Streamline your fulfillment process and save money with Shopify’s integrated shipping label solutions.
As an online merchant, I know firsthand that shipping can often feel like a complex puzzle. From calculating rates to ensuring packages arrive safely, there’s a lot to manage. But what if I told you there’s a powerful tool built right into your Shopify admin that can simplify much of this process?
I’m talking about Shopify Shipping Labels. For many of us, they’ve become an indispensable part of our daily operations, transforming what used to be a time-consuming chore into a smooth, efficient workflow.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about Shopify Shipping Labels. My goal is to empower you to leverage this feature to its fullest, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.
So, what exactly are Shopify Shipping Labels? Simply put, they are pre-paid, pre-addressed labels that you can purchase and print directly from your Shopify admin. They integrate seamlessly with your orders, making the entire fulfillment process incredibly intuitive.
These aren’t just any labels; they come with discounted rates from major carriers, which means real savings for your business. For me, this has translated into significant cost reductions over time, allowing me to invest more back into my products and marketing.
The beauty of Shopify Shipping Labels lies in their convenience. Instead of juggling multiple carrier accounts or third-party apps, everything you need is right there, integrated with your order management system.
One of the primary reasons I advocate for using Shopify Shipping Labels is the cost savings. Shopify has negotiated special rates with carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL Express (for merchants in the US and Canada), which are often lower than retail rates.
This means that every time I purchase a label through Shopify, I’m likely paying less than if I went directly to the carrier’s website or a physical post office. These savings add up, especially as your order volume grows.
Beyond cost, the time-saving aspect is huge. Imagine not having to manually input addresses or package details into a separate system. With Shopify Shipping Labels, all the necessary information is pulled directly from your customer’s order.
Let me walk you through the simple process of purchasing a shipping label within your Shopify admin. It’s incredibly straightforward, and once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature.
First, I navigate to the ‘Orders’ section in my Shopify admin. I then select the specific order for which I want to create a shipping label. This brings me to the order details page.
On the order details page, I scroll down to the ‘Unfulfilled’ section. Here, I’ll see an option to ‘Create shipping label’. Clicking this button initiates the label creation process.
Shopify automatically populates the recipient’s address from the order. My next step is to confirm the package details, including the weight and dimensions. Accuracy here is crucial to avoid surcharges later on.
I then choose my preferred shipping service and carrier. Shopify will display available services (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground) along with their estimated delivery times and, most importantly, the discounted rates.
Before finalizing, I can also add optional services like shipping insurance or signature confirmation if needed. Once I’m satisfied with all the details, I simply click ‘Buy shipping label’. The cost is then added to my Shopify bill.
As I mentioned, Shopify partners with major carriers to offer these discounted rates. For merchants in the United States, this primarily includes USPS, UPS, and DHL Express. Canadian merchants also have access to Canada Post and UPS.
The availability of these carriers directly within Shopify simplifies my workflow immensely. I don’t need separate accounts or integrations; it’s all managed under one roof.
It’s worth noting that the specific services and discounts can vary slightly based on your location and the carrier, but the core benefit of integrated, discounted shipping remains consistent.
Once I’ve purchased the label, the next step is to print it. Shopify offers flexibility here. I can print labels individually or in batches, which is a lifesaver during busy periods.
For most merchants, a standard desktop printer works perfectly fine. Shopify labels are typically formatted to fit on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper, which you can then cut and tape to your package.
However, if you’re processing a high volume of orders, I highly recommend investing in a thermal label printer. These printers use heat to print directly onto specialized labels, eliminating the need for ink and making the process much faster and cleaner.
Shipping internationally introduces a few more considerations, but Shopify Shipping Labels handle these seamlessly. When creating an international label, Shopify will prompt me for additional customs information.
This includes details like the contents of the package, their value, and Harmonized System (HS) codes. HS codes are standardized numbers used by customs to classify products, and including them can help prevent delays.
Shopify automatically generates the necessary customs forms, which are often printed directly onto the label or as an accompanying document. This saves me the headache of manually filling out complex paperwork.
What happens if I make a mistake or an order gets canceled after I’ve purchased a label? Don’t worry, Shopify has a process for voiding labels and requesting refunds.
I can void an unused shipping label directly from the order details page within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days for USPS, 28 days for UPS, and 90 days for DHL Express).
Once voided, the cost of the label is credited back to my Shopify account. It’s a straightforward process that provides peace of mind, knowing that I won’t be charged for labels I don’t use.
One of the most valuable features for both me and my customers is the integrated tracking. As soon as I purchase a label, a tracking number is automatically generated and associated with the order.
Shopify then automatically sends shipping confirmation emails to my customers, complete with the tracking number. This proactive communication reduces customer inquiries and builds trust.
To maximize efficiency, I always ensure my product weights and package dimensions are accurate in Shopify. This prevents discrepancies and potential carrier adjustments later on.
For multiple orders, I utilize Shopify’s batch label printing feature. This allows me to select several unfulfilled orders and generate all their labels at once, significantly speeding up my packing process.
Maintaining an organized packing station is also key. Having my boxes, packing materials, and printer readily accessible ensures a smooth flow from label creation to package sealing.
While Shopify Shipping Labels are generally reliable, I’ve encountered a few minor issues over time. If a label isn’t printing correctly, I first check my printer settings and ensure I have the correct label size selected.
If an address seems incorrect, I always double-check with the customer before purchasing the label. Shopify’s system is robust, but human error can still occur during order entry.
In conclusion, Shopify Shipping Labels are a powerful, integrated solution that can significantly streamline your fulfillment process. From discounted rates to automated tracking, they offer a comprehensive package for merchants of all sizes.
I’ve found them to be an invaluable tool in my business, allowing me to focus more on growth and less on the intricacies of shipping logistics.
What do you think about this article? Did I cover everything you wanted to know, or do you have more questions about Shopify Shipping Labels?
By embracing this feature, you’re not just buying labels; you’re investing in a more efficient, cost-effective, and customer-friendly shipping strategy for your Shopify store. Happy shipping!
