Many sellers and small businesses want to know if they can get free shipping labels or free label printing services from carriers. The truth is that some carriers offer free labels, some offer free label printing, and some offer both. But there are specific conditions that must be met.
This guide explains exactly when you can get free shipping labels, when you cannot, and how to avoid unnecessary fees. You will also learn which label printers are best for your workflow if you decide to print labels yourself.
⭐ What Are Free Shipping Labels?
Free shipping labels mean the carrier provides the label itself at no cost.
This happens only when:
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You are shipping with their prepaid service
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You pay for postage through their system
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You use a return label supplied by a merchant
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You ship using a program that includes label printing
If you want to generate and print your own labels. You still need:
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A printer
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Label sheets or thermal labels
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A platform that generates the label
Let’s break down each major carrier.
⭐ Does USPS Offer Free Shipping Labels?
✔ Yes, but only in specific cases.
USPS offers free labels when:
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You ship using certain Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express services
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You use Click-N-Ship and pay for postage
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You pick up free mailing supplies like Priority Mail stickers
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A merchant gives you a prepaid USPS return label
✔ USPS will print your label for you
If you do not have a printer. USPS will print prepaid labels at some locations.
You must already have a QR code or email confirmation.
✘ USPS does not offer free printed labels for labels you generated elsewhere.
Example: You cannot bring a PDF from Shopify and ask them to print it.
⭐ Does UPS Offer Free Shipping Labels?
✔ UPS offers free labels only when postage is paid through UPS
This includes:
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Prepaid UPS labels
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UPS return labels
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UPS QR code returns
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Labels created inside your UPS account
✔ UPS will print a QR code return label for you
This service is free when the merchant covers the cost.
Example: Amazon returns.
✘ UPS does not print regular e-commerce labels for free.
If you generate a Shopify label, they will charge a printing fee.
⭐ Does FedEx Offer Free Shipping Labels?
✔ FedEx provides free labels for prepaid shipments
This includes:
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FedEx Ground returns
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FedEx Express returns
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FedEx QR code-based returns
✔ FedEx Office can print labels for you
A small fee applies unless the label is part of a return program.
✘ FedEx does not print your self-generated labels for free
If the label is not prepaid. you must pay for printing.
⭐ Does DHL Offer Free Shipping Labels?
✔ Free for prepaid DHL shipments
This includes:
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DHL ecommerce returns
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QR code-initiated returns
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Labels issued by the merchant
✘ Not free for personal shipments
If you generate your own label. DHL charges printing fees.
⭐ Free Shipping Labels From Ecommerce Platforms
Amazon
Offers free UPS or USPS labels only for returns or prepaid shipping.
eBay
Offers discounted postage, but the label itself is not “free.”
You must pay shipping costs.
Shopify
Does not offer free labels. but offers good discounted rates.
Labels must be generated inside Shopify and printed on your own printer.
⭐ How to Print Labels Without Paying Anything
These methods work when no printer is available.
✔ Option 1: Use a QR code return label
UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL all support QR-based return labels.
✔ Option 2: Have the carrier print your prepaid label
Most carriers will print the label if postage has already been purchased.
✔ Option 3: Print at your workplace or library
Libraries often print for free or low cost.
✔ Option 4: Use full sheet paper
If you own a regular printer, you can print on standard paper at no extra label cost.
⭐ Why Most Sellers Prefer Printing Labels at Home
Printing shipping labels yourself gives total flexibility.
Benefits
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Faster fulfillment
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No waiting in line
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Better barcode quality
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Fewer scanning errors
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Lower long-term cost
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Labels look more professional
This is especially important for e-commerce sellers using:
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Shopify
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Etsy
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Amazon FBM
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eBay
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ShipStation
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WooCommerce
Thermal printers make the process fast and reliable.
⭐ Best Thermal Printers for Printing Your Own Labels
GoDEX DT4x
Top choice for e-commerce. fast. clean printing. perfect for 4 x 6 labels.
GoDEX DT200i
Small. affordable. ideal for Etsy and small businesses.
GoDEX GE330
Higher DPI for detailed barcodes and QR codes.
GoDEX EZ2250i
Industrial grade for warehouses and heavy shipping.
GoDEX G500
Thermal transfer option when you need extra durability.
All GoDEX printers include a three-year warranty. longer than many competitors.
⭐ Best Labels for Printing Shipping Labels
These provide crisp barcodes and long-lasting adhesion.
❓ FAQ
Are free carrier labels always free
Only when postage is prepaid or when the merchant covers the cost.
Can USPS print my label
Yes, only if it is a prepaid USPS label or QR return code.
Can I print a label at UPS for free
Yes, if it is a prepaid label or QR code return.
Will FedEx print my label
Yes, if it is a FedEx generated prepaid label.
Do I need a thermal printer
No. But thermal printing is faster and more cost-efficient.