Anyone can print custom shipping labels in a few steps. People use online tools, home printers, or stores to print shipping labels. Custom shipping labels make packages look nice and help with returns. Many small businesses and people use them to stay organized and save time. They can make shipping labels with simple templates. Then they print shipping labels for boxes or envelopes. Do you want to know how to make shipping labels or print shipping labels? The steps are fast, easy, and work for return shipping labels too.
Key Takeaways
Custom shipping labels help packages go to the right place. They also make your brand easy to see with logos and tracking.
You can use online tools and templates to make labels. Print them at home, in stores, or in large amounts for faster shipping.
Pick the right label size and material for your package. This helps keep the label safe from damage or smudges.
Use software to organize and track your shipping labels. This saves time, lowers mistakes, and keeps customers updated.
Look at label details and printer settings closely. This helps stop printing mistakes and makes sure barcodes scan right.
shipping labels overview
What Are Shipping Labels
Shipping labels help packages get to the right place. They show who is sending and getting the package. They also show addresses and phone numbers. Most shipping labels have tracking numbers and barcodes. These codes help carriers scan and follow packages as they travel. The usual size for shipping labels is 4″x6″. This size fits most online stores. Big carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx use this size.
There are different kinds of shipping labels. Some are for normal shipments. Others are for sending things to other countries. International shipping labels have customs details. They say what is inside and how much it costs. Return shipping labels help customers send things back. There are also priority, express, and fragile labels. Each kind helps carriers know how to handle the package.
Tip: Put shipping labels on the biggest flat side of the box. Make sure the label is easy to see and not covered by tape.
Why Use Custom Labels
Custom shipping labels do more than show addresses. They help people and businesses track packages. Custom labels can have special barcodes, tracking numbers, and company logos. This makes each package look neat and easy to spot.
Custom shipping labels make tracking and delivery better. Barcodes and tracking numbers let people check where their package is. This helps stop mistakes and lost packages. Machines read the info on shipping labels, so sorting and delivery go faster. Custom labels also help with return shipping labels. If a package needs to come back, a return shipping label makes it simple.
Here are some ways custom shipping labels help:
They work with order and inventory systems for easy shipping.
They support many carriers and help stop delivery delays.
They give clear handling instructions, like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
They make return shipping labels simple for customers.
They add branding, so packages stand out.
Custom shipping labels save time and lower mistakes. They help packages get there safely and on time. Many businesses use custom shipping labels and return shipping labels to keep customers happy and organized.
create shipping labels
Online Tools
Lots of people use online tools to make shipping labels fast. These tools let you design, change, and print labels on any device. Some well-known platforms are Maestro Label Designer, Canva, 123Print, PrintRunner, and Staples. You can upload your own design or pick a template. Most services show you a free digital proof before you print. This helps you check if the label looks good. OnlineLabels gives free proofs and quick service. Shopify has free templates that work with its business tools. Here is a table with features from top online tools:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Free Templates | Start with thousands of customizable templates. |
Customization | Add logos, images, colors, and text styles. |
Barcode Generator | Make barcodes or QR codes for tracking. |
Cloud Saving | Save and edit projects online. |
Printing Options | Print at home or order custom-printed labels. |
Design Templates
Design templates help you make shipping labels that look nice. On 123Print, you can start with a blank template or pick a special design. You can change fonts, colors, and add logos or pictures. Some sites let you order free samples to see your design. Canva has easy drag-and-drop tools for quick changes. Templates show you how to make shipping labels that fit your brand or style.
Tip: Save your favorite templates so you can use them again later.
Label Sizes and Materials
Picking the right size and material is important for shipping labels. The most common size is 4×6 inches, which fits most carriers. Other sizes are 4×4.25 inches for small boxes and 4×8 inches for more details. Some companies use big sheets with many labels.
Label Size | Use Case |
|---|---|
4×4.25 inches | Small boxes, like jewelry or electronics |
4×6 inches | Standard for most shipping carriers |
4×8 inches | More space for logos or extra barcodes |
Materials are important too. Paper labels are good for inside use. Vinyl and polyester are strong and do not tear or get wet easily. Polypropylene (BOPP) works well for beauty or food items. Some labels use eco-friendly materials. You can choose permanent, removable, or freezer-grade adhesives for your needs.
Knowing how to make shipping labels with the right tools, templates, and materials helps your packages get there safely and look good.
print custom shipping labels
Print at Home
A lot of people like to print custom shipping labels at home. This way saves both money and time. When you print at home, you can get cheaper shipping rates. Sometimes, these rates are up to 90% less than normal store prices. You do not have to pay extra fees or go to the post office.
Thermal label printers, such as the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL, make printing easy. This printer uses 4″ x 6″ label rolls and does not need ink. It can print 53 labels each minute with sharp 300 dpi quality. The labels stay inside the printer, so they do not get dirty or damaged. Dymo labels are die-cut and can be changed to fit your needs. This makes your packages look neat and professional. The printer has a two-year warranty, so you can feel safe using it.
Feature | Dymo LabelWriter 4XL |
|---|---|
Setup Difficulty | Very easy to set up, user-friendly |
Print Resolution | High resolution at 300 dpi |
Label Compatibility | Supports DYMO-specific 4″ x 6″ label rolls |
Calibration | Does not require frequent calibration |
Print Quality | Crisp, clear labels |
Design | Compact, protects labels from dirt |
You can also use inkjet or laser printers with blank label sheets. These sheets come in many sizes and materials, like white matte or waterproof vinyl. Roll labels work with most inkjet roll printers and come in different core sizes. Sheet labels fit regular home printers and are good for small jobs.
