shipping label что это
UPS Shipping Labels или история Одного возврата
Расскажу историю об одной покупке с eBay.
Меня попросили поменять матрицу на ноутбуке Toshiba (дада, опять, только уже на другом и моделью постарше).
Матрица была найдена на eBay, выигран аукцион.
Отправка только по штатам. Решено было воспользоваться услугами посредника.
Через месяц заветная матрица была у меня в руках.
Разобрал ноутбук и стало понятно: матрица по размеру не подходит. Нагуглил, что для одной и той же A660 бывают экраны как 15.6, так и 16.
В описании продавец пишет:
This screen is 100% compatible with Toshiba Satellite A660-BT2G2
Однако, как выяснилось, A660-BT2G2 бываю двух размеров. В заголовке было указано 15.6″. Но, если написана конкретная модель, кто же будет с линейкой мерять диагональ, правильно?
Соответственно продавец отказался чем-либо помочь мне. Предложил перепродать матрицу, так же, как сделал он — он тоже ошибся покупая её. Был открыт диспут, eBay был на моей стороне, сказал вернуть матрицу и получить деньги.
И, тут самое интересное,
eBay прислал мне ссылку на сайт UPS где находился заветный Shipping Label.
И, я совершенно не представлял, что с ним делать. А вместо моего имени и адреса там было имя другого человека и адрес посредника в штатах 🙂
А на eBay в кейсе тем временем красовался трек-номер этого Shipping Label и ожидание доставки (почтой Роисси отправить бы не получилось, хе-хе). Я был уверен, что UPS в России нет. Тратить деньги на отправку матрицы какой-нибуть службой доставки обратно совсем не хотелось.
Был задан вопрос на Хабре.
Огромное спасибо Antelle, что натолкнул меня на сcылку на сайт UPS, где был адрес их офиса в моём городе.
Я поехал туда. Девушки мне мило улыбнулись и сказали, что конечно же они работают с Shipping Label. И не проблема, что обратный адрес там штатовский. Мне дали заполнить кучу бумажек (реально кучу, декларация, инвойсы, и т.п., по много экземпляров). Попросили упаковать экран. У меня с собой не было паспорта. Спросил, можно ли скан по электронке. И, о чудо, конечно можно. Я хотел сразу, с телефона, сказали не торопитесь, можно в течении дня.
Как поступили с неправильным обратным адресом? Да всё просто, распечатали на принтере «заплатку» с моими данными и наклеили поверх.
Матрица отправлена.
Трек-номер «ожил»: 
Доставка Уфа—Джэксонвилл (Флорида) заняла 6 (шесть!) дней.
А 25 апреля refund был уже на моей карте.
Вот так выглядит Shipping Label (с заплаткой;): 
Итог:
UPS Shipping Labels это просто чудесная штука и в России она работает.
За доставку матрицы не заплатил ни копейки, получил refund.
Ещё раз, огромное спасибо Antelle!
Что такое почтовые наклейки USPS?
Для доставки любых посылок, как внутренних, так и международных, американская государственная почта (USPS – United States Postal Service) снабжает специальными почтовыми наклейками, на которых указана вся необходимая информация об отправителе и получателе, а также, при необходимости — данные для таможенных службы. О том, что собой представляют почтовые наклейки USPS, речь пойдет далее.
Каждая почтовая наклейка USPS представляет собой бланк строго установленной формы, в котором в соответствующих полях отправитель должен указать всю требуемую информацию максимально точно. В частности, необходимо внести в бланк почтовой наклейки такие группы данных:
Все данные вносятся в бланк почтовой наклейки латиницей, если какие-то из обязательных полей бланка окажутся незаполненными или же заполненными неправильно, посылка не будет принята операторами почты США в обработку. Поэтому заполнение почтового ярлыка требует большой внимательности и ответственности от отправителя.
