How to Print Shipping Labels on Shopify: Your Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of Shipping Labels in E-commerce
3. Step-by-Step Guide on Printing Shipping Labels in Shopify
4. Optimizing Your Shipping Process with Technology
5. Best Practices for Managing Shipping Labels
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that e-commerce sales are expected to grow to over $6 trillion globally by 2024? As a Shopify merchant, your role in this ever-expanding online marketplace has both exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges. The logistics behind your e-commerce operations, especially shipping, can make or break your business. Efficiently managing these details not only boosts your operational efficiency but also directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In this blog post, we will explore the nuanced process of printing shipping labels on Shopify. By understanding the intricacies of label creation and management, we can equip ourselves to enhance our e-commerce experience.

At Tevello, we believe that every Shopify merchant deserves to unlock new revenue streams and build strong connections with their audience. Our all-in-one platform seamlessly integrates into the Shopify ecosystem, simplifying the entire process of managing online courses, digital products, and communities. This post will not only focus on the mechanics of printing shipping labels, but also how effective shipping practices contribute to broader e-commerce success.

Are you curious about how you can streamline your store's shipping process? Let’s dive deeper into how to effectively print shipping labels on Shopify.

Understanding the Importance of Shipping Labels in E-commerce

Shipping labels are not just a means to an end; they are a vital part of the customer experience.

• Professionalism: A properly printed shipping label shows that you are a credible business and care about the details.
• Tracking: Shipping labels contain valuable information like tracking numbers, which allow your customers to follow their orders through the shipping process.
• Clear Communication: Labels can reflect your brand and convey important shipping specifics, which can minimize confusion and customer inquiries.

At Tevello, we understand that effective shipping processes can enhance your overall customer experience. As we explore how to print shipping labels, consider how this foundational aspect of your business can strengthen your relationship with your customers.

Step-by-Step Guide on Printing Shipping Labels in Shopify

Whether you're a new merchant or a seasoned pro, understanding how to print shipping labels in Shopify can save you both time and resources. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

Step 1: Set Up Your Store Information

Before diving into printing labels, ensure your store settings are correctly configured. This includes:

1. Custom Store Name on Shipping Labels:
   • Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify admin.
   • Locate the "Shipping documents" section.
   • Customize your store name if desired, which will appear on your labels.
   Tip: Using a custom name for your shipping labels can help in gift purchases or when you need to conform to local business regulations.

Step 2: Purchase Shipping Labels

Once an order is placed, you'll need to purchase a label to send the package.

1. From your Shopify Admin:
   • Navigate to Orders, and select the order you want to fulfill.
   • Click on Buy shipping label.
   • Choose the shipping carrier and the type of shipping service you deem fit (e.g., express, standard).

Step 3: Printing Individual Shipping Labels

Once you've purchased your shipping label, you can print it directly from the order page:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Orders.
2. Click on the order for which you need the shipping label.
3. Select Print label and choose the appropriate printer settings.
4. Click Print.

Printing from Mobile Devices

Did you know you can print shipping labels directly from your smartphone?

• For iPhone Users:
  • Tap on the order you wish to process.
  • In the fulfilled section, tap Print shipping label and follow the prompts.
• For Android Users:
  • The process is similar. Just tap the order, choose to print the shipping label, and follow the instructions.

Step 4: Bulk Printing Shipping Labels

If you have multiple orders to fulfill, you can print labels in bulk to enhance efficiency.

1. From your Shopify Admin:
   • Go to Orders.
   • Select multiple orders by checking the boxes next to them.
   • Click on Print documents, then select the type of documents (shipping labels, packing slips, or customs forms) you want to print.

This bulk operation can dramatically decrease the time required for fulfilling orders.

Step 5: Including Packing Slips and Customs Forms

Every shipment typically includes more than just a label. Including packing slips and customs forms adds to clarity and professionalism.

• Printing Packing Slips: You can print packing slips along with shipping labels directly from the orders page by selecting the appropriate option from the print menu.
• Printing Customs Forms: For international orders, if a customs form is needed, it’s critical to print this form alongside the shipping label. It ensures compliance with international shipping regulations.

Optimizing Your Shipping Process with Technology

Shipping doesn't have to be a cumbersome process. Leveraging tech can streamline your entire operation.

Using Shopify’s Mobile App

The Shopify mobile app offers robust functionalities, including the ability to create and print shipping labels on the go. This flexibility allows you to manage your shipping workflow efficiently, regardless of your location.

1. Download the App: Ensure you have the Shopify app on your smartphone (available for both iOS and Android).
2. Create and Print Labels Immediately: As new orders come in, simply pick an order from your app and tap Create shipping label.
3. Automatic Printer Detection: Your phone will detect nearby printers, simplifying the printing process.

With these tools at our fingertips, we can enhance our shipping capabilities and improve customer satisfaction all at once.

Best Practices for Managing Shipping Labels

Optimizing your shipping processes can save time and resources. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Track and Manage Your Shipping Labels

Keep close tabs on your shipping labels. This includes tracking their status, knowing when they’ve been printed, and managing any that need to be reprinted.

Label Quality Matters

Using high-quality labels can prevent issues. Low-quality materials may lead to smudged, unreadable labels that could confuse postal workers or lead to delivery errors.

Maintain Accurate Inventory and Order Management

Make certain that your Shopify inventory is up-to-date. This will help eliminate discrepancies in orders and avoid unnecessarily printing labels for out-of-stock items.

Communicate with Your Customers

Incorporate tracking links in shipping confirmation emails to keep customers informed. This enhances their experience and reduces anxiety about order delivery.

Conclusion

In the e-commerce landscape, efficient shipping operations serve as the backbone of successful businesses. By mastering how to print shipping labels on Shopify, we can enhance our customer experience and streamline order fulfillment.

At Tevello, we aim to empower merchants like you by offering an integrated solution that simplifies this critical aspect of your business.

Are we ready to take control of our shipping and enhance our Shopify store's efficiency? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today to seamlessly manage your courses, communities, and digital products, all while optimizing your shipping processes!

FAQ

How do I print shipping labels from Shopify?

You can print shipping labels directly from your Shopify admin by selecting an order, purchasing the label, and choosing the print option. Additionally, you can do this through the Shopify mobile app.

Can I print shipping labels in bulk?

Yes! You can select multiple orders in your Shopify admin and print their shipping labels simultaneously.

Do I need to purchase my shipping labels?

Yes, to print shipping labels, you typically need to purchase them through Shopify. You can choose your preferred carrier and shipping rate based on your business needs.

What information is included in a shipping label?

A standard shipping label includes the sender's address, recipient's address, tracking number, and barcodes for handling and sorting purposes.

Is there a way to customize the store name on shipping labels?

Absolutely! You can set a custom store name by going to Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify admin and entering your preferred name.

By following these best practices and tips, we can ensure our shipping operations are streamlined and our e-commerce businesses thrive. Let’s get to work and make shipping a seamless part of our e-commerce strategy!