Why "Free" E-Labels May Cost More in the Long Run

The hidden costs of free e-label solutions and what to consider when making your decision

Introduction

Since the EU introduced digital labeling requirements for wines, numerous providers have entered the market - many offering free solutions. But how sustainable are these solutions really? In this article, we explore why choosing an e-label solution is a long-term decision and what factors you should consider when making your choice.

How long do e-labels need to be available?

In our opinion, e-labels need to be available for at least 10 years - as long as your wines are in circulation. Wines are often stored for years, and the information must remain accessible throughout the product's entire lifecycle. EU guidelines don't specify an explicit timeframe, but the availability of nutritional values and ingredients must be guaranteed as long as the wine is on the market.

What does long-term availability mean for e-label solutions?

Long-term availability requires continuous investment in:

1. Server infrastructure: Web servers, databases, and cloud services must be funded permanently
2. Software updates: Adaptations to new browser versions, operating systems, and devices
3. Regulatory updates: Legal requirements may change and require adjustments
4. Security updates: Protection against new threats and security vulnerabilities
5. Personnel: Developers, support staff, and legal experts who maintain the system

All these factors require solid and sustainable financing over many years.

How do free e-label providers finance themselves?

Free offers typically involve hidden financing models:

• Data as currency: Your wine data and user behavior are used for advertising, market analysis, or sold to third parties
• Upselling: Basic functions are free, but fees apply for important extensions
• Cross-financing: The offer serves as an entry point for other paid products
• Limited-time availability: The service may be discontinued if it no longer pays off
• Limited functionality: Over time, features are reduced or placed behind paywalls

All these models pose risks to the long-term availability and quality of your e-labels.

What happens to my data with free providers?

With free services, you need to pay special attention to the following points:

• Are your data being resold or used for advertising purposes?
• Do the data remain on EU servers (GDPR-compliant)?
• Who has access to information about your products and customers?
• How transparent is the provider's privacy policy?
• Can you completely delete or transfer your data?

At Glasswise, we place the highest value on data protection and transparency. Your data belong to you - we don't sell them and only use them to provide you with the best possible service.

How do I recognize sustainable e-label solutions?

Here are the most important questions you should ask yourself:

1. How does the provider finance itself long-term? Transparent business models are a good sign of sustainability.

2. Can I take my data with me if I want to switch? Data portability is crucial to avoid ending up in a dead end.

3. How is continuous development ensured? Regular updates and an active developer community are important.

4. Can I use the software for other purposes too? Added value comes when you can use the data you've entered in multiple ways.

5. Are security and data protection guaranteed? GDPR compliance and regular security updates should be a given.

6. Who is behind the product and for how long? Experienced providers with proven expertise offer more security.

What happens if my e-label provider discontinues the service?

If your e-label provider discontinues the service, this can have serious consequences:

• Your QR codes on the bottles no longer work
• You may be in violation of legal requirements
• Consumer information is no longer guaranteed
• You need to quickly find and implement a new solution
• In the worst case, labels need to be reprinted

It becomes particularly problematic if you have no way to export your data and take them to another provider. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to data portability from the beginning.

How is Glasswise different from free providers?

At Glasswise, we rely on a sustainable and transparent business model:

• Fair and transparent prices instead of hidden costs or data exploitation
• Unlimited number of e-labels without additional fees per label
• Full data control - your data belong to you and you can take them with you at any time
• Continuous development and regular updates
• Design-oriented solution that optimally presents your brand
• Multiple use of data for website, marketing, and more
• Long-term availability guarantee for your e-labels

We offer fair value for money for a future-proof solution that grows with your winery.

Can I switch to Glasswise if I'm already using another provider?

We make switching as easy as possible:

• Free migration of your existing data to Glasswise
• First year free if you come from another provider
• Seamless transfer of your wine information and QR codes
• Gradual transition possible without having to change existing labels immediately

As a member of the Safe E-Label Initiative, we are committed to fair standards and data portability. Unfortunately, not all providers offer this possibility – some rely on vendor lock-in to retain customers. We help you overcome these hurdles.

Conclusion

E-labels are not a short-term obligation, but a long-term investment in the digital presence of your wines. When choosing your provider, you should look not only at the price but also at sustainability, data protection, functionality, and future security.

Free offers may seem attractive in the short term, but often come with hidden costs and risks for the future. A transparent, fair solution like Glasswise, on the other hand, gives you the security that your e-labels will still work reliably in ten years – and offer you real added value through additional functions.

Want to learn more about our e-label solutions or switch to Glasswise? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.