Guide to Creating Shipping Labels for Your Business 2024

In short, a shipping label is how a parcel is identified. Think of it as your package’s ID or passport. I.e., it provides your shipping carrier with all the information they need to get the parcel to its final destination; this includes:

• The customer’s name and address, including postal code, house/apartment number, and country
• Your eCommerce store name/logo and return address
• The type of shipping service you/your customer has chosen. i.e., economy, standard, or express shipping
• The item name and description (this is especially important if you’re sending something to a different country).
• The tracking number
• The package weight

Now you have a clearer understanding of what a shipping label is and why it’s essential, here's our step-by-step guide to creating high-quality shipping labels.

At this point, it’s worth noting that Betckey shipping labels come in standard and customizable dimensions to fit packages of all shapes and sizes. They're also compatible with well-known printer models, including Brother, Dymo, and Zebra, so you can confidently and easily print your labels.

Recent statistics show that in 2022, the USPS delivered to 152.2 million residential addresses. So, if you’re considering using USPS to deliver to your customers, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use the USPS's Click and Ship service.

Head to Click-N-Ship to sign in to your USPS account. Or register for an account for free. Doing this allows you to:

• Print shipping labels.
• Request a package pickup.
• Buy stamps and shop.Manage PO boxes.
• Print custom forms online.
• File domestic claims.
• Set a preferred language.

When setting up an account, you'll be prompted to do the following:

• Choose your language and username
• Pick a password and two security questions and answers
• Choose your account type (business or personal).
• Enter your business details (address, name, etc).

Choose the USPS service level that best suits your customers and eCommerce business. Then, enter the package weight and dimensions. Depending on your chosen USPS service level, size and weight restrictions apply.

At this point, you can add optional services like tracking (aka delivery confirmation) or signature confirmation to give you and your customer added security and peace of mind. USPS then shows your estimated costs based on your selections.

USPS accepts major credit cards for all online postage purchases.

Hooray! You’re now ready to download and print your USPS shipping label.
You can use a standard printer on high-quality labels to ensure your label stays stuck to your package throughout its journey.
Pro Tip: Use the USPS Click-N-Ship Shipping History feature to save time processing recurring shipments with the same information.

Now, here’s our step-by-step guide for creating a UPS shipping label for your business:

From the UPS homepage, click the Shipping tab, and then 'Create a shipment.'
You don't have to, but you can create a UPS account or log into your pre-existing account if you wish.

To do this, simply type in an email address and create a password or sign up using your Facebook, X, Apple, Amazon, or Gmail account.

When you create a UPS account, you can save addresses, track packages, and access UPS discounts.

However, if you prefer to avoid opening an account, you can create a shipment as a guest.

Add your details in the “Ship From” section (your return address)Then, enter your customer’s shipping address in the “Ship To” section.

Choose which package you’re using (e.g., letter, box, etc.). Then, enter the parcel dimensions (height, length, width), the parcel weight, and the parcel's value (optional).

There are a range of shipping options available. It’s essential to consider your budget and your desired delivery speed before deciding. UPS offers five categories of shipping:

• Nationwide
• Freight
• International
• Flat Rate
• Express Critical

Each of the above has its own sub-categories with estimated delivery times, etc., so it’s worth exploring these to ensure you find the best one for you and your customers.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, UPS displays a summary of your costs and shipment details for you to review and pay.

Finally, it's time to download and print your UPS shipping label. Remember to use a standard printer and high-quality adhesive paper so your label stays stuck!Finally, it's time to download and print your UPS shipping label. Remember to use a standard printer and high-quality adhesive paper so your label stays stuck!

The short answer to this question is, yes, shipping labels do expire. Let’s explore this further:

USPS: It's recommended that all Click-N-Ship labels be used within 28 days of creation. USPS also has refund guidelines should you decide not to use the label after generating it.

Labels from other carriers: UPS shipping labels are void if they're not used after 90 days, and UPS will not process a refund after 180 days.

Pro Tip: Always check your chosen shipping carrier’s policy regarding shipping label expiration. That way, you won’t waste money and ensure your shipping labels stay valid.

That brings us to the end of our guide to making shipping labels for your business.

If you're looking for durable shipping labels for your parcels, remember that Betckey has been creating them since 2008. Our products come in standard and customizable sizes, are compatible with a range of American and European printer models, and only use the best glue, so you can rest easy knowing your parcels will be fully labeled when they arrive at your customer’s door!

That's all from us. In the comments box below, let us know how you get on creating your own shipping labels!

If you want to buy thermal labels or sticker paper, you can check out more on our store