If you need to ship a package with the United States Postal Service (USPS), you might wonder if you can print the label at home or at the post office. Printing labels can save you time and money, as well as avoid bad handwriting or packing tape issues. In this article, we will explain how to print labels at USPS, what are the benefits and drawbacks of different methods, and what are some tips and tricks to make your shipping experience easier and more convenient. Read on to find out everything you need to know about printing labels at USPS.
What is USPS Print Labels?
USPS Print Labels is a service that allows customers to print shipping labels online using the USPS website or other online shipping software. Customers can choose from a wide range of shipping services, such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First Class Mail, and more. Customers can also pay for the postage online using a credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods. Printing labels online can save customers time and money, as they can skip the line at the post office and get discounts on some shipping services.
How to Print Labels at USPS Online?
To print labels at USPS online, you will need a printer, a computer, an internet connection, and a USPS account. You can create a free account on the USPS website or use your existing account if you have one. Once you have an account, you can use the Click-N-Ship service to create and print your labels. Here are the steps to follow:
- Log in to your account and go to the Click-N-Ship page.
- Enter the sender and recipient information, including name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Choose the type of package you are sending, such as envelope, box, or flat rate.
- Enter the weight and dimensions of your package. You can use a scale and a ruler to measure your package, or use the USPS online calculator to estimate the weight and size.
- Select the shipping service you want to use, such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First Class Mail, etc. You can compare the prices and delivery times of different services on the website.
- Add any extra services you want, such as insurance, tracking, signature confirmation, etc.
- Review your order and pay for the postage using a credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods.
- Print your label using a regular printer and paper. You can also print a receipt for your records.
- Attach your label to your package using clear packing tape. Make sure the barcode and address are visible and not covered by tape.
- Drop off your package at your local post office or request a free pickup service from USPS.
How to Print Labels at USPS Post Office?
If you don’t have a printer at home or prefer to print your labels at the post office, you can also do that. However, you will need to pay for the postage at the retail counter or use a self-service kiosk. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to your nearest post office location. You can use the USPS locator tool to find one near you. Enter your location and filter by services such as self-service kiosks or retail hours.
- If you want to pay for the postage at the retail counter, bring your package and wait in line until a postal worker assists you. They will weigh your package, ask for the destination address, and offer you different shipping options. You can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card. They will print and attach the label for you.
- If you want to use a self-service kiosk, bring your package and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to enter the destination address, choose the shipping service, and pay with a credit card or debit card. The kiosk will print the label for you. You can also print a receipt if you want.
- Attach your label to your package using clear packing tape. Make sure the barcode and address are visible and not covered by tape.
- Drop off your package in the designated bin or hand it over to a postal worker.
What are the Benefits of Printing Labels at USPS Online?
Printing labels at USPS online has several benefits over printing them at the post office. Here are some of them:
- You can save time by avoiding long lines at the post office. You can print your labels at home anytime you want and drop off your package whenever it is convenient for you.
- You can save money by getting discounts on some shipping services when you print labels online. For example, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are cheaper online than at the retail counter.
- You can track your package online using the tracking number on your label. You can also get email notifications when your package is delivered or if there are any delays or issues.
- You can customize your label with special features such as a QR code, a logo, or a message. You can also print a return label if you want to provide free return shipping to your recipient.
- You can access your shipping history and manage your orders online. You can also reprint your labels if you need to.
What are the Drawbacks of Printing Labels at USPS Online?
Printing labels at USPS online also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
- You will need a printer, a computer, an internet connection, and a USPS account to print labels online. If you don’t have any of these, you will not be able to print labels online.
- You will need to pay for the postage online using a credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods. If you don’t have any of these, you will not be able to print labels online.
- You will need to measure and weigh your package accurately to avoid underpaying or overpaying for the postage. If you underpay, your package might be returned to you or delivered with postage due. If you overpay, you will not get a refund for the difference.
- You will need to attach your label to your package securely using clear packing tape. If your label falls off or gets damaged, your package might get lost or delayed.
How to Print Labels at USPS Without a Printer?
If you don’t have a printer at home or at work, you might think that you can’t print labels at USPS online. However, there is a way to print labels at USPS without a printer. You can use the USPS Label Broker service, which is a free service that allows customers to print shipping labels at participating post office locations using a QR code. Here are the steps to follow:
- Create and pay for your label online using the Click-N-Ship service or other online shipping software.
- Choose the option to print the label later and select the USPS Label Broker option.
- You will receive an email with a QR code that you can save on your phone or print out.
- Go to a participating post office location that offers the USPS Label Broker service. You can find one near you using the USPS locator tool.
- Scan your QR code at the self-service kiosk or show it to a postal worker at the retail counter.
- They will print your label for you and attach it to your package.
- Drop off your package in the designated bin or hand it over to a postal worker.
What are the Benefits of Printing Labels at USPS Without a Printer?
Printing labels at USPS without a printer has some benefits over printing them at home or at the post office. Here are some of them:
- You don’t need a printer, paper, or ink to print labels online. You only need a phone or a computer with an internet connection and an email address.
- You don’t need to measure and weigh your package yourself. The post office will do it for you and charge you the exact postage amount.
- You don’t need to attach your label to your package yourself. The post office will do it for you and make sure it is secure and visible.
- You can still get discounts on some shipping services when you print labels online. For example, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are cheaper online than at the retail counter.
What are the Drawbacks of Printing Labels at USPS Without a Printer?
Printing labels at USPS without a printer also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
- You will still need to go to the post office to print and drop off your package. You might have to wait in line or drive a long distance depending on where you live and where the nearest post office is.
- You will still need to pay for the postage online using a credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods. If you don’t have any of these, you will not be able to print labels online.
- You will need to have access to your email and your QR code when you go to the post office. If you lose or forget them, you will not be able to print your label.
- Not all post office locations offer the USPS Label Broker service. You will need to check beforehand if the post office you want to go to has this service available.
Tips and Tricks for Printing Labels at USPS
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you print labels at USPS more easily and efficiently:
- Use flat rate boxes or envelopes when possible. They have a fixed price regardless of weight or destination, and they are free from USPS. You can order them online or pick them up at the post office.
- Use online shipping software such as eBay, Shopify, Etsy, or Stamps.com to create and print your labels. They can integrate with your ecommerce platform and offer more features and options than the USPS website.
- Use thermal printers instead of regular printers if you print labels frequently. They use heat instead of ink, so they are faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
- Use clear packing tape instead