For small business owners, every dollar counts—especially when it comes to shipping supplies. If you’re printing your own shipping labels at home or in a warehouse, finding the cheapest shipping labels that don’t compromise on quality is crucial. This article explores budget-friendly shipping label options for thermal printers and inkjet/laser printers, where to buy them, and how to reduce label costs over time.
What Are Shipping Labels and Why They Matter
Shipping labels include important delivery information like recipient address, tracking barcode, carrier info, and return address. Whether you sell on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or Shopify, a readable, professional shipping label ensures packages reach the right customers without delays.
Cheap doesn’t mean low quality—you just need to know where and what to buy.
Cheapest Shipping Labels by Printer Type
1. Direct Thermal Labels (4×6 Inch)
- Price: As low as $6.99 per roll (500 labels)
- Printer Type: Rollo, Zebra, iLabel, MUNBYN
- Features: No ink required, strong adhesive, compatible with USPS/UPS
- Best For: eCommerce brands printing daily shipments
2. Dymo 4XL Compatible Shipping Labels
- Price: $11–$16 per roll (4×6, non-OEM)
- Printer Type: Dymo LabelWriter 4XL
- Features: Clear printing, jam-free design, BPA-free
- Best For: Etsy, eBay sellers who prefer compact Dymo printers
3. Brother DK-1241 Compatible Labels
- Price: $13–$19 per roll
- Printer Type: Brother QL-series (QL-800, QL-1100)
- Features: Die-cut, strong adhesive, no smearing
- Best For: Office shipping or small-batch mailers
4. Inkjet/Laser Printable Shipping Labels (8.5″ x 11″)
- Price: $9.99–$14.99 for 100 sheets (200 labels)
- Printer Type: Any home/office inkjet or laser printer
- Features: Peel-and-stick, customizable in Microsoft Word or Canva
- Best For: Beginners, low-volume sellers
Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Labels
1. Amazon
Best place for comparing brands, prices, and fast shipping. Look for packs with 1,000+ reviews and “Amazon’s Choice” badge.
2. Online Marketplaces (eBay, Walmart)
Smaller sellers often offer good label prices. Always check seller ratings and return policy.
3. Wholesale Suppliers
Check sites like ULINE, Alibaba, and AliExpress for buying in bulk—great for growing businesses.
4. Label-Specific Retailers
Stores like OnlineLabels.com, Betckey, and LabelRange often offer bundles, coupons, or loyalty rewards.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Label Costs Long-Term
- Buy in Bulk: Per-label costs drop drastically with higher quantities.
- Use Direct Thermal Printing: No ink or toner saves big over time.
- Try Generic or Store Brands: Avoid name-brand markups unless necessary.
- Get Free Shipping Supplies: USPS and UPS offer free label-ready packaging.
- Watch for Promotions: Subscribe to seller newsletters or follow them on social media.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Cheap Labels
- Wrong Printer Match: Ensure size and sensor alignment are compatible.
- Low-Quality Adhesive: Cheap glue means labels fall off—avoid!
- Too Thin: Thin paper can jam printers or rip during application.
- Fading Issues: For direct thermal, store labels in a cool, dry space.
Best Budget Picks by Seller Type
For Amazon and Shopify Sellers
- Go-To: 4×6 direct thermal labels from generic brands on Amazon
- Reason: Cost-effective, matches UPS/USPS/FedEx standards
For Craft/Etsy Sellers
- Go-To: Dymo-compatible or printable sticker sheets
- Reason: Compact and customizable
For Brick-and-Mortar Stores
- Go-To: Brother or Zebra labels for high-speed desktop printers
- Reason: Great for local delivery or shipping receipts
FAQs
Q1: Can I reuse shipping labels?
No. Reusing labels may cause barcode scanning errors or delays. Always print new ones for each shipment.
Q2: Do generic shipping labels work as well as branded ones?
Yes, many generic options offer equal print quality and adhesion for a much lower price. Read reviews before purchasing.taba squishy
Q3: Are thermal labels cheaper than inkjet labels?
Yes. Thermal labels save money in the long run because they don’t require ink or toner. They’re ideal for medium to high-volume shippers.
Finding the cheapest shipping labels is about more than price—it’s about total value. With the right match for your printer, shipping volume, and business type, you can cut costs without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, budget labels are your silent but powerful partner in every package you send.
