The sourcing record for hang tag strings, eyelets, and hole position is incomplete until it covers artwork, dielines, samples, finishes, and production handoff.
A hang tag fails at the hole long before it fails in print. Board, eyelet, and string get specified and pull-tested here.
Direct answer: For hang tag string eyelet hole position, buyers should plan custom artwork, dielines, samples, finishes, and production handoff.
Define how the hang tag will be attached
Each line should say what the buyer asked for, what the factory sent back as evidence, and what the buyer has to sign before the tags go on the line.
| Requirement | Factory control | Evidence to verify | Order risk | RFQ follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish or surface effect: matte, gloss, soft-touch, or UV coating applied to the hang tag substrate. | Check for uniform coating, no streaks, and correct gloss level on a production sample. | Compare the finished sample against a sealed reference standard under daylight 6500K lighting. | Inconsistent finish can cause brand color mismatch or poor adhesion of the string eyelet. | Request a coated sample swatch from the supplier before production approval. |
| Artwork or logo file: vector PDF or AI with embedded fonts, minimum 300 DPI, and correct bleed. | Verify that the file matches the approved proof and includes the exact hole position mark. | Open the file in Adobe Illustrator and measure the hole center distance from the tag edge. | Wrong file version leads to misprinted logos or misplaced eyelet holes, causing reprint costs. | Send the final artwork file with a marked hole position and request a pre-production proof. |
| Sample approval: physical sample with string, eyelet, and hole position as per spec sheet. | Inspect the sample for string length, eyelet crimp, and hole alignment against the approved drawing. | Use a caliper to measure hole diameter and distance from edge; pull test the string attachment. | Approving a sample without checking hole position can cause tags to hang crookedly on garments. | Sign off the physical sample and issue a written approval to the supplier. |
Keep the hang tag supplier response, marked sample, and approval owner under the same revision number. If any proof conflicts with the approved record, hold the quote, sample, or production release until the supplier explains the deviation in writing. Before closing the checkpoint, reconcile the latest drawing, sample, quotation, and approval comments, identify which record controls if they disagree, and document the resolution. Carry the signed table into the purchase order and production handoff so the same checks support quote comparison, sample approval, shipment release, and later reorders.
Attachment methods and their checks
The hang tag can be attached using a string, plastic loop, or metal eyelet. Each method requires a specific hole size and position to ensure the tag stays secure during transport and retail display. Check that the string length allows the tag to hang freely without twisting, and that the eyelet is crimped tightly to prevent pull-out.
What the tag must survive
The tag must endure repeated handling by store staff, customer inspection, and possible tugging during try-ons. It should resist tearing at the hole, fraying of the string, and scratching of the printed surface. A robust attachment ensures the tag remains readable and attached until the point of sale, avoiding brand presentation issues.
Specify the board, hole, eyelet, and string
Before sample production, confirm a specification sheet that defines the hang tag attachment method, including board thickness, hole position, eyelet type, and string length, based on the buyer’s RFQ revision.
Board and hole position
Specify the board material and thickness, then confirm the hole location relative to the tag edge. The buyer must verify the hole diameter and distance from the edge through an RFQ-confirmed requirement or a direct verification question during sample approval. This prevents misalignment during stringing.
Eyelet and string spec
Define the eyelet material (e.g., brass, nickel-plated) and inner diameter, along with the string type (e.g., cotton, polyester) and length. The buyer must confirm these specs via the RFQ or a sample handoff checklist. Production risk includes eyelet cracking or string fraying if specs are not verified.
- Confirm board thickness and hole position with the buyer’s quote request revision.
- Verify eyelet inner diameter and string length through a buyer verification question.
- Document all specs in the sample approval sheet before moving to production.
Factory execution relies on this spec sheet to avoid rework. For related packaging solutions, see our paper bags format and sample approval.
quote request checkpoint
Check artwork orientation and safe areas
read the factory’s reply next to the artwork you approved, the tag you held in your hand, and the price you were quoted, and treat any gap between the three as unfinished.
