Shipping labels- what do you use?

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I just used the Etsy Shipping for the first time this weekend. IT WAS AMAZING! And incredibly easy (I don't know why i haven't used it before).

Since it was my first time using it, I used paper to print my label, and lots of tape so it wouldn't get ripped in transit.

What type of labels should I get for this for the future? I looked in Walmart and didn't see what looked like the right labels.

[beatknits]

I get my shipping labels from ebay. They have the best deals. The 4x6 labels that are two to a page work best for me.

[LeedsRadio]

I use Avery 5126 labels. They are two to an 8.5 by 11 sheet and fit Etsy, Click-n-Ship and Endicia postage perfectly. They made a huge improvement in the appearance of the packages I ship.

[JansPetitPantry]

Richard, what software do you use to print your Avery 5126 labels. ?? I upgraded to the newer version of PrintMaster last year and you can not print just one lable, you have to print the entire sheet. I am thinking of taking it off my laptop and putting the old one back on. I did buy the shipping lables on Ebay and still have to figure out how to "NOT" print the instructions that come along with the shipping information. It is wasting half of my lable stock!!!

[Former_Member]

I print the 4x6 labels onto my DYMO label printer. It was a *HUGE* splurge last Christmas but so worth it. It literally only prints labels but it wastes less paper and easy to put onto mailers since I do not need to cut labels and tape them any more!

[WendyWildcraft]

You should be able to find shipping labels at your local office supply store

[ManmadeKnitting]

I wouldn't know, so far I've just used paper which seems to work well.

[LeedsRadio]

Jan -

No additional software is needed. Etsy and click-n-ship labels are actually PDFs

To not waste 1/2 the label you have two select "print 2 to a page"
This even when you are only printing one label

[LeedsRadio]

Kevin-
The problem with just paper is that it is time consuming; You have to either glue it down or tape it down. If you tape you are not supposed to cover any barcodes with tape because there are issues with some barcode readers reading through tape.

I used paper for years but finally tried labels and will never go back. They save so much time and packages done with labels look much more professional. It's the customer's first tangible impression of your business.

No large successful company uses plain paper.

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

That's part of the reason I didn't want to use paper, I didn't want to have issues with the bar code. And it didn't look professional. And I was paranoid that it would rip in the process.

Thanks for all the input!

[SpangGangDesigns]

We use these and LOVE them. They stick wonderfully and have never jammed. http://www.amazon.com/Sheet-Laser-Shipping-Labels-Compare/dp/B001AKX59C/ref=pd_bia_nav_t_1?ie=UTF8&r...

[TheFamilyJewelsWI]

I'm with Erica. I use the exact same ones she uses. So reasonable! I only use tape on international sales and then use very little. I have never had an issue with packaging.

[Former_Member]

I just use paper and tape. Have for the 2 years I've been open. No issues. The extra paper either gets used for another label or scrap paper for my daughter to draw on.

[SusanWindsor]

Thank you for the link, Erica! I just ordered some. I've been doing the paper and tape thing for years now, and I swore I'd have something better by now. I've used WAY too much paper and tape. I'm excited to finally be using these soon! :)

[CozyDawg]

I use Etsy labels and the shipping labels from Amazon. I buy the off-brand ones that are two labels per page. No cutting, no taping, way faster.

[TaylorMetalDesigns]

I print an etsy label and tape it to my package ;)

[OneFairfaxRoad]

I use Avery 5126, same as Richard, and buy the 200 label box at Amazon. They cover old labels completely, helpful if you are recycling boxes. They also stick really well, so I don't use additional tape. If I'm shipping Priority Mail, I slap on a couple of USPS Priority Mail long stickers (available at USPS.com free) to add extra adhesive to the edges.

[Former_Member]

I've been printing my labels on plain paper and using tape for the past 6+ years that the shop has been open and nobody has yet ever said a word.

[SasperryDesigns]

I get my labels from Uline. They come 2 per page and I've been using them for about a year. No tape needed and so far, so good!

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

Richard, good points about the other things with the packaging. I invested in some nice bags for when I do craft fairs, but when it comes to doing regular shipping, I haven't put to much thought into it.

Its because I honestly don't think of them. I bought a few things of really nice twine a while ago for my packaging. I used it once for packaging. I need to put it with my shipping supplies. . .

I'll be hitting up the dollar store for some tissue paper now for shipping. Thanks for the kick in the butt for the shipping ideas beyond the labels. :)

[WebAndRock]

I print on paper and tape neatly. I cut them out with a paper cutter. It looks pretty professional, IMO. I always tape over the barcodes.

Also, I don't have a label-dedicated printer and the very idea of having to switch between paper and labels all the time irritiates me.

[LOVEnLAVISH]

Maybe it's just me, but why use labels? I just hand write each address ...works for me.

[WebAndRock]

You get a cheaper commercial postage rate if you print them.

Edit, since you are in Canada that may not be true - I don't know.

[LOVEnLAVISH]

No, Canada post sucks.. I don't think there are any perks.

[WebAndRock]

Ok, Richard.