The shipping label: where to stick it, how to keep it legible, and what to do with old labels
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
A label placed over a fold or disappearing under wrinkled tape will result in a return. [This article covers] where the shipping label belongs, how to keep it legible, and what to do with old labels on a reused box.
A package returned with the message "address illegible" costs you double shipping fees and an angry customer. Usually, it's not the printer's fault, but rather where the label is placed and what happens to it afterwards: a label over a fold, a label under three layers of tape, or a reused box with part of the old label still on it. These are the places where things go wrong, and what you can do about it.
Where the label belongs: one flat surface, no seams
The rule is simple: the label lies completely flat on one surface, without going over an edge, seam, or fold. As soon as a corner of the label goes over an edge, that's where it curls up and gets scuffed in the sorting machine.
For a shipping box, this means: the largest top surface, not the side with the tape seam. For a recycled mailbox box A6 of 180 x 115 x 28 mm (bundle of 100 pieces, €17.95) the surface is so small that an A6 label almost fills the entire top. Measure this once with the label size your software prints; if the label is slightly too large, you're better off with a white cardboard shipping box of 15x15x15 cm (€1.99) or one size larger than with a label folded around the corner.
With a metallic bubble envelope of 22x17 cm (€0.90) pay attention to something else: this envelope is soft and expands when filled. Only apply the label after you have sealed it, otherwise, it will become crooked.
Tape over the label: only if necessary
Many people routinely place a strip of tape over the entire label. This helps against rain, but it works against you if the tape is matte, wrinkled, or yellowed: then the barcode becomes less readable. If you still choose to protect it, use one tight strip of crystal clear tape and pull it tight in one motion.
Do: a tight, crystal-clear layer for shipments that may be exposed to the elements. Scotch Crystal Tape 3M in a set of 2 (€6.00) is more suitable for this than brown packaging tape.
Don't: multiple layers on top of each other, or tape that you tore by hand and is wrinkled.
Never: tape over the barcode that you then shift. The adhesive residue blurs the barcode pattern.
A box you received yourself is perfectly fine to reuse, as long as you really remove the previous label. A half-removed barcode is worse than no barcode: a scanner can still pick it up and your package will go to the wrong destination.
Three ways, from best to fastest:
Completely remove. Lift a corner with a knife and peel off the label in one flat motion. With Kinzo utility knives, 3 pieces (€1.95) or a set of 8 utility knives (€4.95) this can be done without tearing the cardboard.
Cover. Only with an opaque sticker or a new label that is larger than the old one. Translucent paper over an old barcode is not a solution.
What to write on it, and what to omit
The address should be on the outside and as little else as possible. Handwritten additions like "fragile" or "this side up" only help if they are large and on multiple surfaces; nobody reads them small in a corner. Write them with the same permanent marker, not with a ballpoint pen on cardboard.
What you should not put on the outside: the contents of the package. This applies to valuable items and anything the customer prefers to receive discreetly. Internal codes belong on a white price sticker (5000 pieces for €9.95) on the inside of the flap, not next to the address.
If you want to make it visible whether a package has been opened en route, use a seal instead of a remark. Security seal stickers VOID, 60 pieces cost €9.95 and leave a visible trace when removed.
Before you drop it off: four checks
Is the label completely flat on one surface, without a corner over an edge?
Has the old label been removed or crossed out, including the barcode?
Is the tape pulled taut, without wrinkles over the barcode?
Are the contents not mentioned anywhere on the outside?
A crooked label can be corrected before the package leaves: peel it off and print a new one. That costs you a minute. A return costs you the shipping costs both ways, plus the time to prepare the shipment again. Anyone who sends multiple packages a day will recoup the cost of a good dispenser and a box of knives within a week.
All the materials from this article can be found in Packing & Shipping, with individual components in Tape, Stickers & Tapes, and Mailbox Packaging. If you're unsure whether a specific label size fits your box size, or if you'd like to brainstorm about your packing table, email your question to info@verpakkingdeals.nl — please include the dimensions of your box and label, and we'll calculate it for you.
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