- Hang tag artwork orientation relative to the string eyelet hole: Misaligned artwork causes the tag to hang upside down, requiring a reprint and delaying production Buyer's brand manager or packaging lead Compare the approved proof against the physical sample, confirming the top edge and hole position match the intended display face Document the orientation approval in the spec sheet and freeze the artwork file
- Safe area clearance around the eyelet hole and string path: Insufficient safe area leads to text or logos being punched through or obscured by the eyelet, causing a rejected batch and cost impact Buyer's quality or production manager Measure the distance from the hole edge to the nearest artwork element using a ruler or digital caliper against the spec sheet Request a revised die-line if the clearance is below the agreed minimum, then re-approve before bulk production
- String length and knot position relative to the artwork safe area: A string that is too long or knotted too close to the hole can cover part of the tag face, hiding pricing or barcode data Buyer's procurement or logistics coordinator Lay the string flat alongside the tag and confirm the knot sits outside the safe area boundary marked on the proof Update the assembly instruction to specify the exact knot placement and string length, then sign off the final sample
- Artwork rotation and mirroring on double-sided tags: A reversed or rotated back-side artwork makes the tag unreadable when hung, requiring a full reprint and delaying the shipment Buyer's creative or design lead Hold the physical sample by the string and read both sides from the buyer's viewing angle, matching the approved front/back layout Flag any mismatch to the supplier immediately and request a corrected proof before the production slot is confirmed
Artwork orientation
When the hang tag is strung, the artwork must read correctly from the buyer's viewing angle. Check the proof against the physical sample to confirm the top edge aligns with the hole position. A misoriented tag can hang upside down, hiding your brand or pricing. This check prevents a costly reprint and keeps your production timeline on track.
Safe areas around the hardware
The eyelet hole and string knot take up physical space on the tag. Measure the clearance from the hole edge to the nearest text or logo using a ruler. If the safe area is too small, the hardware can punch through or cover key information. This step avoids a rejected batch and ensures your tag remains readable when hung.
Run pull, handling, and pack-out sample checks
Keep each hole position requirement beside its supplier proof and approval owner.
- Confirm specification details: Provide exact hole position from tag edge, eyelet diameter, string type and length from approved artwork Return spec sheet with tolerances, material specs, and string color matched to submitted artwork Mismatch between artwork and physical sample causes rework and delays approval Approve spec sheet before sample production begins
- Validate lead time for sample and bulk: Request sample lead time and confirm it aligns with production schedule Provide sample timeline and bulk production lead time Delayed sample approval pushes bulk production, risking shipment deadlines and cost overruns Lock sample timeline in order confirmation
- Run pull and handling checks on sample: Inspect string attachment strength, eyelet security, and hole position under tension and handling Provide pull-test results, handling simulation report, and photos of angle checks Weak eyelet or string detachment causes tag loss in retail, increasing replacement cost Request revised sample if any check fails
- Document buyer follow-up actions: Confirm approval or list revisions required with clear criteria Issue revised sample or proceed to bulk production with confirmed approval record Unrecorded verbal approvals lead to costly rework and misalignment on specs Send formal approval email with signed spec sheet
- Verify final pack-out sample: Compare pack-out sample against approved spec sheet, artwork, and string length Provide pack-out sample with certified measurement report showing hole position and eyelet fit Pack-out sample deviations cause non-conforming bulk shipment, resulting in expensive rework or rejection Sign off pack-out sample before bulk production starts
Pull and handling checks
Pull and handling checks ensure the tag withstands real-world use. Pull the string to confirm it does not detach, and test the eyelet under tension. A failed check means rework costs for replacement tags and potential brand reputation loss. We recommend documenting the pull force applied and any visible deformation to avoid bulk shipment issues.
