Those Nifty "official" Cache Labels

[PM_Thumper]

So far, my count of found caches is in the high teens, but I've only found one that was labeled with one of the "official" stickers you order from Groundspeak. I'm planning to put one on my first hidden cache (especially since I've already ordered some). I figure that it makes the cache look classier and makes it less likely that someone who finds it accidently will think its trash or a practical joke.

 

But I'm curious: How many of you experienced cachers use those?

[+Runaround]

I'll start.

 

ONE

[+Ed Rad]

Sorry to say but.... never have and probably never will.

[moonpup]

Out of the 7 caches I've found so far, I've seen 2 stickers...

[+Team GPSaxophone]

I have 2 in service now, one more is just waiting for a hiding spot (that and I'm keeping the container handy so I can show it to a park ranger soon).

My micro caches are not standard containers, so it wouldn't work to place a sticker on them.

Edited March 1, 2004 by Team GPSaxophone

[+welch]

Nope. Never have used them.

Think I've seen one in use so far.

They're alright, but shiping is too much for just stickers, and I've never ordered anything big to "throw them in with".

[+Oat]

I just ordered 2 for my traditional caches. (ammo cans)

 

I just used a magic maker to write on them but it doesn't look good.

 

I have seen a couple on the caches I've found.

[+DustyJacket]

All 4 of mine, but I am going to be using the stencils now, as sometimes the stickers don't stick well.

[+Oat]

All 4 of mine, but I am going to be using the stencils now, as sometimes the stickers don't stick well.

That's good to know. I'll add some more adhesive to them.

 

Thanks.

[Ferreter5]

I haven't used the stickers on the few caches I've put out, and I've only seen them on one that I've found so far. I've made my own stencils so I can spraypaint information on the outside of my caches.

 

I think the stickers would be pretty nifty, but I can't justify the cost once you figure in the shipping charges.

[+Spoo]

I have ordered a few items from GeoCache including the stickers. It really dresses up an ammo can. Two of my Cache finds have also used them. I had no problem making them stick to ammo cans once I cleaned them well. It is nice to see on the outside and MIGHT, HOPEFULLY get a GeoThief to leave the cache there.

[+Team GPSaxophone]

I just used a magic maker to write on them but it doesn't look good.

Sharpies work much better

[+Oat]

Sharpies work much better

Actually, they were sharpies. But my handwriting is so bad I can take a sharpie and make it look like I used one of those big fat markers.

 

[+briansnat]

I use them about half the time.

[+RocketMan]

I have used them on every one of my caches. RM

[+Perrin]

Never used them, but have seen many caches that do use them.

 

I think its a good idea as it makes the cache look more official. But I just go with writing the info onto the container. Yeah it doesn't look as good, but hey, I'm cheap and can't afford the many splendors of life

[SBPhishy]

I really like them and have used them on all of my ammo cans so far. I bought the stencils though, so we will see how those go. I just like not having to remove the paint on the ammo can. Just slap on a sticker and go!

[+robert]

Sharpies work much better

Actually, they were sharpies. But my handwriting is so bad I can take a sharpie and make it look like I used one of those big fat markers.

 

Use the chisel tip Sharpie.

[+RPW]

I have lost count.

 

TWO!

 

Or is it more?

 

Anyway, yes, I use the all of the time. I had a big order at Groundspeak -- shared shipping costs with a friend -- and threw in a bunch of stickers. Unfortunately I have now either used all of them up (either on caches or via giving them away) and now have none. So ... for my next cache (I hope in a month or so) ... I will either have to bite the bullet and get more stickers or do without.

 

It would be nice if Groundspeak offered low-rate shipping for the small flat items. Just a padded envelope for stickers and travelbugs shipped via first class mail. It shouldn't cost that much.

 

I do think that that the stickers make the cache look more official. The last thing I want the authorities to do is to get in a panic state and start banning caches around here.

Edited March 1, 2004 by RPW

[Keystone]

There is some merit to the theory that the sticker makes the cache look official and less problematic in the eyes of a land manager. I know of four land managers in my "geocaching territory" that REQUIRE the use of an official geocache sticker as one of the conditions to issue a permit. The PA State Parks and PA State Forests are nice enough to supply the stickers to the hider for free!

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

Keystone I can afford free.

 

I don't use the official ones.