Ранее для оформления международных посылок (как, впрочем, и внутренних) отправителям приходилось вручную заполнять бланки почтовых наклеек USPS прямо в отделениях почты. Это, конечно же, часто приводило к появлению ошибок и неточностей, из-за чего иногда для отправки одной посылки приходилось заполнять бланки несколько раз, конечно же, каждый раз оплачивая новые. Очевидно, что это было неудобно и нерационально.
И вот относительно недавно государственная почта США предложила своим клиентам возможность оформления любых почтовых наклеек в режиме онлайн, благодаря чему отправителям посылок больше не нужно отстаивать очереди и заполнять вручную бланки в почтовых отделениях: теперь все необходимое можно сделать прямо за домашним или рабочим компьютером, не вставая из-за стола.
Подход, разработанный USPS, позволил экономить время и силы отправителей, а также снизить количество «испорченных» бланков, ведь при онлайн-обработке данные сразу же проверяются службой USPS, а только потом уже отправитель получает готовую к распечатке наклейку. С этой наклейкой он в дальнейшем в любое удобное время может прийти в почтовое отделение и отправить посылку.
Услугу по оформлению почтовых наклеек USPS или, как еще говорят, онлайн-генерацию почтовых ярлыков USPS по достоинству оценили и отправители внутренних посылок по территории США, и отправители международных посылок (МПО). Однако существует все же ряд сложностей, который мешает всем желающим в полной мере воспользоваться преимуществами такой услуги. Например, для получения возможности сгенерировать новый почтовый ярлык, нужно сперва пройти длительную и трудоемкую процедуру регистрации на сайте USPS, указав очень подробные данные о себе, а затем оплатить услугу с помощью кредитной карты. Самая же главная проблема — отсутствие возможности онлайн-генерации ярлыков USPS для некоторых стран.
Простой, удобный и, можно сказать, изящный выход из подобной ситуации предлагает наш сервис PostageMaker. Это полуавтоматическая система онлайн-генерации почтовых ярлыков USPS, с помощью которой вы из любой точки мира сможете сгенерировать и распечатать почтовую наклейку так же, как если бы находились прямо в США. При этом вам не придется ни заниматься утомительной регистрацией на сайте USPS, не обзаводиться специально международной долларовой банковской картой для расчетов за ярлыки.
Как же работать с нашей системой PostageMaker? Все предельно просто: вы регистрируетесь в системе, что в отличие от регистрации на сайте USPS, займет у вас не более минуты, пополняете личный счет любым удобным образом (например, с помощью сервисов Яндекс.Деньги или WebMoney), а затем выбираете опцию «Создать Ярлык» в своем личном кабинете. Форму для генерации ярлыка вы заполняете требуемыми данными, затем выбираете наиболее подходящий вам тариф доставки и подтверждаете свой выбор. Соответствующая сумма будет списана с вашего счета, а вы получите готовый к распечатке почтовый ярлык USPS в формате PDF. Готовые почтовые наклейки от PostageMaker на все 100% соответствуют требованиям USPS и использовать их можно точно так же, как и купленные в почтовых отделениях наклейки.
What Is a Shipping Label and How Does It Work?
Shipping labels may seem like a tiny piece of the ecommerce puzzle, but they are critical to both inbound and outbound logistics and are vital to your online store’s success and customer satisfaction. Shipping labels share important information with your supply chain, helping technology and people alike understand the origins and destination of your package.
Without clear shipping labels, your customers’ orders could be lost or mishandled, creating a bad customer experience, damaging brand loyalty, and ultimately losing sales.
This article will cover the information included on a shipping label, how to create shipping labels for self-fulfilled orders, and how a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help take the hassle out of the shipping process.
What is a shipping label?
Shipping labels are a type of identification label that helps describe and specify what’s inside a package. Shipping labels differ depending on the carrier you use, but they all consist of things like addresses, names, weight, and a tracking barcode.
Understanding shipping labels
Most UPS and USPS shipping labels look like this:
Note: These are not ShipBob-specific shipping labels.