Pack-out checks
Pack-out checks verify that the final tag assembly is packaged without damage. Inspect the string alignment, eyelet sit, and hole position in the pack. A miss here can lead to costly reprocessing of the entire order. We advise taking photos of the pack-out sample and comparing against the approved spec sheet before production release.
Freeze the approved tag assembly for bulk
Without a frozen assembly record, every production run risks costly rework: mismatched eyelet positions force tag reprints, string lengths that don’t match the fixture slow packing, and unapproved material swaps can raise your per-unit cost. The freeze record must carry the quote request-confirmed attachment method (e.g., loop through eyelet, tie to button), the exact string material and length from the buyer’s signed sample, and the tolerances agreed during the sample handoff. Before bulk release, ask the factory to check that the production fixture matches the freeze record, the string tension is consistent across ten random tags, and the eyelet punch aligns with the artwork safe zone. A simple verification table keeps the team aligned:
- String length: Does the string length match the approved sample within the agreed tolerance?; Yes, measured on 5 samples
- Eyelet position: Is the eyelet hole centered within the marked safe zone on the artwork?; Yes, verified with a template
- Assembly method: Is the attachment method (loop, tie, etc.) identical to the signed sample?; Yes, visual and functional check
This freeze step eliminates guesswork, reduces production risk, and ensures every tag assembly matches the buyer’s approved standard before bulk runs begin.
What the freeze record must carry
The record has to name the string material and cut length, the eyelet position measured from the tag edge, the board weight, and the print file version the buyer signed off. Anything left as "per approved sample" will drift the moment a second line picks up the job.
Checks before bulk release
Pull tags from the first bulk carton rather than from the sample drawer. Check the eyelet position against the approved measurement, pull the string at the knot to see whether it holds, and confirm the print file version matches the one named in the freeze record before the run continues.
Source check: ISO 2859-1 sampling inspection standard.
In conclusion
The final approval for hang tag string eyelet hole position is not a formality—it is the last checkpoint where a mismatch between the approved sample and the production spec can be caught before bulk costs are committed. Before releasing the order, verify that the hole position, eyelet diameter, string length, and tag material match the frozen specification sheet and the physical golden sample. Document the comparison with dated photos and a sign-off from both your team and the supplier. This step protects your lead time, avoids rework charges, and ensures the tags arrive ready for attachment. Once the evidence aligns, you can confidently shortlist the supplier for the production run and request a quote for the confirmed quantity.
To request a quote, visit packaging accessories products and confirm the final specification, quote assumptions, sample approval, QC evidence, approval risk, and supplier follow-up before bulk order.
Hang tag string, eyelet, and hole position FAQ
Which quote terms should buyers compare before RFQ?
Compare the specification sheet for hole position, eyelet type, and string length, as these directly affect cost and MOQ. Confirm the standard production lead time and request a sample approval to verify the assembly before committing to bulk.
Which sample or QC proof should buyers request?
Request a physical sample that includes the exact string, eyelet, and hole position to verify the assembly meets your specification. During QC, check the pull strength of the eyelet and the alignment of the hole to reduce supplier risk.
What information do you need for an accurate quote?
Provide the exact hole position from the tag edge, eyelet diameter, string type and length, and the artwork orientation. This ensures an accurate quote and avoids rework during sample approval. Ask for a sample, specification confirmation, or QC evidence before approval.
For a buyer, the practical question is not simply “Do you have FSC paper?
The practical question is whether the supplier can document the certified paper source and provide a sample with the specified hole position and string attachment. Verify the certification scope and confirm the MOQ for sustainable materials in your quote request.
What should a buyer send for a sustainable hang tag quote?
Send the artwork file with the exact hole position and string length, along with the desired paper certification type. This allows the supplier to quote accurately and provide a sample approval for the sustainable hang tag assembly. Ask for a sample, specification confirmation, or QC evidence before approval.
quote request handoff: Send Specs for Review.
Review the available custom packaging accessories before approving the tag stock, string, and eyelet as one set.
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