In the age of barcodes, self-checkouts and digital inventory systems, it’s easy to assume that traditional price gun labels are a thing of the past. However, for thousands of small shops across the UK, price guns remain an essential part of daily operations. From corner shops and delis to market stalls and independent retailers, these simple tools continue to offer reliable, low-cost solutions for pricing, labelling and stock control.
In this blog, we’ll explore why small shops still use price gun labels and why it’s worth continuing to do so. If you’re running a retail business or thinking of setting one up, here’s why this affordable labelling method still matters today.
What Are Price Gun Labels?
Price gun labels are small adhesive labels printed using a handheld pricing gun. They’re typically used to display prices, batch codes, dates or other important product information on retail items.
Price guns come in a range of models—some with one line of text, others with two or three lines for extra detail. You simply load the pricing labels into the gun, select the digits, and press to apply the label to the product. It’s quick, efficient and doesn’t require any technical knowledge or IT systems.
Why Small Shops Still Rely on Price Gun Labels
1. Simplicity and Speed
For small shop owners, speed matters. Price gun labels allow you to mark stock quickly without needing to connect to software or scan barcodes. When new products arrive or prices change, you can update your displays within minutes using a manual labelling gun.
There’s no learning curve, no waiting for IT systems to update, and no need to print out sheets of stickers from a computer. Everything is done on the spot, which helps save time—especially during busy periods or stock takes.
2. Clear Pricing for Customers
Customers in local shops and markets still expect to see clear pricing on items. Visible prices help shoppers make quick decisions and avoid confusion. This is particularly important in settings where items are displayed individually, such as fresh produce, household goods or convenience snacks.
Printed price labels make pricing consistent across your shop floor, and they avoid the hassle of handwritten stickers that may smudge or become unreadable.
3. Cost-Effective Labelling
Compared to barcode printing or digital pricing displays, price gun labelling is highly affordable. Pricing guns themselves are a one-off investment, and replacement labels and ink rollers are inexpensive.
This is ideal for independent retailers, market traders, or any shop with a limited budget. With minimal ongoing costs, price guns deliver excellent value while giving you full control over your pricing.
Common Uses of Price Gun Labels in Small Shops
- Pricing individual items in convenience stores, off-licences, and newsagents
- Marking discounted goods during sales or short-dated stock
- Date coding for fresh foods or perishable items
- Batch labelling in health shops or packaging areas
- Stock control codes to track product rotations or restocking dates
For smaller shops where stock is managed manually, these uses provide practical support without requiring complex systems.
Are Price Guns Still Relevant in the Barcode Era?
While many large retailers now rely on barcode systems and EPOS integrations, small businesses don’t always have the need—or the resources—for full-scale digital infrastructure.
Barcodes are great for inventory tracking and scanning at the till, but price labels still play a vital role in many settings:
- Back-up labelling when barcode systems fail
- Temporary price reductions that don’t need barcode changes
- Labelling unpackaged goods like fruit, vegetables or baked items
- Cash-only environments where manual pricing is still standard
Even shops that use EPOS systems often keep a pricing gun to hand for quick labelling tasks or off-system items.
Flexibility and Control for Independent Retailers
One of the main advantages of using price gun labels is the flexibility they offer. As an independent retailer, you may deal with small batches, short-term promotions or supplier price changes on a regular basis. Rather than waiting for digital systems to update, you can simply change the label.
This hands-on approach is especially useful in seasonal shops, clearance outlets, or businesses that frequently introduce new stock. With a pricing gun, you're in full control of your pricing without relying on third parties or software updates.
Types of Price Gun Labels Available
Depending on your needs, there are several label options to choose from with Price Gun Land:
- Plain white labels – suitable for general pricing
- Pre-printed labels – with headings like “Use By”, “Sale”, or “Batch No.”
- Permanent adhesive labels – for long-term marking
- Removable labels – ideal for temporary pricing or non-damaging use
- Coloured labels – useful for drawing attention to deals or offers
Many small shops benefit from keeping a mix of label types in stock to suit different product categories and promotions.
How to Choose the Right Pricing Gun for Your Shop
When selecting a pricing gun, consider the following:
- Number of lines – Do you need just the price or additional lines for dates or batch numbers?
- Label size – Make sure the gun is compatible with the label size you want to use.
- Ease of use – Choose a model that’s comfortable and simple to operate.
- Spare parts and support – Opt for a trusted supplier who offers replacement ink rollers and technical help if needed.
Reliable brands like Avery Dennison and Motex are popular among UK retailers and offer both single-line and multi-line models.
Final Thoughts
Price gun labels may seem low-tech, but they continue to offer essential support to small shops across the UK. From simple pricing to stock management, these handheld tools remain one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to run an efficient retail operation.
In a world of increasingly complex systems, sometimes the most effective tools are the simplest. For small and independent retailers, price gun labels provide flexibility, speed and control—all without breaking the budget.
If you run a small shop, market stall, or convenience store, it’s worth keeping a price gun in your toolkit. With the right supplies and a reliable supplier, you can keep your shelves organised, your customers informed, and your stockroom running smoothly.
Do Small Shops Still Use Price Gun Labels? Here’s Why They Should