How to print a USPS eBay label without a printer or smartphone

[wastingtime101]

Most people think you need either a printer or a smartphone to take advantage of eBay discounts on USPS postage. This isn't true.

Many post offices have SSKs (self-service kiosks). Using the SSK, you can print a label even without a smartphone.

When you generate a shipping label on eBay, you are presented with the option of a QR code or a printable label (and in some cases you can generate both). Choose the QR code option.

A copy of the QR code will be emailed to you, but you can also download it direct from the label confirmation page.

This is where most people think: what good is a QR code if I don't have a smartphone so the clerk can scan the code?

Every QR code comes with an 8-digit alphanumeric code which is used when the QR code cannot be scanned. Sellers (and buyers with return labels!) can take advantage of that.

Generate the QR code label. Copy down the 8-digit code below the image. If you have multiple packages, make a note of which package that QR code is for.

When you get to the post office, find the SSK and tap the screen to start.

Follow the prompts on the screen to scan a code, then enter the label broker ID, then print the label and stick it on your package. Drop it in the box and you're done.

Q: How do I find post offices with SSKs?

A: Find a SSK near you: USPS location search

Q: Do I need to bring tape?

A: The SSK prints adhesive labels. Additional tape is not needed, but if you want to bring some to tape over the address for added security, that's up to you.

Q: Do I need to wait in line to have my package scanned?

A: Printing the label through the SSK generates a 'provisional' scan which is enough of an acceptance scan to satisfy eBay.

It may not be enough to satisfy USPS for insurance claims on lost packages if there's no other scan. My post office won't scan anything generated through the SSK because they say it's already scanned; your post office may vary.

Q: My post office doesn't have a SSK. Can the clerk enter the alphanumeric code?

A: Technically they can manually key in the label broker ID, but I have no idea if they will / are permitted to without first trying to scan the QR code. Those super small town rural POs where everybody knows your name might be more willing to comply with that request. It's worth asking if you want to use that option.

Q: My PO doesn't have a SSK, I don't have a printer, and I don't have a smartphone. Can I still use eBay labels?

A: Yes, but you will need to find an alternate method to access a printer. Common methods: ask a friend, family, or neighbor. Go to the local library. Have your labels printed at an office supply store (there is a minimal charge that's generally less than the cost savings for the discounted label, making it worth it).

Q: I didn't download my code, and I never got the email. What do I do?

A: To download a copy of a QR code through the reprint function, go to this page, find the order and select Reprint from the Actions drop-down. The reprint option is available for 7 days.

I hope this helps somebody.

[12345jamesstamps]

I love the machine to get stamps in an emergency situation.

However, if I am already in the post office I prefer to go to the clerk to get a scan as an acceptance and not use the machine.

[chevymontecarlo88 · Accepted solution]

Nice post and info @wastingtime101 !

I would add is a warning for sellers about dropping off the package in a bin/tote that USPS sometimes leaves unattended. Dropping off at the counter (YMMV) or secure drop box is preferred. 

An advantage of these KIOSK (SSK) is that they are located in USPS lobby's which can be open 24/7 depending on the location. 

Also there has been a rash of labels not sticking on the corners where it is a good idea to bring tape if the counter is closed. The counter will supply tape if their label is not sticking properly if they are open. 

[simba6]

They can also save it as a .JPG on a USB thumb drive and print is as a photo an many stores like Target and Wall Mart. 

[fbusoni]

Drop it in the box and you're done.

Thank you @wastingtime101 .

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that when you drop an item in the kiosk box, you lose the option to claim insurance coverage should the item go missing.  

I read that here some weeks ago, but cannot find verification on the USPS website to determine it that is accurate.

[wastingtime101]

See the FAQ in the original post as I addressed what you're asking @fbusoni . Also note the use of the word "may" since there have been reports from sellers with success (security tapes reviewed) and reports from sellers with failure.

[ltldpr]

Now I know what a USPS kiosk looks like lol. 

They don't have one out here in the sticks where I live, but I've read a lot of comments about their existence. Just never saw one until this post.

Thanks for the pic!

[68barbie]

I have had success with non-delivery insurance coverage on an item scanned through the APC and dropped at an inside box. Maybe as @wastingtime101 suggests they reviewed security tapes and saw me drop the package?

-C

[fbusoni]

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@68barbie wrote:

I have had success with non-delivery insurance coverage on an item scanned through the APC and dropped at an inside box. Maybe as @wastingtime101 suggests they reviewed security tapes and saw me drop the package?

-C

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Thanks for noting that... quite honestly, I'd hate to have to rely on humans conducting such a review to guarantee something so simple yet potentially vital.  

The only human intervention I seek at the post office is when one of the clerks and I chat for a moment and then they scan and hand me a receipt.

There is a kiosk at my post office and the postmaster sees me once in a while and asks me if I'd prefer to use it rather than stand in line.   I always tell him I like standing in line.  😁

On balance, it seems to me that the kiosk might be best reserved for emergencies of one sort or another.

[ltldpr]

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There is a kiosk at my post office and the postmaster sees me once in a while and asks me if I'd prefer to use it rather than stand in line.   I always tell him I like standing in line.  😁

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No kiosk where I live, but they've told me I can just put them on the counter and they'll get to them. I've also seen others do just that - leave a few on the counter while the rest of us wait in line, usually behind a very long passport appointment. 

I tell them that they don't belong to me and I need to be able to prove chain of custody to my boss that I dropped them off, with the receipt. 

In this instance, my boss is my buyer. 😁

[ebooksdiva]

Same here I never knew what those looked like, I live in cow country we have a couple of small POs here they are very good about scanning my packages and giving me a scan receipt. The largest PO is in the city of Baton Rouge they probably have a kiosk there, but I'm not driving into that crazy city. Nope 👎

[wastingtime101]

See the FAQ I added above @ebooksdiva and @ltldpr - if you ever have an emergent need your PO clerk might key in the code to print the label for you without the SSK.

@fbusoni wrote: On balance, it seems to me that the kiosk might be best reserved for emergencies of one sort or another.

This post was primarily intended for:

- Low volume / casual sellers without a printer or smartphone.

- Any seller that has a buyer saying they can't print a label and don't have a smartphone (the return label can be generated as a QR code).

- Any seller with an emergent situation - maybe their printer is kicking out errors and they don't have a smartphone.

[adamcartwright]

@wastingtime101 

Thank you for this -- very helpful if I'm ever in a jam, as I didn't know about that 8 digit number.