A label printer is dedicated hardware for printing shipping labels, barcodes, and other logistics documents. Thermal label printers are the industry standard, offering fast, smudge-free printing without ink or toner costs.
Types of Label Printers
Thermal Printers
| Type |
How It Works |
Best For |
| Direct Thermal |
Heat-sensitive paper |
Shipping labels |
| Thermal Transfer |
Ribbon transfers ink |
Durable labels, assets |
Thermal vs. Inkjet/Laser
| Factor |
Thermal |
Inkjet/Laser |
| Speed |
Very fast |
Moderate |
| Cost per label |
Low (~$0.02) |
Higher (~$0.05-0.10) |
| Label durability |
Good |
Varies |
| Maintenance |
Low |
Toner/ink replacement |
| Smudging |
None |
Possible |
| Initial cost |
$150-$500 |
$100-$300 |
Popular Label Printers
For Small Business
| Printer |
Type |
Price Range |
| DYMO LabelWriter |
Direct Thermal |
$100-$200 |
| Rollo Printer |
Direct Thermal |
$180-$250 |
| Brother QL Series |
Direct Thermal |
$100-$200 |
For Medium/High Volume
| Printer |
Type |
Price Range |
| Zebra ZD420/620 |
Direct/Transfer |
$300-$700 |
| Zebra GK420d |
Direct Thermal |
$300-$400 |
| TSC TDP-225 |
Direct Thermal |
$200-$300 |
| Honeywell PC42 |
Direct/Transfer |
$250-$400 |
Industrial Grade
| Printer |
Type |
Price Range |
| Zebra ZT230/410 |
Direct/Transfer |
$800-$1,500 |
| Zebra ZT610 |
Direct/Transfer |
$2,000-$3,000 |
| Honeywell PM45 |
Direct/Transfer |
$2,500+ |
Label Sizes
Common Shipping Label Sizes
| Size |
Use |
| 4" × 6" |
Standard shipping label |
| 4" × 8" |
International labels |
| 4" × 4" |
Square labels |
| 2.25" × 1.25" |
Product/price labels |
Carrier Requirements
UPS/FedEx/USPS: 4" × 6" standard
Most software defaults to 4" × 6"
Thermal printers typically 4" width
Setting Up a Label Printer
Basic Setup Steps
- Unbox and install hardware
- Load labels/ribbon (if thermal transfer)
- Install printer drivers
- Connect (USB, Ethernet, or WiFi)
- Configure in shipping software
- Test print
Configuration in Software
Most shipping platforms support standard thermal printers. I’d Ship That generates standard 4×6" labels compatible with all thermal printers—just print directly from your browser.
Typical setup:
1. Settings → Printing
2. Select printer
3. Choose label size (4×6" standard)
4. Set print preferences
5. Test label
Thermal Label Supplies
Direct Thermal Labels
- Labels with heat-sensitive coating
- No ribbon needed
- Fade over time (months-year)
- Less expensive
Thermal Transfer
- Requires ribbon
- More durable/permanent
- Better for long-term
- Slightly higher cost
Cost Comparison
Direct Thermal:
- 500 labels (4×6): $15-$25
- Cost per label: $0.03-$0.05
Thermal Transfer:
- 500 labels: $20-$30
- Ribbon: $10-$15
- Cost per label: $0.06-$0.09
Printer Connectivity
Connection Options
| Type |
Pros |
Cons |
| USB |
Simple, reliable |
Single computer |
| Ethernet |
Network sharing |
Wired setup |
| WiFi |
Flexible placement |
Signal issues |
| Bluetooth |
Mobile devices |
Limited range |
Multiple Workstations
Setup for team:
- Ethernet-connected printer
- Shared on network
- All computers can print
- Or: Cloud-connected printer
Maintenance
Regular Care
- Clean print head weekly
- Check for debris
- Calibrate for new label stock
- Update firmware periodically
- Keep dust-free
Common Issues
| Problem |
Solution |
| Faded print |
Clean head, check labels |
| Misaligned |
Calibrate, adjust guides |
| Jams |
Check label path, clean |
| Not recognized |
Reinstall driver |
Choosing a Label Printer
Considerations
- Volume - Daily label count
- Budget - Initial + supplies
- Features - Speed, connectivity
- Durability - Build quality
- Compatibility - Software support
- Support - Warranty, help
Volume Guidelines
| Daily Labels |
Recommended |
| 1-20 |
DYMO, Rollo |
| 20-100 |
Zebra desktop |
| 100-500 |
Zebra ZD series |
| 500+ |
Industrial Zebra |
Label Printer ROI
Cost Savings Example
100 labels/day × 250 days = 25,000 labels/year
Inkjet printing:
- Cost: $0.08/label = $2,000/year
Thermal printing:
- Printer: $300 (one-time)
- Labels: $0.03 × 25,000 = $750/year
First year savings: $950
Subsequent years: $1,250/year