Why Losing a Qualified Candidate Over a Few Dollars an Hour Isn’t Worth It

In today’s tight labor market—especially within the flexographic printing and packaging industries—holding out for the “perfect deal” on talent could cost you more than you realize. One of the most common mistakes we see companies make is losing top-tier candidates over small hourly wage differences—sometimes as little as $1–$3 per hour.

Let’s break down why that’s a costly misstep:

1. The Cost of Vacancy Is Higher Than You Think

Leaving a press, die cutter, or maintenance tech role unfilled doesn’t just delay production—it can impact delivery timelines, customer satisfaction, and morale on the floor. A $2/hour difference equals $80/week, or about $4,000/year. But what’s the cost of production delays, overtime for other staff, or lost orders while you continue your search?

2. Skilled Trades Talent Is in High Demand

Candidates with experience in flexo printing, converting, or extrusion often receive multiple offers. If your offer is under market—or even just slightly lower than a competitor's—you’ll likely lose them. And once they’re hired elsewhere, it’s hard to get them back.

3. Turnover Is More Expensive Than You Think

Hiring a less qualified candidate to save money can backfire. Poor performance, retraining, or early turnover can cost far more than paying competitively upfront. Investing in the right hire means better quality, fewer errors, and stronger team cohesion.

4. It Sends a Message

When a company is overly focused on negotiating down wages, it can send the wrong message about how they value talent. Skilled professionals want to feel respected, not haggled with. Compensation speaks volumes about your company culture.

At Flexo Finders, We See This Every Day.

We advocate for both our clients and candidates, and we’ve watched companies miss out on incredible hires because they weren’t willing to budge on $1–$2/hour. In the long run, paying fairly for quality pays off—every time.

Hiring should be a long-term investment, not a short-term bargain.

Need help benchmarking your pay rates or attracting top flexo talent? Let’s talk. We’re here to help you build a team that lasts.