Do Not Use Normal Printers For Shipping Labels

Shipping labels are very important to an eCommerce or a physical business. It helps to ensure that a customer’s order gets delivered successfully. It also allows the delivery partner to scan the item and thus provide proper tracking. So why is it not recommended to use normal printers to print the labels?

Here’s Why

No doubt normal printers do what they are supposed to do, print. Some models even mentioned that their printouts are waterproof. What you do not know is that there are certain requirements in order for the prints to be waterproof. Factors like dots per inch(dpi), thickness, or texture of the print media play an important role. But let’s not get techie and focus on the main topic.

Shipping Labels For E-Commerce Businesses

For startups, it is common for you to use a normal printer to print your shipping labels. Whether it’s an inkjet or laserjet, it would still smudge upon contact with water. Otherwise, it would be the painstaking task of cutting the label down to size and then sticking it on the parcel using glue.

Store-bought labels are only a waste of resources. Imagine throwing away the excess after cutting the shipping labels down to size. That’s a few cents thrown out the window. That doesn’t include the cost of replacing the toners yet.

The fact is, a lot of parcels are lost through the mail for some reason or another. Normal mails are usually untraceable unless it is registered. As for parcels, if you don’t have a shipping label that is clear and sharp, it only delays the delivery process.

I’ve been there and I feel you. I previously used the old fashion way of printing shipping labels. However, after I found an affordable alternative, the delivery process for my parcels are seamless. Whether I’m using the local mail service or 3rd party couriers, my parcels get delivered every time.

Thermal Printers For Shipping Labels

When printing shipping labels, thermal printers are the way to go. As a startup or perhaps a small business, there is no need to buy expensive ones. A cheap one, like the one shown above, will do the job. In fact, that’s the first and I guess the only thermal printer that I need to buy.

Don’t be fooled by the price. The printer comes with everything you need to start printing right away! The only difference from my printer is that it has a Bluetooth feature. The shipping labels are perforated and ready to stick once printed.

The label measures 100mm by 150mm which suffices as a standard shipping label. What more to ask for? All you need to do is to print, stick it on and your parcel is good to go. On the other hand, you’ll also save on getting replacement toners as thermal printers do not use ink or toners.

I have been using this printer for almost a year to print my shipping labels. Since it has never failed me, I thought I’d share the good news first. I will post my review on my blog and my Youtube channel soon so do look out for it!