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A Guide to Shipping Label Printers

by William Elward

A shipping label printer is a type of thermal printer specifically designed to print shipping labels, barcodes, and other types of labels used in logistics and shipping operations. Here is a comprehensive guide to shipping label printers, including their pros and cons, where they can be purchased, the top 5 models, what can be printed with them, and alternatives to shipping label printers:

 

Pros of Shipping Label Printers:

  1. They are fast, able to print multiple labels per minute.
  2. They can print on a wide variety of label materials and sizes, including thermal direct and thermal transfer labels.
  3. They have a built-in label cutter, which allows you to print and cut labels in one step.
  4. They are very durable and can handle large volume printing.
  5. They are compatible with a wide range of shipping platforms and marketplaces, including Shopify, Amazon, and Ebay.

Cons of Shipping Label Printers:

  1. They are quite expensive compared to other types of label printers.
  2. They are quite heavy and bulky, which makes them less portable.
  3. Some printers can only print direct thermal labels, not thermal transfer labels.
  4. They are only compatible with a limited range of label sizes, from 2.28 inches to 4 inches wide.

Where to Purchase Shipping Label Printers:

  1. Manufacturer's official website
  2. Amazon
  3. eBay
  4. Other online marketplaces
  5. Retailers that specialize in office equipment and supplies.

Top 5 Shipping Label Printers:

  1. Zebra GX420t - This printer is a thermal transfer label printer that is known for its high-quality printing and durability. It can handle large volume printing and can print on a wide range of label sizes and materials.

  2. Dymo LabelWriter - This printer is a popular option for printing shipping labels and barcodes. It is compatible with a wide range of label sizes and materials, and is known for its fast print speed and high-quality printing.

  3. Brother QL-700 - This printer is a compact and portable option that can print labels quickly and easily. It is compatible with a wide range of label sizes and materials and can print labels at a high resolution.

  4. Primera LX500 - This printer is a color label printer that can print high-quality labels quickly and easily. It is compatible with a wide range of label sizes and materials and can print labels at a high resolution.

  5. Epson TM-C3500 - This printer is a high-speed, high-volume inkjet label printer that can print high-quality labels quickly and easily. It is compatible with a wide range of label sizes and materials and can print labels at a high resolution.

What can be Printed with Shipping Label Printers:

  1. Shipping labels
  2. Barcodes
  3. Product labels
  4. Name tags
  5. Asset labels
  6. Address labels
  7. Inventory labels
  8. Shipping documents
  9. Packing slips
  10. Return address labels

What are Alternatives to Shipping Label Printers:

Here are some alternatives to shipping label printers:

  1. Handwritten labels - This is the simplest alternative, but it can be prone to errors and inconsistencies.

  2. Online label printing services - These services allow you to create and print labels online, but they are generally more expensive and less flexible than using a label printer.

  3. Label makers - This is another alternative, but label makers can be less efficient than label printers, as they only produce one label at a time.

  4. Inkjet printers - Some inkjet printers can print shipping labels using special paper, but the print quality may not be as high as a dedicated label printer.

  5. Online shipping software - Some shipping software platforms, such as Shopify or Amazon, have built-in label printing functionality, so you don't need a separate label printer.

  6. Mobile label printing - There are mobile apps and mobile label printers that can be used to print labels on the go.

  7. Thermal transfer printers- They can print on a wide range of label materials and sizes, including thermal transfer labels. They are compatible with a wide range of shipping platforms and marketplaces.

It's worth noting that each of these options may have different features and capabilities, so it's a good idea to compare them and read reviews before making a decision. Additionally, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements, as well as your budget, when choosing an alternative to a shipping label printer.

About William Elward

Founder of Castle Ink, William Elward has 20 years experience in the printer industry. He's been featured on CNN Money, Yahoo, PC World, Computer World, and other top publications and frequently blogs about printers and ink cartridges. He's an expert at diagnosing printer issues and has published guides to fixing common printer issues across the internet. A graduate of Bryant University and Columbia's Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program, he's held various leadership positions at The College Board, Bankrate, Zocdoc, and Everyday Health. Follow him on Twitter at William Elward's Twitter Profile

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