A shipping label is the last line of defense between your order and a delivery failure. An incorrect address, a smudged barcode, or a label placed in the wrong position can send a package to the wrong destination, delay delivery, or result in a return to sender. For e-commerce businesses shipping at any volume, shipping label accuracy is a non-negotiable part of the fulfillment process.
Why It Matters
Label errors are one of the most preventable causes of shipping failures. Every mislabeled package means a delayed or lost shipment, a customer service interaction, a replacement order, and potential loss of a customer. Implementing consistent labeling best practices eliminates the vast majority of these errors at minimal cost.
Shipping Labeling Best Practices
1. Always Verify the Address Before Printing
The most common cause of delivery failure is an incorrect or incomplete address. Before printing any label, verify that the address includes a valid street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code. Use address validation tools built into your shipping platform to catch errors automatically.
2. Use a Dedicated Label Printer
Printing shipping labels on a standard inkjet or laser printer creates labels that can smear, fade, or peel — especially when exposed to moisture during transit. A dedicated thermal label printer produces durable, smear-proof labels that scan reliably and withstand the conditions of transit.
3. Print at the Correct Size
Standard shipping labels are 4x6 inches. Labels printed at the wrong size may cut off critical information or create barcodes that don't scan correctly. Always verify your label size settings before printing a batch.
4. Place Labels Correctly on the Package
Labels should be placed on the largest flat surface of the package, away from seams, edges, and tape. A label that spans a seam or edge can be damaged when the box is opened or handled, making the barcode unscannable. Never place a label over a previous label without fully removing or covering the old one.
5. Protect Labels from Moisture and Abrasion
In humid environments or for packages that will be handled extensively, consider applying a clear label protector over the shipping label. This prevents smearing and ensures the barcode remains scannable throughout transit.
6. Include a Packing Slip Inside Every Package
A packing slip inside the package serves as a backup if the external label is damaged or lost. It also helps the recipient verify their order and simplifies the return process if needed.
7. Scan Every Label Before Sealing
Before sealing a package, scan the shipping label barcode to verify it reads correctly. A label that doesn't scan at your station won't scan at the carrier's facility either — catching this before the package leaves your facility prevents delivery failures.
Recommended Labeling Supplies
For high-volume shipping operations, the Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer (4x6 Thermal) is a commercial-grade thermal printer that produces fast, smear-proof labels compatible with all major carriers. For wireless printing flexibility, the Rollo Wireless Shipping Label Printer (Wi-Fi) supports AirPrint from iPhone, iPad, and Mac — ideal for operations where the printer needs to be shared across multiple workstations. To keep your label rolls organized and accessible at the packing station, the NANANARDOSO Label Holder for Thermal Printer provides a dedicated holder that keeps rolls tangle-free and ready to use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Printing on regular paper and taping it on — Paper labels absorb moisture, tear easily, and peel off in transit. Always use proper label stock on a thermal printer.
- Not validating addresses — Manual address entry is error-prone. Use address validation at checkout and again at label printing to catch mistakes before they become shipment failures.
- Placing labels over seams or tape — Labels on seams get damaged during handling. Always place on a flat, unobstructed surface.
- Skipping the scan verification step — A label that doesn't scan is a package that won't be delivered correctly. Scan before sealing, every time.
Final Takeaway
Shipping label accuracy is one of the simplest and highest-impact improvements you can make to your fulfillment process. Validate addresses, use a thermal printer, place labels correctly, and scan before sealing. Browse our shipping label printers and labeling supplies to equip your packing station for accurate, reliable labeling.