How to Get a Shipping Label from Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shipping Labels: The Basics
3. Setting Up Shipping in Shopify
4. How to Purchase Shipping Labels in Shopify
5. Customizing Your Shipping Labels
6. Additional Shipping Documentation
7. Handling Returns with Shipping Labels
8. Best Practices for Managing Shipping Labels
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 75% of online shoppers consider shipping costs a major factor when making purchasing decisions? Shipping plays a critical role in e-commerce, and knowing how to efficiently handle shipping labels can be a game-changer for your business. As e-commerce continues to flourish, especially for Shopify merchants, understanding how to get shipping labels is essential to creating a smooth customer experience.

Here at Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants not just to run an online store, but to develop a comprehensive business model that includes effective fulfillment strategies. With the rise of digital products like online courses and community memberships, there’s no better time to streamline your shipping process. In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to get shipping labels from Shopify, along with practical tips and best practices to enhance your shipping strategy.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of everything from printing shipping labels to customizing them for your unique business needs. So, are you ready to improve your Shopify store’s shipping operations with us? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Shipping Labels: The Basics

What is a Shipping Label?

A shipping label is a small piece of paper attached to a parcel, containing essential information for the shipping carrier. It includes:

• Recipient's Name and Address: This information tells the carrier where the package should be delivered.
• Sender's Address: Helps the carrier know where to return the package if not delivered.
• Tracking Number: Allows both the sender and recipient to track the package's journey.
• Barcode: Facilitates quick scanning and efficient tracking by the shipping carrier.

Understanding the components of a shipping label will help you maximize its utility. It’s equally important to familiarize yourself with different types of shipping labels available, which we’ll explore later.

Why Shipping Labels Matter in E-commerce

Shipping labels are not just functional; they enhance customer trust and simplify logistics. Here are a few reasons why they are essential:

• Accuracy: Ensuring that packages are delivered to the right addresses reduces return rates and customer dissatisfaction.
• Tracking: Providing tracking information keeps customers informed and can significantly improve their shopping experience.
• Professionalism: Well-printed labels instill confidence in your brand; they convey reliability and attention to detail.

Setting Up Shipping in Shopify

To get started with printing shipping labels, you first need to set up shipping within your Shopify admin. Here’s a step-by-step guide for configuring your shipping settings.

Step 1: Access Your Shipping Settings

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Settings at the bottom left corner.
3. Click on Shipping and delivery from the list.

Step 2: Create Shipping Rates

1. In the Shipping section, you will see various options for shipping rates based on your needs.
2. Click on Manage Rates to adjust or set your rates based on regions, weights, and dimensions.

This setup is vital and will directly impact how you handle your shipping labels, as the rates determine which shipping services you can connect with.

Step 3: Connect Carriers

To get shipping labels directly through Shopify, connecting with established carriers is crucial. Depending on your Shopify plan, you may have different options available. Ensure you’ve connected the relevant carriers as this will allow you to purchase shipping labels and streamline your fulfillment process.

How to Purchase Shipping Labels in Shopify

Now that you've set up your shipping, let’s walk through the process of purchasing and printing your shipping labels.

Option 1: Purchase Labels from Your Orders Page

1. Go to Orders in your Shopify admin.
2. Select the order for which you want to create a shipping label.
3. Click on Print shipping label.
4. Choose your printer and the paper size that fits the label.
5. Click Print to produce your shipping label.

This method allows you to generate a label for individual orders easily.

Option 2: Bulk Printing of Shipping Labels

If you're dealing with multiple orders, it’s efficient to print labels in bulk.

1. From the Orders section, select multiple orders that require shipping labels.
2. Click on the three dots (⋯) to open the dropdown menu.
3. Select Print shipping labels.
4. After selecting the labels, proceed by clicking Print.

You can print a maximum of 100 labels at a time, which saves you time and effort.

Option 3: Purchase Labels from the Shipping Labels Page

Shopify also has a dedicated Shipping Labels page for printing labels.

1. Navigate to Orders > Shipping labels in the Shopify admin.
2. From here, you can select the labels you want to purchase and print.
3. Click on the Print documents button to initiate the printing process.

