How to Print Shopify Shipping Labels: A Complete Guide for E-Commerce Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shipping Labels and Their Importance
3. Choosing the Right Printer for Shipping Labels
4. Setting Up Your Shopify Store for Shipping Labels
5. How to Print Shopify Shipping Labels
6. Conclusion

Introduction

The introduction of online shopping has revolutionized the way consumers buy products, and it has also significantly impacted how e-commerce merchants manage their operations. Did you know that as of 2021, e-commerce sales comprised over 21% of total global retail sales? With these impressive statistics in mind, it's crucial for e-commerce businesses to streamline their processes, including shipping. If you're a Shopify merchant looking to master shipping labels, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to print Shopify shipping labels effectively, all while emphasizing Tevello's ability to enhance your online business through educational courses and digital product offerings.

Are you currently looking for ways to optimize your Shopify store by printing labels quickly and effectively? If so, join us as we delve into the ins and outs of printing Shopify shipping labels, the importance of user-friendly platforms, and how Tevello can complement your e-commerce strategy with its all-in-one capabilities.

With our mission to empower Shopify merchants, we continually strive to make e-commerce easier and more efficient for everyone. Get ready to turn shipping into a seamless part of your business.

Understanding Shipping Labels and Their Importance

Shipping labels serve as a critical component of the e-commerce experience. Not only do they provide essential information about the shipment's contents, but they also track the package's movement through the delivery system. Let's break down the key elements of shipping labels:

1. Sender Information: This includes the name and address of the merchant, which customers use to identify the source of their purchase.
2. Recipient Information: This is crucial for ensuring the package reaches the intended recipient. It encompasses the recipient's name, address, and contact details.
3. Tracking Information: Most shipping labels include a tracking number, enabling both merchants and customers to monitor shipment progress.
4. Shipping Carrier Designation: Details which company is handling the delivery (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS).
5. Customs Forms: For international shipments, proper customs documentation is vital to prevent delays at borders.

Understanding these elements primes you for successfully managing the logistics of your e-commerce business. By mastering how to print Shopify shipping labels, you can enhance the overall customer experience, potentially leading to increased customer retention.

Choosing the Right Printer for Shipping Labels

Before diving into the actual printing process, it's essential to choose a printer suited for your shipping needs. Whether you opt for a standard desktop printer or a specialized label printer can depend on the volume and frequency of shipping.

1. Desktop Printers

Desktop printers are a widely accessible option. They can handle various document types, making them suitable for smaller operations. However, you need to ensure you're using the right paper size. Common paper formats include:

• Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) for general use
• A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) for international formats

For example, a Shopify merchant selling handmade crafts might use a letter-sized printer to manage their shipping labels alongside other documents, like invoices or promotional materials.

2. Label Printers

Label printers are specifically designed for printing labels, featuring thermal technology that allows for quick and cost-effective label production. These devices often use 4 x 6-inch thermal labels, making them ideal for e-commerce businesses concentrating primarily on shipping.

For larger operations or those frequently shipping products, a label printer can streamline the process significantly. As a merchant, imagine being able to print dozens of labels in a matter of minutes instead of manually managing each order.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store for Shipping Labels

Getting started with shipping labels on Shopify requires setting up your store to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s how to set up your Shopify store for effective shipping label printing.

1. Configure Shipping Settings

From your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery. Here, you can establish shipping rates and methods tailored to your target audience. Whether you plan to ship locally, nationally, or internationally, it’s crucial to specify your options correctly for optimal customer service.

2. Customize Store Name on Shipping Labels

The default sender name on your shipping labels is the store name you've set in your Shopify admin. However, you might want to change this name for different reasons, such as local regulations or for personalized gifting.

To change it, perform the following steps:

• Navigate through Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify admin.
• In the Shipping documents section, click on Customize store name on shipping labels.
• Set your preferred custom name between 3 and 25 characters, keeping in mind special characters may not be supported.
• Click Save.

