2019 How To Print Woocommerce Espon Shipping Labels

2019 Guide: How to Print WooCommerce Shipping Labels with Epson (Even If You’re a Newbie!)

So, Learn more about How To Get Paid With Woocommerce you’ve built your awesome WooCommerce store, orders are rolling in, and now… the reality of shipping hits. Printing shipping labels can feel daunting, especially when you’re staring at a complicated interface and a blank label. But don’t worry! This guide breaks down how to print WooCommerce shipping labels with your Epson printer in 2019, focusing on simplicity and practicality for beginners. We’ll focus on options available at that time.

We’ll cover the basics and get you printing those Check out this post: How To Process Payment On Woocommerce labels in no time, so you can focus on growing your business.

Why Use Epson for Shipping Labels?

Epson printers, particularly Epson thermal label printers, are a popular choice for e-commerce businesses for several reasons:

Speed and Efficiency: Thermal printers are significantly faster than standard inkjet or laser printers when printing labels. This saves you valuable time, especially when you’re processing multiple orders. Think of it like this: spending less time printing labels means more time packing orders or developing new products!
Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in a thermal printer might seem higher, they don’t require ink cartridges. Instead, they use heat to transfer the image onto the label. This saves you a considerable amount of money on ink in the long run. Imagine the cost of constantly replacing ink cartridges if you shipped 50 orders a week!
Durability: Thermal labels are typically more durable than labels printed with inkjet or laser printers. They are resistant to smudging, water damage, and fading, ensuring your package arrives looking professional. A smudge-proof label is crucial, especially if your package goes through various hands and weather conditions.
Dedicated Label Printing: Epson offers dedicated label printers designed specifically for the task. These are optimized for label sizes and printing quality.

Understanding Your Options for Printing WooCommerce Shipping Labels

In 2019, you had a few main options for printing shipping labels from WooCommerce:

Manual Input and Printing: This involves manually copying the address information from your WooCommerce order into a label template (e.g., in Microsoft Word or Google Docs) and printing it. This is the most time-consuming and error-prone method. Think about having to copy and paste each address for 20 orders – a recipe for mistakes!
WooCommerce Shipping Plugins: Several plugins connect your WooCommerce store with shipping carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. These plugins often offer features like:
Automated Label Generation: The plugin pulls the shipping address and order information directly from your WooCommerce order.
Rate Calculation: It calculates shipping costs based on weight, dimensions, and destination.
Tracking Information: It automatically adds tracking numbers to your orders.
Third-Party Shipping Platforms: These platforms, such as ShipStation or Shippo, offer more advanced shipping management features, including:
Multi-Carrier Integration: Connect to multiple shipping carriers in one place.
Batch Printing: Print labels for multiple orders at once.
Order Management: Centralized order management across multiple sales channels.

Choosing the Right Method (In 2019)

The best method depends on the volume of orders you process and your budget.

Low Volume (1-10 orders per week): Using a free WooCommerce shipping plugin with basic label generation functionality might be sufficient. Look for plugins that offer a trial period or a free version to test it out. Manually inputting and printing labels is an option but is generally not recommended due to the time investment and error potential.
Medium Volume (10-50 orders per week): A paid WooCommerce shipping plugin or a basic third-party shipping platform subscription is likely the best choice. The automation features will save you significant time and reduce errors. For instance, a plugin might directly integrate with USPS to print labels and update tracking information automatically.
High Volume (50+ orders per week): A robust third-party shipping platform is essential. The batch printing, multi-carrier integration, and advanced order management features will be invaluable. Consider platforms like ShipStation, Shippo, or EasyPost for their comprehensive features and scalable pricing plans.

Example: Using a WooCommerce Shipping Plugin (circa 2019)

Let’s say you choose a plugin that integrates with USPS. The general steps would be:

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Search for the plugin in the WordPress plugin repository and install it. Then, activate the plugin.

2. Configure the Plugin: Enter your USPS account credentials and configure the plugin settings, such as default package dimensions and weight.

3. Process an Order: When a new order comes in, go to the order details in WooCommerce.

4. Generate the Label: The plugin will usually add a section to the order details page where you can enter the package weight and dimensions. Click a button to generate the USPS shipping label.

5. Print the Label: The plugin will generate a PDF file of the shipping label. Download the PDF and print it on your Epson printer. Make sure your Epson printer is set to the correct label size. This is crucial!

6. Update Tracking Information: The plugin should automatically update the order with the tracking number from USPS.

Tips for Printing Success with Epson in 2019

Printer Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your Epson printer. Outdated drivers can cause printing issues.
Label Size: Double-check the label size setting in your printer driver and in the software you’re using to generate the labels. Mismatched sizes will result in improperly printed labels.
Test Print: Always do a test print before printing a batch of labels to ensure everything is configured correctly. Wasting one label on a test is better than wasting a whole sheet!
Label Quality: Use high-quality thermal labels to ensure the labels are durable and the barcodes are easily scannable.
Software Settings: If you’re using third-party software or a plugin, explore its settings for optimizing label printing Check out this post: Woocommerce How To Keep Track Of Partol Paymnet for your Epson printer. Look for options like “Dithering” which could affect print quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Label Not Printing Correctly: Check the label size settings, printer drivers, and software configuration.
Barcode Not Scanning: Ensure the barcode is clear and crisp. Adjust the print density settings in your printer driver if necessary.
Printer Not Recognized: Make sure the printer is properly connected to your computer and that the drivers are installed correctly.

Conclusion

Printing shipping labels with your Epson printer and WooCommerce doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your options, choosing the right method for your business size, and following these tips, you’ll be printing professional-looking labels in no time. Remember to always test your setup and keep your software and drivers up to date for the smoothest experience. Good luck, and happy shipping!