Do you use packing tape to tape shipping labels to your packages? I feel it's wasteful, suggestions?

[dealforyou22]

I've always felt it's wasteful to do so since the packing tape is so wide, and you only need to cover a very small part of surface area on the label and package in comparison to it - but that's what I've always done. Sometimes I'll cut the packing tape in the same parallel direction, which is just as effective, and much less wasteful, however not as efficient. What are your thoughts?

[inhawaii]

In 2021 I switched to a Rollo label printer.

I wish I had done that years ago.

[janet9988]

I have always taped over the address with packaging tape and half of the barcode in case the package gets wet.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

I do because I do not wish to waste desk space for a label printer.

[therogue-trader]

I've done the same thing (cutting tape into thinner strips).  You could also change the dimensions of the labels you print so that the tape fits better.  Lately though I've just had the post office print my labels via the QR code option.

[yuzuha]

I cover the ENTIRE label with tape.

To date, out of 2000+ packages across multiple venues, I have never had a single one get lost/not get delivered, so to me it is working as intended.

[dealforyou22]

This is a really nice suggestion, seems they seem to run $90-$200 on Amazon. I might research these a bit more and maybe look for a deal on one. I like the idea of being able to print from your phone too. Is it costly to buy the thermal papers and ink? What would you recommend if I start shopping for something like this?

[dealforyou22]

I do appreciate the simplicity of not having additional equipment as well

[dealforyou22]

Well then ..  😂

[dealforyou22]

This is interesting, I did not know you can change the dimensions of the labels for the tape to fit better. Is that something you change on the page setup dialog? How do you do that, does it make the font size smaller?

[chapeau-noir]

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@dealforyou22 wrote:

This is a really nice suggestion, seems they seem to run $90-$200 on Amazon. I might research these a bit more and maybe look for a deal on one. I like the idea of being able to print from your phone too. Is it costly to buy the thermal papers and ink? What would you recommend if I start shopping for something like this?

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I use a Zebra label printer (same concept as the Rollo). It takes rolls of 4 z 6" labels. You don't need to buy ink for it, you don't need to do anything save to feed it labels, and clean the printer head with a little alcohol after every roll or two of media. That's it.

They're small compact things and built like tanks. I've used one for years and can't even remember fiddling with tape and bits of paper. It's print the label and slap it on.

If you're only doing a few labels just taping them on is fine. If you're shipping a bunch of packages, thermal labels are a great way to go.

[caldreamer]

I put clear packing tape over the address so the label.   Protects label from tearing off or smearing in the rain.

[dealforyou22]

Wow that sounds like magic to me. I will definitely be buying one of these. Thanks so much for the suggestion, not at all what I expected, but even better.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

I almost never use tape & I've never had a problem.   I do use sticky labels & a laser printer.   I don't like dealing with tape at all & 99% of my items are not shipped in boxes, so luckily I almost never have to.  

[meekamaye]

I cover the label and my return address. After hearing some of the odd stories from relatives that were mail carriers, I keep those little tips in mind. (coffee spills, rain, dogs running off with packages, mail carrier falling in snow & everything scattering, kids with squirt guns...the list is endless)