Is It Worth Buying a Shipping Label Printer? (Complete Breakdown)
If you ship packages regularly, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s time to invest in a shipping label printer. Many online sellers start by printing labels on a home inkjet or laser printer, then cutting and taping them to packages. It works, but it’s slow, messy, and gets expensive.
So, is buying a shipping label printer actually worth it?
The short answer, yes - if you ship more than a few packages per week.
Here’s everything you need to know before deciding.
1. What Is a Shipping Label Printer?
A shipping label printer is a 4-inch thermal printer designed to print carrier-compliant labels like 4×6 for UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and more.
There are two main types:
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Direct Thermal: No ink, prints with heat, perfect for shipping.
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Thermal Transfer: Uses a ribbon, prints longer-lasting labels.
These printers are built for:
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Fast printing
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High-volume shipping
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Jam-free reliability
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Crisp barcodes for carrier scanners
2. Who Should Consider Buying One?
Buying a shipping label printer is worth it if you:
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Ship 3+ packages per week
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Sell on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, Walmart, or TikTok Shop
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Run a small business or warehouse
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Handle returns or fulfillment
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Want to eliminate ink and toner forever
3. The Biggest Benefits of Owning a Shipping Label Printer
✔ No Ink. Ever
Direct thermal printers require zero ink or toner.
This alone saves $150–$500 per year for most small businesses.
✔ Fast. One-Click Label Printing
Prints a label in 1–2 seconds.
No cutting, no taping, no mistakes.
✔ Perfect 4×6 Carrier-Compliant Labels
All major carriers accept thermal labels:
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UPS
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USPS
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FedEx
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DHL
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Amazon
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Shopify
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eBay
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ShipStation
and more.
✔ Clean. Durable. Smudge-Proof Labels
Carrier scanners read thermal labels with high accuracy.
No smearing like from inkjet printers.
✔ Lower Long-Term Costs
Inkjet labels = $0.15 to $0.25 each
Thermal labels = $0.01 to $0.03 each
(Or free with UPS/USPS roll supplies.)
✔ More Professional Packaging
Your package looks like it came from a real warehouse.
Better customer experience = better reviews.
4. How Much Does a Shipping Label Printer Cost?
Average price ranges:
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Budget printers: $99–$149
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Professional printers: $299–$499
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Industrial printers: $550–$1,500
GoDEX printers fall in the professional tier but offer industrial durability + 3-year warranty, making them one of the highest-value options.
5. Does a Shipping Label Printer Really Save Money?
Yes, and here’s the math.
Inkjet Method Costs
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Ink per year: $150–$300
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Paper + tape: $60–$120
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Slow production leads to wasted time
Thermal Printer Costs
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Ink: $0
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Labels: $20–$60 (or free from UPS in some cases)
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Time savings: hours per week
For most sellers, the printer pays for itself in 1–3 months.
6. What Are the Downsides?
• Upfront cost
You pay more initially than using a home printer.
• Only prints labels
Not for documents.
(Not a downside for businesses.)
• Need the right size labels
4×6 is standard.
Luckily, GoDEX printers support all major sizes.
7. Best Shipping Label Printers (Based on Use Case)
✔ Best Overall – GoDEX DT4x (Wireless)
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Prints fast
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Works with every shipping platform
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No ink
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Wi-Fi + USB
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Great for home offices and e-commerce sellers
✔ Best Budget – GoDEX DT200i
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Compact
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Fast 4×6 printing
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Easy for beginners
✔ Best for Heavy Use – GoDEX G500 / EZ2250i
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Industrial build
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Can print shipping + product labels
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Works nonstop in warehouses
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Thermal transfer + direct thermal
All GoDEX printers include a 3-year warranty, which is industry-leading.
8. Should You Buy a Shipping Label Printer? (Final Verdict)
YES, if you:
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Ship multiple packages weekly
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Want faster workflows
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Want to cut ink costs
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Sell on marketplaces
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Want carrier-approved labels
Probably NOT, if you:
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Ship less than 1 package per month
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Already have prepaid labels printed by carriers
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Never handle your own fulfillment
For almost every small business. especially on Shopify or Amazon.
Buying a shipping label printer is one of the best investments you can make.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a special printer for 4×6 labels?
Direct thermal printers are recommended. They print the correct size instantly.
Q: Can I print shipping labels on a regular printer?
Yes, but it’s slower. uses ink. and requires cutting and taping.
Q: Do thermal shipping label printers use ink?
No, they print with heat.
Q: What is the best shipping label printer size?
4×6 is the universal standard for USPS. UPS. FedEx. DHL. Amazon.
Q: Do I need a printer if I use QR codes?
Carriers can print for you, but it’s slower and not practical for business use.