects label clarity, printhead life, scanning accuracy, and overall operational efficiency.
However, many companies unknowingly make mistakes that lead to damaged printers, blurry barcodes, wasted labels, and unnecessary costs.
As one of India’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of TTR ribbons, MYNDS has identified the top mistakes companies make when purchasing ribbons — and how to avoid them.
1. Buying Low-Quality or Cheap Third-Party Ribbons
Many businesses fall for cheap ribbons sold online.
Risks include:
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Printhead scratches
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Excess residue buildup
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Poor barcode readability
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Frequent reprints
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Printer breakdowns
Solution:
Buy only high-quality, manufacturer-certified ribbons from MYNDS, which come with anti-static backcoat and strict quality control.
2. Choosing the Wrong Ribbon Type (Wax / Wax-Resin / Resin)
Each ribbon type is engineered for a specific purpose:
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Wax: Paper labels
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Wax-Resin: Semi-gloss & synthetic labels
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Resin: Toughest, chemical-resistant labels
Wrong selection causes:
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Smudging
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Faded print
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Label rejection during scanning
Solution:
Always match the ribbon type with your label material. Barcode Vault helps customers choose the perfect ribbon for their use case.
3. Using Fake, Counterfeit, or Unbranded Ribbons
Cheap fake ribbons are everywhere.
Effects include:
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Printhead damage
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Weak barcode contrast
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Chemical incompatibility
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Frequent printer servicing
Solution:
Purchase directly from Barcode Vault / MYNDS, India’s trusted TTR manufacturer.
4. Not Matching Ribbon Size with Printer Requirements
Incorrect width or length can cause:
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Ribbon wrinkling
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Ribbon breakage
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Print misalignment
Solution:
Always choose the exact width, roll length, and core size compatible with:
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Zebra
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TSC
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Godex
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Honeywell
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Citizen
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TVS
Barcode Vault provides 100% compatible roll sizes.
5. Ignoring Printhead Compatibility (Flat-Head vs Near-Edge)
Mixing flat-head and near-edge ribbons can result in:
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Faded print
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Low adhesion
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High wastage
Solution:
Barcode Vault manufactures dedicated flat-head and near-edge ribbons for all high-speed printers.
6. Not Considering Label Material
A ribbon designed for paper will not print well on:
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PP, PE, PET
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Glossy synthetic materials
Solution:
Choose ribbons based on the substrate material. Barcode Vault guides customers to the correct ribbon-label combination.
7. Wrong Core Size Selection (0.5” / 1” Core)
Using the wrong core size can cause:
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Improper feeding
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Ribbon slipping
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Wastage during printing
Solution:
Barcode Vault offers 0.5” and 1” core ribbons for all desktop and industrial printers.
8. Buying from Marketplaces Without Warranty or Support
Platforms like Amazon or IndiaMART often sell:
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Refurbished ribbons
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Old stock
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Non-certified materials
Solution:
Buy directly from Barcode Vault / MYNDS — with:
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Genuine ribbons
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Manufacturer pricing
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Technical support
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Fast delivery across India
9. Ignoring Environmental Conditions (Heat, Chemicals, UV)
Faded or unreadable barcodes often occur when ribbons are not suitable for the environment.
Solution:
Barcode Vault provides:
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High-resin chemical-resistant ribbons
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Heat-resistant ribbons
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Outdoor-grade ribbons
10. Not Buying From a Trusted Manufacturer
This is the biggest mistake.
Barcode Vault / MYNDS is India’s leading TTR manufacturer, offering:
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Wax, Wax-Resin, and Resin Ribbons
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Near-Edge & Flat-Head Ribbons
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Color Ribbons (Gold, Silver, White, Blue, Red, Green)
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Custom sizes & OEM printing
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PAN India supply
Conclusion
Buying the wrong Thermal Transfer Ribbon can cost your business in the long run — from damaged printheads and low-quality labels to scanning issues and operational delays.
Buy only from India’s largest TTR manufacturer, Barcode Vault / MYNDS, for guaranteed quality, durability, and lowest factory-direct pricing.
Call Now: +91-8800839490
Email: gm@indianbarcode.com