As seen above, shipping labels generally include the following information:
The above information is critical for getting your customers’ orders where they need to go as quickly as they’re supposed to get there. This is especially important if your online store offers more than one shipping option, such as expedited shipping which is significantly more expensive; you want to make sure that customers get what they pay for and expect.
That said, the main information you or your shipping provider will need to provide is the customer’s address and return address — a good shipping software or ecommerce fulfillment provider will automatically generate the rest.
The shipping label will also show whether or not postage has been paid; if you are pre-paying and printing shipping labels online, or if you work with an order fulfillment provider, the shipping label will be marked as paid, such as the “US Postage and Fees Paid” note at the top of the sample USPS label above.
How to create a shipping label
Now that you know the “what” of shipping labels, it’s time to learn the “how.” If you’re already working with a 3PL, you can go ahead and skip to the next section.
If you are self-fulfilling orders for your ecommerce store, there are a variety of websites and apps that can help you purchase and create shipping labels for your orders. These options range from paying for and printing labels on USPS and UPS’s websites to more robust shipping automation platforms like ShipStation. Your ecommerce platform and/or marketplace may offer shipping label generation as well.
Shipping label FAQs
Where do you get a shipping label?
If you’re self-fulfilling orders, there are several options for generating shipping labels. You can simply print and pay for labels directly from carrier websites, or if you’re looking for a more robust solution, ShipStation makes it easy to generate shipping labels online and connects with all major shipping carriers.
If you partner with a 3PL like ShipBob, all you’d have to do is pay for shipping and your 3PL will purchase and generate shipping labels on your behalf. Your online store platform may also offer a service to generate labels as well.
Are shipping labels free?
Generating a shipping label is free, but you won’t be able to ship the package until postage has been paid for.
Can I print out a shipping label at home?
Yes. Major shipping carriers offer online services that make it easy to generate shipping labels from home. Here are some of the online tools major shipping carriers offer online:
You can easily insert package weight and dimensions, destination address, and shipping class, and the carrier will automatically generate a barcode.
Can I handwrite a shipping label?
You can handwrite the shipping address (as long as its eligible), but you will still need a carrier barcode, which needs to be generated by the carrier. Depending on the volume of orders you’re fulfilling, handwriting shipping addresses can become time-consuming. You’re better off using the variety of online tools that makes the process easy and more time efficient.
Where can I print USPS shipping labels?
You can easily generate and print a USPS shipping label by using the Click-N-Ship online tool.
How much are UPS shipping labels?
Generating a shipping label through UPS is free, but you will still need to pay for postage, and any additional services, like tracking and shipping insurance options.
Can you tape over a shipping label?
Yes, as long as it’s clear tape, and the shipping address and barcode are 100% visible.
Shipping with a 3PL
Outsourcing to a third-party logistics company that purchases and generates shipping labels for you can take the hassle and stress out of label creation. All you need to do is pay for shipping, and then the 3PL will make sure your customers’ orders are labeled and shipped properly.
Many 3PLs, including ShipBob, have also negotiated volume discounts with major carriers such as DHL, USPS, and UPS, meaning that the lowest shipping prices possible are passed on to you and your customers.
If you’re looking to partner with a 3PL, request pricing below to get in touch with a retail fulfillment expert.
What Is A Shipping Label & How Does It Work? A Guide For E-commerce
Shipping labels are an essential part of e-commerce logistics, but can be more confusing than they seem. No matter the size of your store, if you get shipping labels wrong, things can quickly become costly, inefficient, and even prevent packages from being delivered.
Whether you’re just starting to deliver your first products and you’re looking for more advice on how to do this, or you’ve been sending packages for a while, our guide to shipping labels doesn’t leave any stone unturned.
In this article we will help you fully understand;
All this advice will help eradicate the risk of your packages not being delivered because of issues with your shipping labels. It will also help you to save money and time as your business grows. Use our best practices to keep things efficient in your shipping process.