This customization can enhance customer relations, ensuring that recipients see a name they recognize or trust.

3. Integrate with Shipping Carriers

Ensure that your Shopify store is integrated with shipping carriers that suit your business model, like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. This integration allows for automatic calculations of shipping rates, tracking, and label generation.

How to Print Shopify Shipping Labels

Once you've set up your Shopify store, you're ready to start printing shipping labels. Let’s walk through the different methods for printing labels on Shopify.

1. Printing Labels After Purchase

After you’ve purchased shipping labels, you can print individual labels, packing slips, and customs forms. Here’s how:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Orders > Shipping labels.
2. Select the shipping labels you want to print.
3. Click Print documents.
4. Select the type of document you wish to print (shipping labels, packing slips, customs forms).
5. Click Print.

This method allows you to handle multiple orders efficiently, thanks to the bulk print feature.

2. Printing Documents Individually

Suppose you prefer to print shipping labels and other documents on a per-order basis. In that case, you will need to follow these steps:

For Desktop Users

1. In your Shopify admin, go to Orders.
2. Click on the order you want to print a shipping label for.
3. Click Print label.
4. Choose the printer and paper size.
5. Click Print.

For Mobile Users

iPhone:

• Open the Shopify app.
• Tap the order you want to print the shipping label for.
• In the Fulfilled section, tap Print shipping label.
• Choose your printer and tap Print.

Android:

• Open the Shopify app.
• Tap the order you want to print a shipping label for.
• Tap PRINT SHIPPING LABEL in the Fulfilled section, then choose your printer and hit Print.

3. Custom Forms and Packing Slips

When shipping internationally, you may need to print customs forms. You can prepare and print these forms alongside your shipping labels. Here’s how to do it:

1. Among the options for your order, locate the Print customs form button.
2. Follow similar steps as outlined for printing labels; choose your printer and paper size.
3. Click Print when ready.

Packing slips can also be printed from the same order page. This ensures that customers receive a comprehensive summary of their purchase, enhancing their experience.

4. Bulk Printing Packing Slips

Bulk printing packing slips allows you to reduce time-consuming tasks significantly:

1. Go to Orders in your Shopify admin.
2. Select the orders requiring packing slips.
3. Click ⋯ > Print packing slips.
4. Select the fulfillment location and click Continue.
5. Print or save your packing slips.

By taking advantage of bulk printing, you’re efficiently managing multiple orders whilst saving precious time.

Conclusion

Mastering how to print Shopify shipping labels is an essential skill for e-commerce merchants looking to optimize their shipping process. By employing appropriate printers, setting up your Shopify store, and utilizing various printing methods, you can ensure a smooth workflow that enhances the customer experience.

As we conclude, we invite you to explore how Tevello can further expand your e-commerce capabilities. Our platform allows Shopify merchants to create, manage, and sell online courses, allowing for additional revenue streams while cultivating vibrant online communities.

Ready to enhance your e-commerce strategy today? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello now and empower your business with all-in-one features tailored for Shopify.

FAQ

How do I set shipping rates on Shopify?

To set shipping rates, navigate to the Settings > Shipping and delivery section in your Shopify admin. You can define rates for various regions and adjust them according to your policy.

Can I print labels for international shipments?

Yes, Shopify supports international shipments, and you can also print the necessary customs forms as required for those orders.

How do I customize my shipping labels?

You can customize your shipping labels' sender name in the Shipping documents section located under Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify admin dashboard.

What types of shipping labels can I print?

You can print various shipping documents, including shipping labels, customs forms, and packing slips, all of which can be printed in bulk or individually.

How can I improve my order fulfillment process?

Consider using thermal label printers for their efficiency, ensure your shipping settings are optimized, and take advantage of bulk printing capabilities offered by Shopify.

Remember, reducing friction in your shipping process can significantly impact customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to repeat business—precisely what your Shopify store needs to thrive.