Tip: Always check that your label size in the software matches your printer settings. This stops labels from printing wrong or getting cut off.
Some problems at home are labels not sticking, smudging, or barcodes not working. To fix these, use the right labels for your printer and strong glue. Put labels on flat spots, not on seams or folds. Do not cover labels with clear tape, as this can cause smudges or scanning problems. Waterproof labels help stop smudging when shipping.
Print at Retail Stores
Stores like Staples, FedEx Office, and UPS can print shipping labels for you. This is good if you do not have a printer or only need a few labels. Workers can print custom shipping labels from a USB drive or email. Stores use good printers and offer same-day pickup or fast shipping.
Printing at stores costs more than printing at home. Stores charge normal postage and add service fees. They do not give discounts or compare rates from different carriers. You also spend more time and money going to the store. Still, stores are helpful if you do not have a printer or need help.
Note: Always check your label details before printing at a store. This helps you avoid mistakes and saves time.
Bulk Printing
Businesses that ship lots of packages need bulk printing. They use strong thermal printers, like the HPRT R42D, for speed and long use. These printers can print many custom shipping labels for boxes, envelopes, and gifts.
Best ways to print in bulk include:
Use automated warehouse labeling to lower mistakes.
Use Bluetooth barcode scanners to check labels and stop repeats.
Set up software like BizPrint for automatic label printing and product mapping.
Change label templates for your brand and carrier needs.
Connect printers to online stores for easy order processing.
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Label Formats | Cut-to-size (for small batches), roll labels (for bulk, can use machines) |
Label Materials | Waterproof vinyl, clear BOPP, textured stickers, gloss lamination |
Label Shapes | Rectangle, square, circle, oval, custom die-cut |
Application Methods | Hand or machine application |
Suitability | Tailored for boxes, envelopes, gifts, and other packaging |
Bulk printing helps businesses save money by lowering the cost for each label. Buying labels and packaging in large amounts helps your budget. Companies can print shipping labels for different packages by picking the right format and material. For example, waterproof vinyl is good for boxes, and clear BOPP looks nice on gifts.
Tip: Check and clean printers often to keep labels looking good. Teach workers how to label things the right way to stop mistakes.
Learning to print shipping labels in bulk or at home gives people and businesses more control. With the right tools and tips, anyone can print custom shipping labels that look great and work for any package.
manage shipping labels
Organize and Track Labels
Small businesses can save time by staying organized. They avoid mistakes when they track shipping labels well. Many use an order management system, or OMS, to keep things together. The OMS holds orders, inventory, and shipping labels in one spot. Shipping software works with the OMS to make labels and tracking numbers. This happens by itself, so people make fewer mistakes. It helps everything run better.
Here are some smart ways to keep shipping labels organized:
Connect shipping software to make labels and tracking numbers.
Set up automatic shipping updates for customers.
Give customers a way to check their package online.
Link inventory tools to stop running out of items.
Automate order filling, label printing, and tracking steps.
Get alerts when stock is low to stop shipping delays.
Many businesses group packages and print many labels at once. USPS tools let people pay for postage, print labels, and plan pickups. These tools save time and make shipping simple. Bulk label services send pre-printed labels in a few days. This helps companies ship lots of packages without extra work. Some businesses have sent millions of return labels using bulk label services. This shows how much time and work they save.
Tip: Online shipping services can give big postage discounts. Some sites offer up to 90% off normal prices for USPS, UPS, and DHL.
Troubleshoot Printing Issues
Printing problems can slow down shipping, but most are easy to fix. The most common problems are wrong addresses, wrong label sizes, and blurry prints. Check addresses before you print to stop costly mistakes. Always set your printer to 100% and use the right label size for each carrier.
Other problems are labels not sticking or being put in the wrong place. Clean and dry the box before you put on the label. Put shipping labels on the biggest flat side, not on seams or edges. This helps barcode scanners read the label fast and keeps packages moving.
If labels look faded or blurry, check the printer ink or use a laser printer for better prints. Weather-resistant labels are best for boxes that might get wet. For big shipments, machines print and stick labels fast. This cuts down on mistakes and keeps things running well.
Note: Good label placement and clear prints help packages get there on time and keep customers happy.
Creating and printing custom shipping labels is simple when following these steps:
Place the label flat on your package.
Custom labels make packages look professional and help brands stand out. They save time, cut costs, and boost customer satisfaction. Try an online tool or order labels today to see the difference!
FAQ
How can someone print a shipping label without a printer?
Many online services let users buy and email shipping labels. They can send the file to a friend or local print shop. Some stores, like FedEx Office or UPS, print labels from a phone or USB drive.
What size label works best for most packages?
Most carriers use 4″ x 6″ labels. This size fits boxes and envelopes. It works with thermal printers and regular printers. Some small packages use 4″ x 4.25″ labels.
Can someone use regular paper for shipping labels?
Yes, regular paper works. Tape the label flat on the package. Cover the whole label with clear tape, but do not cover the barcode. For best results, use adhesive label sheets.
Do custom shipping labels cost more than standard ones?
Custom labels may cost a little more, especially with logos or colors. Bulk orders lower the price per label. Many online tools offer free templates, so small changes do not add much cost.
What should someone do if the barcode will not scan?
Check the print quality and make sure the barcode is clear. Use a high-resolution printer. Place the label on a flat surface. Avoid wrinkles or tape over the barcode. If it still will not scan, print a new label.