What Is A Shipping Label?
Shipping labels display the key information for a carrier to transport a package from their start destination (your warehouse) to its end destination (the customer’s hands).
The key information includes: postal code, country, tracking number, date, package quantity as well as the weight, address, validation, and ship street, city and state (area). Shipping labels can also specify the contents, particularly if they’re for international shipments.
Labels also include information relating to the method of shipping (e.g. Express, Standard, etc.) for the carrier to ensure the service that was paid for is provided.
Each label is unique and you cannot reuse old labels. A new label must be created for each delivery.
How Do Shipping Labels Work?
A shipping label displays the information to direct packages to the correct destinations, track them throughout each stage, and ensure the correct service is provided. Each carrier uses a specific template for its shipping labels. They are designed to be read by humans and machines, and so they need to be clear and easy to read. Each carrier designed their label to work with their own process of sorting and delivery, so it’s vital to use their templates.
On a shipping label, you’ll see barcodes, numbers, and letters. These are all key to the process. Each section provides information to specific sections of the chain.
The Anatomy of a Shipping Label
1: The name and address of the sender
2: The name and address of the recipient
3: A MaxiCode – a code that can be read in any direction by a machine
4: The Routing Code – informs how to route the package within the sorting section
5: The Postal Barcode – the zip code of the destination
6: Tracking Number – the number given to the customer to track their package
7: Level of Service – the chosen method provided by the carrier (e.g. Express, Standard, etc.)
Most of the information is automatically generated by the carrier. The main information you will need is:
Key to note: the standard size of shipping labels is 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15cm). If this doesn’t fit your package, then other standards are 6 x 3 inches (15 x 7cm) and 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10cm).
How To Create Shipping Labels?
Shipping labels are generally created during order processing. Carriers have specific requirements for their shipping labels. It is not possible to create your own template or fill out a label by hand. To create a shipping label you must follow carrier requirements.
When you buy labels at the post office, you’re actually purchasing postage at retail rates which are the most expensive pricing tier for shipping labels.
Arranging your own shipping labels has more advantages, including discounts on postage and scheduling package pickups instead of having to wait at the post office. There are even ways to automate the process to minimise manual input as much as possible.
Learn how you can arrange your own shipping labels with the 3 methods below:
1: Create Your Labels Online
You can create a shipping label using the carrier’s online tools. Each carrier will have its own online tool where you can create shipping labels that fit their specific requirements. Visit their website, fill out the label template and then download the file so you can then print it out.
However, this isn’t the fastest method. For each order, you will need to visit the site and manually enter the information. 
2: Use Shipping Label Software
This option will allow you to download a carrier’s shipping label template and fill the label out locally on your computer. This will also allow you to customize the process, with possibilities for automation as well as the ability to work offline.
3: Fully Automate With A Shipping Tool
Automatically aggregate order information from multiple platforms and carriers to fill forms in quickly and efficiently with a shipping tool. A good shipping tool will directly connect with your store, retrieve the order information needed for the shipping label, and help you to automatically create the label in the correct template. 
If you have a significant amount of orders, a shipping tool can save you time and effort, eradicating the need to manually fill out labels.
When considering a Shipping Tool, consider the following:
Free Shipping Label Template
Sendcloud’s free Shipping Label Maker is a free tool to generate a shipping label for your business. Just fill in the origin and destination addresses, print it on an A6 (sticker) sheet and stick it to your box!
When To Advance To The Next Stage?
No matter the number of parcels you ship, try to avoid purchasing your shipping labels at retail rates from the local post office. This can be costly and waste time. The methods above will help you save money, and time.
If you ship less than 10 packages a week: arrange the labels online through your chosen carrier’s website.
