How To Print Shipping Labels

Virginia Miller

June 6, 2024

In this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

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Shipping labels are essential for both the customer and the business that is shipping the products. As a customer, you want to receive the products timely and safely. As an eCommerce business, the first responsibility in product logistics is to ensure that the products reach the customer on time and without any delays. Therefore, shipping labels are essential from both these perspectives. Shipping labels are critical to the eCommerce supply chain. Moreover, they ensure that data and information about the packages are relayed effectively between the business and the customer. Moreover, without well-made shipping labels, your customer’s orders are lost, which causes a significant loss of revenue and reputation for your business.

This blog will talk about shipping labels, how they are made for eCommerce businesses, and how shipping labels are used in eCommerce businesses.

What is a Shipping Label?

A shipping label carries vital information about a package to enable delivery. It is used across industries for transporting items domestically or internationally. The key details on a label are the recipient's address, tracking barcode, and billing information.

For ecommerce businesses, well-printed shipping labels are crucial for fulfilling orders and ensuring customers receive their purchases. Labels differ depending on the shipping carrier, but key details remain the same to enable smooth delivery.

Benefits of Pre-Printed Labels

Cost Savings

Pre-printed labels eliminate the need to print labels individually, saving on printer ink/toner costs. Businesses also avoid expenses related to printer maintenance and label stock inventory.

Fast Turnaround

With no additional printing required, pre-printed labels enable quick order fulfillment and reordering. Custom sizes and shapes are also available for unique business needs.

Quality Assurance

Pre-printing ensures consistent label quality and accuracy for each shipment. This prevents costly rework compared to printing individually.

Professional Presentation

Pre-printed custom labels enable professional packaging that aligns with company branding for a polished customer experience.

Preparing Labels for Printing

Proper label preparation is vital for accuracy and tracking. Follow these tips:

Verify label information like addresses and codes
Select durable label materials and high-quality printers
Double check details to prevent errors
Update printer software and drivers
Choose label adhesives suitable for package surfaces
Conduct final quality checks before affixing labels

Choosing Printers and Paper

Printer Types

Laser printers provide crisp text and barcodes, making them ideal for shipping labels. Thermal printers only require special label stock instead of ink, reducing long-term costs.

Label Stock

Choose label materials considering dimensions, adhesion, contact with liquids/food, and durability needs. Heavier paper tends to be longer-lasting.

Print Alignment

Modern printers often have software for aligning text and barcodes. Adjust settings to ensure professional-looking output.

Cost-Effectiveness

Order labels in bulk suited to demand for savings. Compare manufacturer and retailer prices to find the most economical option.

Printing Quality Home Shipping Labels

Select Printers Wisely

Use laser over inkjet for crisp detail. Laser toner sits atop the paper, resisting smudging from moisture/abrasion.

Choose Heavy Paper Stocks

Heavy photo paper withstands wear better. Glossy coatings also protect against moisture while traveling.

Preview Before Printing

Check label rendering beforehand to catch issues early. Tweak settings to optimize quality.

Inspect After Printing

Examine finished labels closely for readability before shipping. Catch errors early to prevent problems.

Printing and Using Shipping Labels

Follow these steps when printing and using labels:

Create shipment with carrier
Generate label with shipment details
Download and print label
Affix printed label to package

Tips and Tricks

Use Barcodes

Barcodes enable package tracking and automated sorting. Have them generated, don't handwrite.

Start With Paper

Paper shipping labels work well for most needs. They only require a basic printer.

Consider Thermal Transfer

For frequent shipping, thermal transfer labels resist wear better long-term.

Use Self-Adhesive

Adhesive-backed labels quickly stick to packages without extra work.

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Recommended: The Best Thermal Shipping Label Printers to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer for shipping labels?

Laser printers generally provide the highest print quality and durability for shipping labels. Thermal printers that use specialty label stock are also a good option.

Should I use glossy or matte label paper?

Glossy label paper provides better protection against moisture and wear-and-tear during transit. Matte works well for basic applications.

How can I ensure accurate alignment when printing?

Many modern printers have built-in software to adjust measurements and alignment. You can also manually configure printer settings for optimal accuracy.

What mistakes should I avoid when preparing labels?

Be sure to carefully proofread all label information to prevent errors. Also check that printer drivers, hardware, and label materials are compatible before printing.

Do I need special software to print shipping labels?

If printing labels from a carrier account, their web interface will allow label generation. For generic labels, any word processor or label software works.

Should I print extra copies of each shipping label?

It's smart to print 2-3 copies of every label in case one gets damaged or lost. Extras can be helpful for recipient records too.

How can I save money on label printing supplies?

Buying label stock in bulk quantities can significantly reduce costs over time. Shopping around for deals online helps too.

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