As a small business owner, you're always on the lookout for ways to optimize your operations and reduce costs. One significant expense in the realm of shipping is acquiring the necessary supplies, including shipping labels. However, did you know that you can obtain these essential labels for free? Yes, you read that correctly! Here's a comprehensive guide to securing free shipping labels from UPS for your small business while also exploring some valuable small business tips to fuel your e-commerce growth.
Steps to Get Free Shipping Labels with UPS
1. Create a Free UPS Account:
The first step in accessing free shipping labels is to create a free account with UPS on their website. By establishing an account, you not only gain access to a range of shipping services but also unlock opportunities for cost savings through free supplies.
2. Navigate to Shipping:
Once your UPS account is set up and verified, navigate to the "Shipping" tab within your account dashboard. This is where you'll find a plethora of resources and tools to streamline your shipping processes and enhance your e-commerce growth.
3. Order Supplies:
Under the "Shipping" tab, explore the options to "Order Supplies." Here, you'll discover a variety of packaging essentials, including free shipping labels. Add these labels to your cart, ensuring that you select the appropriate quantity to meet your business needs.
4. Wait for Delivery:
After placing your order for free shipping labels, sit back and relax while UPS ships them directly to you. The best part? The shipping is free, so you can eagerly anticipate receiving your supplies without any additional costs.
Recommended Free Shipping Labeling Products
Among the free shipping supplies offered by UPS, we highly recommend the following:
- 4x6 Rolls: These 4x6 inch labels are ideal for printing shipping labels using a direct thermal printer like Rollo®. They eliminate the need for ink, resulting in cost savings and ensuring clear printing.
- 8.4 x 5 13/16 Labels: If you don't have a thermal printer and use a regular printer with letter-sized paper, consider ordering these labels. They come in letter-sized label sheets with two labels per page. This option is perfect for small business owners starting out. You can customize your printing setup to include a packing slip on one label and a shipping label on the other, just like we did when we started our business.
Important Note from UPS:
"UPS has provided you these shipping supplies at no charge. In accordance with the UPS.com® Supply Ordering Terms and Conditions, these supplies are to be used by the account owner, solely for the purpose of shipping with UPS. Thank you for using UPS for your shipping needs."
This disclaimer says that while the shipping labels are free, they are intended for use exclusively with UPS services. It's crucial for small business owners to adhere to these terms to maintain a positive relationship with UPS and ensure continued access to free supplies. Always remember to review and comply with the terms and conditions provided by UPS to make the most of their offerings while respecting their policies.
With this disclaimer in mind, feel free to follow the steps outlined in our guide to order your free shipping labels and streamline your shipping process!
Alternative Label Options for Non-UPS Shipping
If you're a small business owner who is just starting out and doesn't have a large volume of orders, you'll find that USPS Ground Advantage shipping is the most cost-effective and cheapest option for postage, especially for shipping smaller packages. While UPS provides free labels, you might discover that you can't use them for all of your orders due to your preference for USPS. Therefore, if you're in a similar situation and rely on USPS for its affordability, here are some of our favorite places to get labels:
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR SHIPPING LABELS
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color Printer
White 8.5 x 5.5 Postage Labels
Just a heads up – some of the links included in this article are what we affectionately call 'affiliate links.' This means that if you click on them and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (but hey, no extra cost for you!).
Additional Shipping Supplies
At FAVORITE SUPPLIES, we're more than just sellers – we're creators. Our journey in e-commerce led us to create our own brand of poly mailers that perfectly fit our brand's aesthetic and values. After seeing the positive impact they had on our own shipping processes, we decided to offer them to other small e-commerce businesses like yours. Because we believe that every package you send is a reflection of your brand, and it deserves to be wrapped with care.
We also offer convenient subscription-based solutions for your poly mailers, ensuring you never run out when you need them most. With automatic monthly shipments, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about your packaging needs.
If you're looking for the most cost-effective solution, we offer a great bulk discount that you can check out here.
Join Our Shipping Community: Share Your Tips and Tricks!
Thank you for joining us on this journey to streamline your shipping process and enhance your small business operations. We hope that this guide has provided valuable insights into obtaining free shipping labels and exploring additional packaging solutions.
Now, we'd love to hear from you! Do you have any tips or tricks for shipping that you'd like to share? Whether it's a clever packaging hack or a time-saving shipping strategy, let's build a supportive community by sharing our knowledge in the comments below.
Together, we can empower each other to succeed in the world of e-commerce. Happy shipping, and here's to the continued growth of your small business!
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