Although most paint and hardware retail chains view paint can labels as a commodity item, for large operations that consume millions of thermal labels each month, it is a prime operating expense with sourcing decisions made at the corporate level. With so much at stake, such retailers are searching out reliable label providers that are capable of delivering a quality product consistently at a lower price. For many, this means partnering directly with specialty label converters that can pass on savings due to bulk purchasing power of thermal media direct from its source without voiding OEM warranties.