If you're a small business owner, you might be wondering whether investing in a label printer is necessary or if you can rely on your courier to handle it.
Let's explore the common alternatives to printing your own labels, their advantages and disadvantages, and determine which option best suits your needs.
Option 1: Let Your Courier Print the Label
Many shipping services, such as Royal Mail, Evri, or DPD, offer the convenience of printing your shipping label at the drop-off point when you bring in your parcel.
Typically, you book the delivery online and present a QR code upon arrival.
Pros:
Cons:
💡 Best for: Sole traders or micro businesses shipping fewer than 10 parcels per week.
Option 2: Print Labels at a Local Shop or Post Office
If you don't have access to a printer, many Post Offices, libraries, and stationery shops offer printing services, allowing you to print labels from a USB stick or email.
Pros:
Cons:
Example costs: Printing services typically charge between 10–50p per page, depending on the shop.
💡 Best for: Startups or small-scale sellers testing the market.
Option 3: Use QR Code Shipping Labels
Many online shipping platforms now offer QR code delivery options, eliminating the need for printing. After booking your parcel online, you're provided with a QR code to present at the drop-off point, where staff will print the label for you.
Pros:
Cons:
Supported by: Evri, Royal Mail, Yodel, Collect+, and others.
💡 Best for: Etsy, eBay, Vinted, or Shopify sellers using integrated courier tools.
When Is It Worth Buying a Label Printer?
If you're regularly sending out orders and desire more control over your shipping process, investing in a label printer might be beneficial.
Advantages of upgrading:
Example: Thermal printers like the Zebra GK420D or Dymo 4XL are available starting at around £100.
If you're shipping over 10–20 parcels per week, the time savings and professional presentation can justify the investment.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution for printing shipping labels. Your choice depends on factors like shipping volume, time constraints, and the importance of branding.
For those just starting out, utilising your courier's label printing service can be the simplest and most cost-effective method. As your business grows, investing in your own printer can offer greater control and efficiency.
Need Assistance with Labelling Solutions?
At Go2Products, we specialise in providing a wide range of labelling options to suit your business needs. Whether you're looking for blank labels, custom printed labels,or handling and shipping labels, we've got you covered.
Our offerings include:
We also provide free material samples to help you choose the perfect label for your products.
💡 For personalised advice or to discuss your specific requirements, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the best labelling solutions for your business.