Many small businesses with eCommerce operations ask the question: can I print shipping labels on regular paper? The short answer is, yes, you can print shipping labels on regular paper using a regular printer, but it will be more labor-intensive.
A major reason why businesses ask this question is because they aren’t ready to invest in a shipping label printer and shipping labels due to cost constraints. So in the meantime, here’s what you need to know about printing shipping labels on regular paper.
Can I Print Shipping Labels on Regular Paper?
Many individuals and small businesses have inkjet or laser printers. That’s because these printers are affordable and you can use them for a variety of use cases. Small businesses might even print their own marketing materials using these printers, meaning they’ve invested in a high-quality one.
So can you use the investment you’ve already made to print shipping labels too? Yes, you can print shipping labels using an inkjet or laser printer. When using regular paper for shipping labels, you’ll print them like you would any general file, such as a Word document or PDF.
To save even more, you can print two shipping labels next to one another on one standard 8×11 piece of paper and then trim them to attach to the packages. Once printed, you’ll need to use tape to attach the label to your package, which will take longer than just peeling and sticking an adhesive label.
Depending on what type of printer you have, there will be additional nuances to printing shipping labels on regular paper. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Printing Shipping Labels on an Inkjet Printer
If you have an inkjet printer sitting around, you might be wondering if it’s an ideal solution for shipping label printing. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using this method.
Advantages:
- Most inkjet printers allow you to print shipping labels on adhesive stickers for faster application
- These printers are more affordable, helping you get started with your shipping business quickly
- Inkjet printers come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your operations
- These printers deliver stunning color printing results
Disadvantages:
- Budget for frequent ink cartridge refills
- If you take the pages off the printer quickly, you might smudge your shipping labels if you aren’t careful
- When exposed to water, your shipping labels will get damaged, meaning you’ll need to cover them with tape or another waterproof material to prevent ink bleed and your package not arriving at its final destination
Printing Shipping Labels on a Laser Printer
If you’ve invested in a laser printer for your home or business, you might be wondering if it’s an ideal solution for printing shipping labels on regular paper. Get insights into the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Advantages:
- Laser printers offer incredible clarity even when printing text in small fonts
- Ink cartridges for laser printers last longer than they do for inkjet printers, which means lower costs and less inconvenience
Disadvantages:
- Laser printers often have a higher upfront cost than inkjet printers, though the operating costs are lower over time
- Finding adhesive shipping label paper that works with your laser printer will be somewhat more challenging
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How to Operate a Shipping Service with No Printer
Startup costs can feel overwhelming and if you’re trying to avoid taking out a loan to get the office materials you need to get your business up and running, you might be putting off purchasing a printer until you have some income.
It’s possible to get started with an eCommerce business without purchasing a printer. But it will mean frequent trips to the post office or other shipping company stores.
Once you receive an order, you can take the mailing address information to the shipping store and they will print the labels for you along with the required barcodes for the item to go through the logistics process.
This option will become cumbersome quickly for your growing eCommerce business though. And because eCommerce moves quickly now where 42 percent of consumers expect to receive their item within 2 days of ordering, you might find yourself at the post office daily to meet ongoing demands.
Alternatively, if you live near a library, you might print your shipping labels there until you can afford a printer. Or you could ask a neighbor to use their printer. If it has a good Bluetooth range, you could even print to your neighbor’s printer throughout the day and then just drop by in the evening to pick up your labels each day.
An internet café might also provide printing services. So if you have one within a short distance from your home, this might be an ideal solution for your needs.
Office stores also do shipping label printing. Look for a Staples, Office Max or another store near you to make printing fast and simple before you can afford to invest in a printer for your growing business.
Benefits of Using Adhesive Shipping Labels
As you grow your business, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to switch from using standard printer paper to true shipping labels. This option will become slightly pricier, but your business will look far more professional, meaning it is likely worth it.
Plus, you’ll be amazed at how much time you’ll save by just printing, peeling and sticking your shipping labels instead of cutting and taping them.
Another consideration for small businesses evaluating adhesive shipping labels is that it is another item to maintain inventory for. And while this might not be super attractive to smaller businesses, it should not be challenging to ensure you keep shipping labels on hand that fit your printer.
Can I Print Labels from My Phone?
The answer to this question will depend on your printer. However, most modern printers allow for easy Bluetooth printing from any device. You can go from printing from a desktop computer to a tablet while on the go or a smartphone from anywhere.
The ease of printing shipping labels from mobile devices will depend on which eCommerce platform you use to power your website and the shipping partners you’ve chosen for your business.
Learn More About Printing Shipping Labels from These Common Questions
Getting started with printing can feel confusing and overwhelming. And while technology is getting better, people are printing less thanks to the ease of digital communications, which means the average person knows less about printers and options than they used to. To help you get started, here’s a look at some common questions related to printing shipping labels.
Can I Print a Postage Label on Paper?
Yes, you can. You’ll just want to be sure you cover the entire label with tape to prevent the ink from bleeding or getting damaged while in transit.
Can I Print a FedEx Label on Regular Paper?
You don’t need special paper or labels to print FedEx mailing labels. You can print using a laser or inkjet printer or visit a local library or print shop if you don’t own a printer.
How Do I Print a Shipping Label at Home?
To print a shipping label at home, you should first choose your shipping partner, such as USPS, UPS or FedEx. Then visit their website and purchase your postage. You’ll get a shipping label you can download as a PDF to print from any printer, anywhere it is convenient for you.
Still have questions about printing shipping labels? Contact the DuraFast Label Company team and we’ll be happy to assist you with your printing needs.
Further Reading:
- The Many Use Cases for Transparent Labels
- Growing an eCommerce Business? You’ll Need Box Labels
- Prepping for Back-to-School with School Labels