Tips for Printing Shipping Labels

• Ensure your printer settings are correct for the specific label format you're using (e.g., thermal, letter).
• When printing multiple documents of different sizes, remember that they will each open in separate PDF files. Disable pop-up blockers for a smoother experience.

Customizing Your Shipping Labels

Customizing your shipping labels can enhance branding and improve customer experience. Here’s how you can personalize your shipping labels:

Changing the Default Store Name

By default, your store name is printed on shipping labels. However, you might want to customize this for gifts or as required by local regulations.

1. Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery in Shopify admin.
2. In the Shipping documents section, choose Customize store name on shipping labels.
3. Enter your preferred name, ensuring it meets the character requirements.
4. Click on Save.

This customization can reflect your brand’s identity more accurately and improve recognition.

Additional Shipping Documentation

Shipping labels may often require accompanying documents such as customs forms and packing slips, especially for international shipping.

Printing Customs Forms

For international shipments, customs forms may be required. Here’s how to print them:

1. Select the relevant order in the Orders section.
2. Click on Print customs form.
3. Choose the appropriate printer and paper size.
4. Click Print.

Having these forms ready reduces delays at customs and keeps your customers happy by ensuring timely delivery.

Packing Slips

Packing slips are important as well, providing your customers with a list of items included in their order. To print packing slips:

1. Select the order from the Orders page.
2. Choose Print Packing Slips.
3. Configure your printer settings and click Print.

By utilizing both packing slips and shipping labels effectively, we not only ensure accuracy but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Handling Returns with Shipping Labels

Returns are a reality of e-commerce, and having a clear process can minimize disruptions. When issuing return shipping labels, consider these steps:

1. Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure your customers know how to return items, including the process to obtain a return shipping label.
2. Automate Returns: Use Shopify apps that can help you automate return shipping processes. This will make it seamless for customers and manageable for your team.
3. Include Return Labels: For products that may have a higher return rate, consider including a pre-paid return shipping label within the original package. This could encourage customers to shop worry-free.

Best Practices for Managing Shipping Labels

Monitor Shipping Costs

As costs fluctuate, so should your shipping strategies. Keep an eye on carrier rates and adjust your shipping fees accordingly. Offering multiple options, such as standard shipping for budget-conscious customers and expedited shipping for those in a hurry, can cater to various audience segments.

Use Tracking Codes

Always ensure that tracking codes are included with shipments. This provides transparency to your customers and assures them that you value their order until it’s safely in their hands.

Implement Quality Control

Before shipping out any products, conduct quality control checks. Ensuring items are correctly prepared and adequately packaged retains your brand's reputation and minimizes returns.

Conclusion

Streamlining your shipping label process is more than just a function of logistics; it is a vital component of enhancing your customer’s experience. By leveraging Shopify’s built-in tools to purchase and print shipping labels, customize your documentation, and manage your return process effectively, we can build a more efficient and customer-centric operation.

As pioneering Shopify merchants, we can explore opportunities to diversify revenue streams while fostering community connections through added value services like online courses.

To dive into these enhancements, consider starting today with our all-in-one course platform using Tevello. By integrating seamless shipping operations with robust digital learning offers, you take a significant leap into the future of e-commerce.

Ready to elevate your Shopify experience? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!

FAQ

How long does it take to print shipping labels on Shopify?

Printing shipping labels on Shopify is typically quick and can take just a few minutes depending on your internet speed and printer setup.

Can I purchase shipping labels for international orders?

Yes, Shopify allows you to purchase shipping labels for both domestic and international shipments. Just ensure you have the necessary customs forms prepared.

What should I do if my shipping label doesn’t print correctly?

If your shipping label doesn’t print correctly, check your printer settings and make sure you are using the correct paper size. Additionally, consider trying a different browser or disabling pop-up blockers.

Are there any hidden fees when buying shipping labels on Shopify?

Shopify strives for transparency with its pricing. However, shipping rates will vary based on the carrier and service level selected. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with the fees associated with your chosen shipping carrier.

How do I handle lost shipping labels?

If you lose a shipping label, you can simply reprint it from the same order page in your Shopify admin. Make sure to keep track of your printed shipping documents!

Harness the power of effective shipping with Tevello, ensuring your e-commerce goals are met while building a remarkable community around your brand!