Running an Etsy shop is equal parts creativity and hustle. From designing products to managing customer service, there's never a dull moment—but shipping can often be a bottleneck. One of the easiest ways to level up your efficiency, save time, and look more professional is by mastering how you print and use Etsy shipping labels with proper data management.

In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through:

• How to print Etsy shipping labels efficiently
• Whether or not you need a thermal printer
• The best label sizes and templates
• Cost-saving strategies using Excel data management
• Pro tips from real Etsy sellers

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this post will help you streamline your shipping process without breaking the bank.

Why Printing Etsy Labels Is a Game Changer

Manually handwriting shipping addresses may seem manageable when you're just getting started—but as your orders grow, it becomes a massive time sink. Etsy's built-in label printing system is one of the most underrated features for sellers.

Here's why printing your Etsy labels is worth the switch:

• Saves Money on Postage: Etsy often provides discounted postage rates compared to what you'd pay at the post office.
• Includes Tracking: Labels include a tracking number automatically, which builds buyer trust and helps avoid disputes.
• Looks More Professional: Printed labels are clear, legible, and error-free.
• Saves Time: Copy-pasting or auto-generating labels is way faster than writing them out.
• Easy Tax Reporting: Etsy consolidates shipping charges right into your payment dashboard.

Getting Started: How to Print Etsy Shipping Labels

To print shipping labels through Etsy, follow these steps:

1. Go to Shop Manager → Orders & Shipping
2. Select the order(s) you want to ship.
3. Click "Print Shipping Label."
4. Choose your package type, weight, and delivery method.
5. Pay for the label.
6. Click "Download" or "Print."

You can print onto plain paper and tape it to your package, or print on adhesive shipping labels with a regular printer or thermal printer.

Excel Integration: Managing Etsy Orders Like a Pro

Here's where Excel Label Generator becomes invaluable for serious Etsy sellers. Instead of managing orders one by one, you can:

• Export Etsy Orders: Download your order data and import it into Excel
• Create Custom Labels: Add your branding, special messages, or promotional codes
• Batch Process: Generate hundreds of labels at once during busy seasons
• Track Performance: Analyze which products ship to which regions most frequently

What Kind of Printer Should I Use for Etsy Shipping Labels?

There are two main types of printers Etsy sellers use:

1. Home Inkjet or Laser Printer

If you're starting out, your regular desktop printer works just fine. Many sellers print on standard paper, cut the label, and tape it to their packages.

Pros:

• No upfront investment
• Can print return address labels too
• Easy to customize sizes

Cons:

• Requires scissors and tape (extra time)
• Ink can smudge if wet
• Ink and toner replacement costs can add up

2. Thermal Label Printer (e.g. Dymo 4XL or Rollo)

Once your shop scales, consider investing in a thermal printer. These don't use ink—they use heat and special thermal labels, which are much faster.

Pros:

• Ink-free
• Fast printing (especially in batches)
• Works with Etsy's 4x6" label format
• Cleaner look on packaging

Cons:

• Upfront cost ($100–$200)
• Learning curve to install/setup

Choosing the Right Label Size

The most common Etsy label size is 4" x 6", which is supported by both Etsy and major label printers like Rollo and Dymo.

If you're using a home printer, consider label sheets such as:

• Avery 5163 (2" x 4")
• Avery 5126 (half-sheet labels)
• A4-size label sheets (for UK/EU users)

Many sellers also use full sheet labels (8.5" x 11") and cut them in half. If you're just using paper, that works too—just tape over the top.

Is It Okay to Tape Over the Barcode?

Yes—with a few precautions.

Some sellers worry that taping over the barcode might interfere with scanning. In reality, this rarely causes issues. Just make sure:

• The tape is smooth and clear (not cloudy or wrinkled).
• There are no air bubbles over the barcode.
• You avoid glossy or reflective tape.

If you want to be extra safe, leave a strip of the barcode exposed or use matte packing tape.

Cost-Saving Tips from Experienced Etsy Sellers

Let's talk numbers. Labels, ink, and postage costs can add up quickly. Here's how seasoned Etsy sellers keep shipping costs low:

💡 Use Generic Label Sheets

Instead of buying expensive branded labels (e.g., Avery), get bulk generic A4 or US Letter label sheets from Amazon or office supply stores.

💡 Get Free Labels from Couriers

UPS, FedEx, and other courier services often provide free label sheets (or even thermal printer labels) to business account holders.

💡 Print Multiple Labels Per Page

Etsy lets you print 2 or more labels per page. Combine smaller orders and print efficiently to reduce wasted space.

💡 Use Excel for Custom Label Templates

For sellers outside the US or those using custom label sizes, Excel Label Generator allows you to create perfectly formatted labels with your exact specifications. You can control size, placement, and even add your branding.

How to Print Etsy Labels on a Budget (Step-by-Step)

Let's say you're in the UK and Etsy label printing isn't yet available. Here's a complete workaround using Excel:

What You'll Need:

• A4 blank adhesive label sheets (2 or 4 per page)
• A home printer
• Excel Label Generator (free to try)
• Your Etsy order data

Steps:

1. Export buyer addresses from Etsy or copy/paste directly from orders.
2. Upload your data to Excel Label Generator.
3. Choose your label template (A4, Avery, or custom).
4. Optional: Add your shop logo or branding.
5. Generate and download your PDF labels.
6. Print on blank label paper.
7. Stick onto packages.

Result: You'll look professional, save time, and save money.

When to Upgrade to a Thermal Label Printer

If you're shipping more than 10 packages per week, you'll want to upgrade. Thermal printers aren't just faster—they're designed for sellers.

Top recommended models:

• Dymo 4XL – Works perfectly with Etsy, affordable labels, reliable
• Rollo Printer – Compatible with Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon
• Zebra ZD420 – Higher-end option, very durable

Many Etsy sellers buy thermal printers secondhand or wait for sales on Amazon.

Common Questions Answered

❓Can I print Etsy labels from my phone?

Yes, if your printer supports wireless printing or you use an app like PrintCentral or Epson iPrint.

❓Will Etsy labels work on small bubble mailers?

Yes—most sellers using 4x6" labels trim them or wrap edges around the side if needed.

❓What if Etsy shipping labels aren't available in my country?

You can still export addresses and use Excel Label Generator to create professional shipping labels with any template you need.

❓What if I don't want to invest in equipment yet?

Start with plain paper and tape. It's what most successful shops used before upgrading.

Final Thoughts: Your Time is Money

It's easy to underestimate the time you spend writing labels, driving to the post office, or figuring out postage. But that time adds up fast.

Whether you're selling handmade jewelry, digital downloads, or custom crafts, streamlining your shipping is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a small business owner.

As one Redditor put it:

So invest in your future. Start small, optimize your workflow, and reinvest your time where it matters most—growing your shop.

TL;DR: Quick Takeaways

• ✅ Printing Etsy labels is faster, cheaper, and more professional.
• ✅ You don't need fancy equipment—just a home printer and paper will do.
• ✅ Taping over the barcode is fine if done neatly.
• ✅ Upgrade to a thermal printer once your order volume increases.
• ✅ Save money by using generic labels or Excel Label Generator for custom templates.
• ✅ Use Excel to manage and organize your Etsy order data efficiently.

Need help choosing a printer or setting up your Etsy shipping workflow? Excel Label Generator makes it easy to create professional labels from any data source—try it free today!