[CoyoteRed]

There is some merit to the theory that the sticker makes the cache look official and less problematic in the eyes of a land manager. I know of four land managers in my "geocaching territory" that REQUIRE the use of an official geocache sticker as one of the conditions to issue a permit. The PA State Parks and PA State Forests are nice enough to supply the stickers to the hider for free!

So, in other words, they only allow caches that are listed on gc.com? No private label caches or those listed on another site?

[kemosabe]

I downloaded the sticker image from geocaching.com for free and can print it out any size I want and place it on the cache container with wide transparent tape. Works great.

[+geospotter]

This seems like as good a place as any to bring this up again.

 

Many companies use custom made packing tape (clear with the company logo on it). I've considered ordering some custom tape with some sort of "Official Geocache" info on it. Usually the images are spaced about an inch or two apart. You could pull just one image for a micro, or a whole strip for a larger container.

 

Seems like an inexpensive alternative.

[Keystone]

This is a good opportunity to remind everyone of the Geocaching Logo Usage and Trademarks Guideline Page, especially for newcomers here in the "Getting Started" forum. If you want to use a cache container label that includes a Groundspeak Geocaching logo, please be mindful of the usage restrictions. You can use the logo on up to 25 units for personal non-commercial use. Above that, you need to check with Groundspeak by sending an e-mail to logo at Groundspeak dot com. Permission will likely be granted for personal use items, provided you follow the guidelines (for example, do not alter the logo in any way). And, if you created your own cache stickers with a Groundspeak Geocaching Logo and planned to sell them to other geocachers in your area, please be aware of the commercial use guidelines and obtain permission. Thanks!

[+Fritz_Monroe]

I like the looks of the stickers. However, of the 77 traditional cache finds I have, I've NEVER seen a sticker on one.

 

F_M

[+Cache Viking]

I bought 5 of them and used 4. One of the Caches is out and the other 3 are waiting for me to locate a place worth placing an ammo size container.

 

I mostly got them for the official look they provide.

[+yumitori]

My wife and I have separate accounts and our own approaches to hiding caches. But we both use the geocaching.com stickers on our ammo cans. As others have said, they really dress up the container.

 

We got some of the smaller ones last time we ordered stuff from Groundspeak. They don't fit quite as well on the style of film canisters I prefer to use. But the labels do make them look better and less like random trash.

[+eddthejailer]

where can i get the stencils????

[SBPhishy]

I can't find the link... Someone around here knows...

[+Prairie Dog]

Out of 50 found caches I've never seen anything official. We like to hide tupperware around here. I'm addicted to geocaching now and I want to support Groundspeak. This message board and Geocaching.com are wonderful sites that are well maintained. By purchasing from Groundspeak you help support these sites. I've purchased official stickers, logbooks, pencils, and patches. When I hide my first ammo box it's going to be full of goodies. So spend a few $$ to help support a hobby that we all love.

[+greengecko]

Use a Sharpie permanent marker on vinyl Geocache stickers. The writing is weatherproof but can be easily removed with a little dab of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) and a soft cloth.

[CacheNCarryMA]

Most of my hides are in non-conventional containers. They're camo'ed. Putting a big sticker on them would ruin the effect.

 

I like to use a plain old Sharpie Marker (or as they say here in Massachusetts - "Shahpee Mahkah") to write either "www.geocaching.com" or a brief "this is a scavenger hunt" explanation.

[+Renegade Knight]

I use a stencil and paint them. The stickers look good but the rocks caches are normally hidden in, in my area chew them up then they look bad.

[+rover-r-us]

i have one or two of them.they are very nice.

[DARC]

I've seen one cache that used the sticker and it did look a lot more profesional then writting with magic marker or sharpie.

 

The down side to the official ones is that they don't hold up well to being scratched with rock cover.

 

I'm leaning toward laser printed weatherproof package lables covered with clear coat paint.

[+rjo]

I'm getting ready to put together my first two caches and I just ordered two of the stickers and two of the mini notebooks.

 

I two things:

 

1) It makes it look more official and just gives it a better feel if a none cacher finds it. It could also make a non cacher inclined to get involved.

 

2) Groundspeak gets their cut from it and helps support our hobby

[CoyoteRed]

I bought a package of the laser label material for experimenting, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

One thing I'm going to try is, after printing out a label, coloring the white part with some kind of watercolor to tone it down. It really only needs to be read from arm's length so the contrast doesn't have to be great.

 

I've got labeling regular sized caches down. Now, I'm looking at a good home-made way to mark micros.