Orders & shipping
Shipping Labels

Your Guide to Downloading and Printing Etsy Shipping Labels

Explore this detailed guide that covers everything you need to know about using shipping labels on Etsy - from downloading and printing to dealing with incorrect prints.

Your business on Etsy thrives when your products reach customers promptly and in perfect condition. One way to ensure this is by mastering the art of shipping labels. This guide walks you through the process of downloading, printing and attaching shipping labels to your packages.

Understanding When to Purchase Shipping Labels

Remember to buy shipping labels only for orders ready for shipment. Customers receive a shipping notification on the label’s Ship Date. Until then, feel free to download it as many times as necessary. If you need the label past its Ship Date, simply request a refund and buy a new one.

How to Purchase Shipping Labels on Etsy

Downloading Your Shipping Label

To get your digital copy of the shipping label:

  1. Sign in at Etsy.com
  2. Go to Shop Manager
  3. Click on Orders & Shipping
  4. Select the order requiring reprinting of its shipping label.
  5. Click Download Shipping Label

Printing Your Shipping Label

Once you’ve downloaded your digital copy, let’s print it out:

  1. Open downloaded PDFs.
  2. Select Print from the File dropdown menu.
  3. Choose the desired paper size (for label paper printing, select “4” x 6").
  4. Check the preview for correct formatting - distorted prints can delay delivery!
  5. Click Print.

Labels should be printed on white paper or self-adhesive label sheets (8.5" x 11") using a high-quality inkjet or laser printer. For inkjets, the recommended DPI is 600. Poor-quality prints can lead to rejected labels by carriers.

Printing Shipping Labels with a 4x6 Label Printer

This option is available only for USPS shipping labels and officially supports DYMO Label Writer 4XL and Zebra GC 420d printers. However, other 4x6 inch label printers may also work.

Follow these steps:

  1. Sign in at Etsy.com
  2. Go to Shop Manager
  3. Click on Settings
  4. Proceed to Shipping settings
  5. Go to Shipping Label Options
  6. Click on Format My Labels for 4x6 Label printers
Etsy Shop Manager’s Shipping Settings

Attaching Your Shipping Label

Now that you’ve printed your label(s), it’s time to attach them to your package.

Paper Labels

For paper labels, use clear packaging tape to secure it onto the top of the package without obscuring the barcode - it should remain fully visible and unaltered. If you’re dealing with international shipping labels spanning multiple pages, an official USPS envelope (2976-E) should be used for attachment.

Sticker Labels

For sticker labels, peel off the adhesive backing from the pages and place them onto the package directly.

Making Changes To A Purchased Label

To update or change a purchased label:

  1. Cancel the incorrect label by requesting a refund.
  2. Choose Print New Shipping Label.
  3. Enter updated label details and buy a new one.
  4. Click Confirm and Buy. You can send an updated shipping notification to your buyer.

For future Ship Dates, the shipping notification will be sent on the chosen date.

Troubleshooting Incorrect Label Prints

Experiencing issues with incorrect or distorted shipping label prints? Don’t fret, as sometimes the solution is just a few steps away. Here are the straightforward solutions that will help ensure your shipping labels are printed perfectly every time.

1. Updating Your PDF Reader

Ensure you have an up-to-date PDF reader installed for seamless printing. Free options like Adobe Reader are available and Mac users can use the Preview application. Please keep both your browser and Adobe Reader up-to-date if you’re using them together.

2. Checking Browser Extensions/Add-ons or Settings

Some add-ons might prevent PDFs from loading correctly. Ensure all extensions like Ad Block are up-to-date and functioning properly, or try temporarily disabling to see if that resolves any issues. Instructions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.

3. Downloading The Label Again

In certain cases, some PDF reader software may interfere with your browser’s behavior. If so, save the shipping label on your computer by right-clicking the Download Shipping Label button and selecting Save Target As or Save Link As before opening it in your preferred PDF reader.

4. Trying A Different Browser

If one browser doesn’t work, try another browser and ensure it’s the latest version.

Remember: Mastering these basics should make your life as an Etsy seller much smoother when it comes to handling shipping labels!

Requesting a Refund for a Shipping Label

Need a refund on an Etsy shipping label? Here’s how:

  1. On Etsy.com, select Shop Manager.
  2. Go to Orders & Shipping.
  3. If you can’t see the order in the first tab, click Completed.
  4. Click Refund under the shipping label number on your order.

Wrapping Up:

In conclusion, understanding how to effectively manage shipping labels on Etsy is essential for a smooth running operation. From downloading and printing your labels correctly to attaching them properly and troubleshooting any issues that may arise, this comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary tools to navigate this process with ease.

Remember, the goal is always delivering your products promptly and in excellent condition - a mission made achievable by mastering the art of shipping labels. As an Etsy seller, your success lies in these crucial details of your business operations. Keep learning, keep growing, and embrace each step as an opportunity to improve!

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FAQ

Etsy Seller's Guide: How to Effectively Use Shipping Labels on Etsy
How can I attach a shipping label to my package?
There are two ways of attaching your printed shipping label to your package depending on if it's a paper or sticker type. For paper labels, secure them onto the package using clear packaging tape ensuring not to cover or alter any barcodes. For sticker labels, simply peel off their adhesive backing and stick them directly onto the package.
What should I do if my printed Etsy shipping label doesn't look right?
If your printed Etsy Shipping Label appears incorrect or distorted, you could try updating your PDF reader software as well as checking any browser extensions/add-on settings that might interfere with PDF loading. Downloading the label again or trying a different browser might also help resolve issues.
How can I update an already purchased Etsy Shipping Label?
To update or change an already purchased shipping label, cancel the incorrect one by requesting a refund first. After submitting your refund request, select 'Print New Shipping Label', enter the updated specifications and purchase your new label.
How can I download a shipping label on Etsy?
To download an Etsy shipping label, sign in to your account and go to 'Shop Manager'. From there, select 'Orders & Shipping', choose the order for which you want to print a shipping label, and click 'Download Shipping Label'.
What are some key considerations when printing an Etsy shipping label?
Labels should be printed on white paper or self-adhesive label sheets (8.5" x 11") using high-quality inkjet or laser printers. For inkjets, 600 DPI is recommended. Poor-quality prints may lead to rejection by carriers.