Whether you’re a small business owner or a one-off eBay seller, postage and packaging is likely to be a necessity you come across at some point or another, and the labelling process can be a bit confusing if you’re not accustomed to it. Here, we’ll cover what the essential labels for postage are, and how to use them.
What Should a Postage Address Label Include?
Your main postage label should include all the necessary information your courier needs to know in order to successfully deliver your parcel.
Typically, this will be the customer’s name and full address, the type of postage selected e.g. priority postage, a courier’s barcode, and details on the package’s contents. The latter is typically more relevant for packages being shipped overseas. Where necessary, you should also include the chosen postage method (next day, standard, specific day, etc.).
The specific label you need will depend on your courier as each one has a separate process.
How to Package and Place Your Labels
Make sure to use a high-quality box when packaging; especially when it comes to heavier packages (10kg+), and consider using double or triple-walled corrugated boxes.
Your postage label should be placed flat on the largest side of your package. This is so that it’s both easier for people to read, and so that the barcode information is easily accessible. Consider covering it with transparent tape so the label doesn’t get wet, torn, or otherwise damaged during transit.
Post Office Labels Outside the UK
If you’re planning on sending your package abroad, you’ll need to consider extra customs documents. You’ll first need to add the country you’re sending the package to as part of the address, which you don’t have to do if it’s staying within the UK.
You’ll also need to ensure you provide a return address, and that the content of your package meets postal regulations. For example, anything worth up to £270 will need a completed and signed CN22 label, and anything worth more than £270 will need a CN23 form in a plastic wallet. These forms are customs declarations that declare the contents of the package you’re sending.
Other Packaging Labels You May Need
Other packaging labels such as fragile labels, this side up, or other shipping labels with specific instructions can also ensure your package is handled the right way during transit, all of which we supply here at Label Source.
Packaging Labels with Label Source
Have a look at our wide selection of shipping labels, from fluorescent dispatch labels to packaging tapes and stencils, to ensure your package is correctly labelled and will get where you need it to go.
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