To reduce the risk of labels becoming unstuck in transit, choose high-quality labels with a permanent adhesive. Apply them to a clean, dry surface for the best adhesion.
Amazon Shipping BLOG
Your essential guide to e-commerce shipping labels
Read our complete guide to shipping labels, including why getting them right matters, how to create your own shipping labels, and our top tips for labelling success.
All e-commerce purchases have one important thing in common: a shipping label. This small addition plays a big role, providing the essential information needed to ensure your packages arrive at the correct destination on time. In fact, the shipping label plays a key role in providing great customer service.
Let’s explore why shipping labels are important, how to create a shipping label, and our top tips for labelling your parcels correctly.
Let’s explore why shipping labels are important, how to create a shipping label, and our top tips for labelling your parcels correctly.
Why are shipping labels important?
A shipping label provides vital information about a parcel and its destination. Accurate shipping labels mean purchases can be processed through delivery channels more easily and efficiently.
Incorrect or incomplete labels can lead to parcels getting lost or mishandled during transit, increasing the likelihood of delays and negatively impacting customer experience.
Incorrect or incomplete labels can lead to parcels getting lost or mishandled during transit, increasing the likelihood of delays and negatively impacting customer experience.
What goes on a shipping label?
One small label can contain a serious amount of information. Here’s a list of the most common components:
- Sender information to identify the sender and recover lost parcels.
- Recipient information for visual confirmation.
- Tracking information to track your parcels in transit.
- Date of dispatch to track the parcel's journey through the various delivery stages.
- Package weight and dimensions for safe handling.
Ensuring these components are clearly marked on your shipping labels can help improve the efficiency and reliability of your delivery process.
How to create a shipping label
You can choose to create your own shipping labels manually or automate the process through using shipping label software. Both methods have distinct advantages, depending on your business needs.
Creating your own shipping labels is straightforward and can be cost-effective. Simply visit your delivery service provider’s website to download their label template and fill in the required details. This method is perfect for businesses handling a small volume of shipments and looking to keep costs down.
For businesses managing a higher volume of parcels, using a shipping label software, such as Veeqo, Metapack, or Linnworks, can be a game-changer. These solutions allow you to consolidate your orders from multiple e-commerce platforms and print labels in bulk, reducing time spent on manual entry, and minimising human error. Even smaller businesses can benefit from the efficiency and accuracy that label software provides.
Creating your own shipping labels is straightforward and can be cost-effective. Simply visit your delivery service provider’s website to download their label template and fill in the required details. This method is perfect for businesses handling a small volume of shipments and looking to keep costs down.
For businesses managing a higher volume of parcels, using a shipping label software, such as Veeqo, Metapack, or Linnworks, can be a game-changer. These solutions allow you to consolidate your orders from multiple e-commerce platforms and print labels in bulk, reducing time spent on manual entry, and minimising human error. Even smaller businesses can benefit from the efficiency and accuracy that label software provides.
How to print a shipping label
When it comes to printing shipping labels, you can choose to print your own labels or utilise your delivery service provider to print them for you. If you choose to print your own labels, it’s important to check which label formats your delivery service provider accepts. The two main options are:
Another option is to print your shipping labels via your preferred third-party software solution or by integrating with your delivery service provider’s platform management tool. Many delivery service providers offer integration with shipping label software, so speak to your provider to find out what solutions they offer.
Amazon Shipping’s labelling top tips
- To avoid scanning difficulties, use a white label that’s not reflective or shiny. Ensure the information is printed clearly, especially the barcode.
- For security, it’s best not to state what’s inside the parcel (or its cost) on the shipping label.
- Think about the best place to apply the label. We suggest avoiding the box opening, instead choosing a flat surface so the label isn’t folded or creased.
- Avoid having other markings or labels on the parcel as this can confuse those handling it.
- For non-palletised collections, ensure your labels are clear, not faded, and easily visible, to ensure they can be scanned easily by drivers.
- It’s best to cancel shipping labels you don’t use as quickly as possible so there’s no risk of error.
What a difference a label makes
If you have any questions about how we can help you to create and print shipping labels, we’d be happy to help. You can choose to easily integrate with our Amazon Shipping API to print labels in PDF, PNG, and ZPL formats, and bulk upload using an excel format to create 1,000 labels in one upload, through our Shipper and Seller Central platforms. You can also choose to integrate via your preferred third-party solution software. Find out about the order and delivery management systems we integrate with here.
Select your business size below to get started shipping with us.
Select your business size below to get started shipping with us.
FAQs
1. How can I prevent labels coming off in transit?
2. How can I ensure text on the label is legible?
Delivery problems can occur if the text is too small, so ensure the text on your labels is large enough to read. We recommend using a font size between 8 and 12 points. If space is an issue, consider using a larger label or reducing the amount of information to only what’s necessary.
3. What should I do if my labels are blurry?
A blurred label can cause problems during transit. Use a high-quality design file for better readability and resolution, especially if your label includes logos. Ensure you select the correct DPI setting for your printer. If you print labels through your delivery service provider’s integration software, check which resolution they can provide.
4. Why is it important to print labels edge-to-edge?
Make sure to print your labels edge-to-edge to avoid cutting off important information. Adjust your printer settings to fit the label size correctly, and print a few test labels to ensure everything is aligned properly.
5. How can I prevent labels from getting damaged when wet?
To prevent labels from being ruined by rain, opt for water-resistant label materials. This will ensure your labels remain readable, even in wet conditions.
6. How can I ensure the recipient’s address is accurate?
It’s a good idea to use an address validation tool in your e-commerce system to ensure the recipient’s address is accurate. This reduces the risk of delivery delays caused by incorrect address information.
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