Serial Number Stickers: Sequential Numbering and Batch Printing

Serial number stickers are stickers where each piece has its own unique number, barcode or QR code — we print them from your Excel or CSV list, starting at EUR 17.60/m² excl. VAT (laminated EUR 24.00/m²), with a standard turnaround of 1–3 business days. For example, 1,000 pcs of 50×30 mm stickers with a unique number costs approximately EUR 29 excl. VAT. There's no separate charge for setting up the numbering — artwork setup for stickers is EUR 0.00 in our price list.

What is numbering, or variable data printing

In standard sticker printing, the same image repeats throughout the entire run. In numbering printing, each piece is different: the number, batch code, date, barcode or QR link changes. Technically, this means we add a data field to your artwork and link it to a list containing as many rows as stickers needed.

Manufacturing businesses (for example, metal structure and metal product manufacturers, NACE 25.11) usually need this for traceability: each structure, gate, staircase or railing gets its own serial number, linked to order documents, quality reports and warranty terms.

What can be printed as variable data

• Sequential numbering: 0001–5000, with a prefix (AP-2026-0001) or suffix
• Batch (LOT) numbers and production dates
• Barcodes: Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13
• QR codes and DataMatrix linking to a passport, instructions or database
• Order number, client name, weight, voltage or load data

Materials for serial number stickers

The choice depends on where the sticker will be applied and how long it needs to last. For industrial marking on metal, laminated PP film or silver brushed film is most commonly used — it looks like a factory data plate and withstands moisture, oil and abrasive friction.

How much do 1,000 numbered stickers cost

Stickers are priced per square metre, so the per-piece price depends on the size. Below are indicative calculations that include a small gap between stickers.

Prices are indicative and exclude VAT. The exact amount depends on size, material, quantity and whether contour cutting is required (stickers with printing, contour cutting and transfer film — EUR 24.00/m²). For small quantities, such as 50 or 100 stickers, the minimum order usually comes to one sheet format — we include that in the quote as well. A broader overview of materials and finishes is available in the stickers section.

How to prepare the data file

The cleaner the list, the faster the print job. We need two things: the artwork and the data.

Artwork — vector format (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg), CMYK, raster images at 300 dpi. Mark where the variable field is in the artwork and leave enough space for it: the longest number in the list must not run outside the frame.

Data — Excel (.xlsx) or CSV with one column per variable field and one row per sticker. Column headers in the first row (e.g. SN, LOT, DATE). If the numbering is a simple sequence, it's enough to tell us the starting number, step and quantity — we'll generate the list.

Practical tips

• Leave at least 3 mm of quiet zone for barcodes and a minimum height of 10 mm, otherwise the scanner will read it unreliably.
• The recommended minimum for a QR code on a sticker is 15×15 mm; the longer the link, the larger the code needs to be.
• Write numbers with a fixed number of digits (0001, not 1) — then all stickers look consistent.
• If the number will be read by a person, use a clear sans-serif font at least 2.5 mm tall.

Sheets or rolls, cutting and delivery

We supply stickers in sheets (convenient if applying in-office or one by one) or rolls (convenient for a conveyor or applicator). The numbering sequence in rolls is preserved — from lowest to highest number, unless stated otherwise. Contour cutting in any shape is also possible, including rounded corners, which reduces the risk of the sticker peeling at the edges.

You can collect the finished batch at Kandavas iela 29A, Riga, or have it delivered by courier — delivery in Riga costs EUR 16.00 per trip. Standard turnaround is 1–3 business days, urgent jobs by agreement. If you also need packaging marking, instructions or product passports, we print those in digital printing, while large warning and diagram posters for the workshop floor are printed in large-format printing.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an extra charge for numbering?

No. Artwork setup for stickers is EUR 0.00 in our price list, and linking the variable data is included in artwork preparation if the list comes in a well-organised Excel or CSV file. If the data needs to be built from scratch or is unstructured (for example, a scanned paper list), we agree on a separate setup time.

How many unique numbers can be printed in a single run?

There's no practical limit — we've printed runs of 50 as well as runs of several tens of thousands of unique numbers. For larger runs, production time may exceed 3 business days, which we state in the quote.

Will the sticker hold up on metal outdoors?

Yes, if you choose laminated film or silver brushed material. The surface must be dry and degreased, with an application temperature of +10…+35°C recommended. Laminated material retains readability for several years outdoors; indoors, considerably longer.

Can you print just barcodes without any design?

Yes. Often all that's needed is a simple white sticker with a Code 128 barcode and the number underneath it. In that case, it's enough to tell us the size, code type and number range.

How can I check that the numbers will be correct?

Before printing, we send a PDF proof with the first, middle and last numbers for approval by email. We only proceed to print after written confirmation.

Can you pre-sort the stickers into sets?

Yes, we can cut and organise them into specific number blocks or orders, for example 25 stickers per pack. Please specify this in your request, as it affects the preparation time.

Send us the size, quantity and number range at info@attaprint.lv, call +371 25776699 or message us on WhatsApp at the same number — we'll prepare a quote with price, material and turnaround within one business day. Contact details and opening hours: attaprint.lv/kontakti.