You would be sorely mistaken if you thought that the shipping label was just a typical sticker that was placed on the shipment. The shipping label is more than just a piece of paper; it is an integral part of the distribution process that must be followed precisely if the package is to reach its intended destination.
If you’re a new seller who’s confused about labels, this article will help clear things up. Review these 4 frequently asked questions about shipping labels for online retailers to understand the basics and avoid misunderstandings in the future.
What exactly is a shipping label?
A shipping label is just an identification document that emphasizes the essential details of the shipment. E-commerce providers must adhere to these standards, as they are among the most important in ensuring that consumers get their packages. Different carriers may use slightly different labels, but all must contain the shipper’s name and address, the recipient’s name and address, the weight of the package, and a tracking barcode. All of this information is crucial for a shipping company to get your shipment from their facility to the consumer.
Can you print shipping labels at home?
Many startups in the e-commerce industry still use manual packing methods at home and then take their packages to the post office where they wait in line while labels are printed. This takes a long time and costs a lot of money. When you buy labels at the post office, you’re paying the highest possible rate for postage, known as retail rates.
If you know where to look, you can avoid waiting in lines and do it easily from the comfort of your home. Several services allow you to print mailing labels without having to leave your home (or office) or call the post office.
There are numerous benefits to be gained from printing at home, such as saving money on postage, speeding up processing, and avoiding unnecessary trips to the post office when arranging for the collection of sent packages.
Can plain paper work for shipping labels or do you need a special printer?
The short answer is no, a specialized printing press is not required. Shipping labels can be generated from any shipping software and printed with any standard printer. There must be a method to attach them to the box, such as tape or glue. For this purpose, a specialized printing company can be very useful. Alternatively, you can use a thermal printer specifically designed to print shipping labels with an adhesive back.
What shipping labels should I use for my online store?
When it comes to shipping labels, almost all online retailers use a standard size of 4″ x 6″. You may have noticed this if you’ve ever received a package from an online retailer that you bought yourself. There will be some essential information on the label, such as the address, recipient’s name, sender’s name and address, and a set of barcodes.
A 4″x6″ label is also recommended if you plan to mail items regularly. All major shipping companies adhere to this criteria, making it the norm in the business.
Are there time limits on shipping labels?
Yes. That’s why it’s essential to get items out before the “ship by” date is printed below the shipping status update. Fortunately, some shipping companies will still allow you to ship products after their expiration date. However, in other cases, this could cause problems that were not anticipated.
Hopefully, this explanation of all the common questions about shipping labels has made the process of dealing with them a little less daunting for you. The more nuanced your knowledge of the shipping industry, the more agile and effective your relationships within it will be. That is crucial information for entrepreneurs who have to ship products to customers.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn