Taping Over Shipping Label

[blakcarlso_93]

I read online that you shouldn't tape over the shipping label (specifically the barcode), so i just taped the outside edges of the shipping label to the top of the box. Upon further research, I read that people tape over every part of the shipping label but the barcode.  I've already taken the box to the post office, and the label only had the outside edges securely taped. I didn't include a packing slip.

I'm worried that the shipping label might be damaged in transit due to the lack of tape. So, my question is: what are the odds of this happening? This is my first time selling anything on eBay.

[glyph01]

1 - 2% maybe.
You can tape almost half of the barcode so it can be scanned if untaped part is unreadable due to damage or moisture.

[myangelandmyprincess]

I’m sure it will be fine.  I used to just tape the edges and never had an issue.  My mail lady asked me to tape over the bar code though to protect it from rain   She said as long as their is no wrinkles it would be fine.  So I’ve taped the whole thing ever since and haven’t had an issue with that either 

[orangehound]

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@blakcarlso_93 wrote:

I'm worried that the shipping label might be damaged in transit due to the lack of tape. So, my question is: what are the odds of this happening? This is my first time selling anything on eBay.

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I think the odds depend on what tape you might use ... but I would think very low.

Sometimes when I'm concerned about the label, I usually tape over the buyer's name and my return address only, leaving the QR code and Tracking bar code untaped.

[tryno2]

I always just tape the edges and have never had a problem

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@blakcarlso_93 wrote:

I read online that you shouldn't tape over the shipping label (specifically the barcode) ...

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It's OK to tape over the whole label, to protect it from damage (wetness, tearing, etc.). One regular poster on these boards works for USPS and recommends taping over everything.

[thedeadheadshop]

I use clear tape over the entire label, and have been doing that for over a decade. I've dispatched thousands of shipments that way. In that entire time not one has failed to track.  

[namele365]

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@thedeadheadshop wrote:

I use clear tape over the entire label, and have been doing that for over a decade. I've dispatched thousands of shipments that way. In that entire time not one has failed to track.  

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I concur.  I always tape over the entire label.  Never a problem.

[lex-talon]

I use self-adhesive shipping labels, so there's little chance the label will come off during shipping.

You might want to tape over the entire label since you're only using a piece of paper. 

[patriot_bearing_supply]

You can tape over the whole thing. Just make sure the tape is flat. The problem is if there is a "bad" scanner, the tape makes it harder to pick up the barcode because of the reflection. Don't sweat it, packages get scanned multiple times along the route. If you want to sell more, invest in a 4x6 label printer. I got one before my sales justified it. It was SO much better than taping on labels, and SO much more professional. You can pick up used ones, although I chose to buy new because my business was continuing to grow, so I knew I would get the use out of it.

[bonjourami]

Me too..my mail person told me years ago that it was fine to tape over the barcode, it can still be scanned.

[muttlymob]

Clear tape over the entire label if you are using an inkjet printer.  Please.

I have yet to see a label that was unscannable due to clear tape over the entire barcode with no wrinkles or creases.

I have seen labels unscannable due to rain, snow, tears, wrinkles, scuffs. 

The USPS even supplies plastic window envelopes for Priority Mail where the barcode goes under the plastic window.  They scan fine.  Barcodes inside clear plastic envelopes or bags scan fine.  If they are flat with no creases or folds. 

[a_c_green]

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@muttlymob wrote:

The USPS even supplies plastic window envelopes for Priority Mail where the barcode goes under the plastic window.  They scan fine.  Barcodes inside clear plastic envelopes or bags scan fine.  If they are flat with no creases or folds. 

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Good point. What doesn't help is that the instructions accompanying the Shipping label printed through eBay/PayPal contain a big honking warning (in SHRIEKING CAPITALS) telling you to NOT tape over the barcodes.

I don't see how clear tape could really cause a legibility or reflection problem (code readers are capable of far more challenging scans than that, such as reading barcodes directly off of someone's greasy smartphone display), but I just split the difference by taping over only the bottom half of the barcode, including the tracking number digits for the benefit of anyone who needs to type those in by hand.

[iowa_east_coast]

I use stick on labels but tape across the address the protect it, I have received many package's with the label taped completely over and never had any issues.