Research which carrier(s) offers the best services you need, for the rates you want. Consider the other services that could benefit you, like the carrier collecting the package from your home/office. If this isn’t possible, then check where the local drop-off centre you can deposit the packages at is located. You don’t want to waste time having to take your packages far to hand them over to the carrier.
If you ship more than 10 packages a week: start considering Shipping Label Software or a Shipping Tool.
The Sendcloud Shipping Tool is free to use, with the ability to create shipping labels with pre-negotiated shipping rates. Easily integrate your store with Sendcloud, and even choose to enable multiple carrier options to help give your customers control of which service they want. Further benefits are access to Sendcloud’s branded tracking emails and personalised return portal.
As your store expands, explore our different packages that will grow alongside your store. Whether you ship just 1 package a week, or over 10,000, automating your shipping can help save you time and make your process less hassle.
How To Print Shipping Labels?
There are two main options when it comes to printing your shipping labels: a standard inkjet/laser printer, or a thermal label printer that doesn’t require ink.
Inkjet Or Laser Printers:
It’s highly advised to avoid using inkjet printers, but they will generally do okay if you only print a handful of labels a month. However, be careful to ensure everything on the page is clear and sharp, and that the ink has not smudged.
As you begin to print more labels, take note that printer ink is expensive, and this option can be costly.
Top Tip: Your packages could be exposed to rain as well as handled with little care. This means normal printing paper could become damaged, making the label unreadable. Therefore, it is advisable to protect the label by making it waterproof and safely secured. Some tricks you could use to do this are securing your label with clear tape or attaching the label in a clear plastic envelope. However, note that this could compromise the readability of your label, particularly by barcode readers or other machines. Always make sure everything is still clear and readable by both people and machines. This is why we’d advise using high-quality adhesive labels with a proper label printer.
Laser printers will produce quality labels with higher precision than inkjet printers, especially using specialised parcel labels. But this can be a very costly option with expensive label sheets and toner cartridges that need replacing. Again, this isn’t a great option if you print a moderate amount of labels each month.
Thermal Label Printers:
Thermal label printers are designed for label printing and this makes them the best option. They don’t need any extra supplies like ink or toner, expect the rolls of labels. The printers work by creating shapes on the paper using heat, enabling accurate, long-lasting labels.
However, they are expensive devices. However, they are good to invest in when you begin to print a significant amount of labels and the cost of supplies for the above options is getting too much.
Where To Put Shipping Labels On The Box?
A shipping label is normally placed on the largest side of the package, ideally on the top. This is especially important if there is a “This Way Up” label on the package. The label should be the correct size so it fits entirely on the side where it’s placed. Ensure it is not folded over any edges; important information might not be seen or be able to be scanned.
Make sure the labels are firmly secured, with no corners sticking up, and no bumps that could damage the label and make it unreadable.
In certain cases, some people like to cover their labels in transparent tape to protect it. It’s also possible to use plastic wallets and attach them to the package to prevent any damage, particularly from water. This is most commonly used with international shipping for the enclosed customs documents. Whatever you choose, ensure the whole label is displayed and is clearly readable. Both humans and barcode scanners need to be able to read the barcode information properly.
Extra Labelling Information For The Delivery
Extra label information can have many uses, but it can sometimes be restricted or even prohibited by the carrier. Before you use any extra labelling, make sure to check your carrier’s guidelines. However, extra label information can help to inform the carrier of any special requirements and prepare for any issues with the contents. They also help the goods arrive in perfect condition, which is vital for your customers’ satisfaction, avoiding bad reviews or extra costs for replacements and redelivery.
Here are some examples of the extra information you could use with your package:
Sometimes, you will need to mark the package with what it contains, especially if you’re shipping internationally.
You can also choose to state whether the contents of the package are fragile, perishable, corrosive, or flammable etc. Also, if needed, you can label your parcel “This Way Up” to ensure it is transported correctly.
Let us know if you have any tips or advice regarding shipping labels or e-commerce logistics! And if you have any further questions, leave them in the comments below.
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