How To Reprint A Woocommerce Label

How to Reprint a WooCommerce Shipping Label: A Simple Guide for Beginners

So, you’ve shipped an order, and now you need to reprint the shipping label. Maybe the original got damaged, the ink smeared, or the dog thought it was a chew toy (hey, it happens!). Whatever the reason, reprinting a WooCommerce label is a common task, and this guide will walk you through it step-by-step, assuming you’re a newbie to the platform.

We’ll cover the scenarios and solutions in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a tech whiz.

Why is Repriniting Labels a Common Task?

Reprinting shipping labels is more frequent than you might think. Here’s why:

Printer malfunctions: Ink running out mid-print, paper jams, or connectivity issues are common occurrences.
Label Damage: Accidental tears, smudges from handling, or water damage can render a label unusable. Imagine your label getting wet in the rain and becoming unreadable – a reprint is essential!
Incorrect Information: Sometimes you catch a typo in the address *after* you’ve printed the label. This is where a reprint comes in handy, along with maybe a little address validation plugin setup down the line.
Lost Labels: The label gets misplaced in the chaos of packing and shipping.
Internal Auditing/Record Keeping: You might want to keep a second copy for your records.

Understanding Your Options: Which Method is Right for You?

The method you use to reprint a label depends on how you created it in the first place. Generally, there are two main scenarios:

1. You’re using a shipping plugin that generates labels directly within WooCommerce. (e.g., WooCommerce Shipping & Tax, ShipStation, ShipHero, Pirate Ship). This is the most common setup.

2. You’re manually creating labels on the carrier’s website (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.)

Let’s tackle each of these.

Scenario 1: Reprinting Labels Created with a Shipping Plugin

This is the easiest scenario because your shipping plugin usually keeps a record of all your labels.

Steps to Reprint (General Guidelines):

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard. This is where you manage your WooCommerce store.

2. Go to “WooCommerce” -> “Orders”. This will display a list of all your orders.

3. Find the order for which you need to reprint the label. You can search by order number, customer name, etc.

4. Click on the order to view its details.

5. Locate the “Shipping Label” section. This section is usually added by the shipping plugin.

6. Look for a “Reprint Label” or “Download Label” button/link. The exact wording will vary depending on the plugin you’re using.

7. Click the button/link. This will either directly trigger a reprint or download the label as a PDF file.

8. Print the downloaded PDF file. Make sure you use a printer compatible with label paper (if you’re using thermal labels).

Example using WooCommerce Shipping & Tax:

WooCommerce Shipping & Tax, which is the default shipping solution included with WooCommerce, works like this:

1. Navigate to the order in the WooCommerce Orders section.

2. Scroll down to the “Shipping Label” section.

3. Click the “Print shipping label” button again. This will regenerate and download the label.

Important Considerations for Plugin Users:

Check your plugin’s documentation: The exact steps for reprinting may vary slightly between plugins. Always refer to the plugin’s documentation for the most accurate instructions.
Label Storage: Most plugins store labels for a limited time. If the label is too old, you may not be able to reprint it.
API Limits: Some plugins rely on carrier APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to generate labels. There might be limits on how many labels you can generate or regenerate per day.
Example: Pirate Ship has a very simple interface. Within the order details, you’ll find the shipment and a prominent “Reprint Label” button.

Scenario 2: Reprinting Manually Created Labels

This is a bit more involved since the label isn’t stored directly within WooCommerce. You’ll need to go to the carrier’s website.

Steps to Reprint (General Guidelines):

1. Log in to your account on the carrier’s website (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.).

2. Find the shipment details. You’ll likely need the tracking number. If you didn’t save the tracking number, this could be tricky. Look for past shipments associated with your account or the recipient’s address.

3. Look for a “Reprint Label” or “View Label” option. The wording will vary.

4. Download the label as a PDF.

5. Print the PDF.

Important Considerations for Manual Label Creation:

Tracking Number is Key: Always save the tracking number! It’s essential for finding the shipment and reprinting the label.
Account Required: You need an account with the carrier to access shipment details.
Time Limits: Carriers usually store shipment details for a limited time. After a certain period, you may not be able to access or reprint the label.
Example: On the UPS website, after logging in, you can go to your “Shipping History” and find the shipment. From there, there should be an option to “View Details” and potentially reprint the label.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:

“Reprint Label” button is missing:
Reason: The plugin might not be properly configured, or the order might be in a status that doesn’t allow label reprinting.
Solution: Check your shipping plugin’s settings. Ensure it’s connected to the carrier’s API (if required). Also, make sure the order status allows for label generation (e.g., “Processing”).
Error message when trying to reprint:
Reason: Could be an API error, insufficient funds in your carrier account, or a temporary glitch.
Solution: Try again later. Check your carrier account balance. Consult the shipping plugin’s error logs (if available) for more details.
Label prints but is unreadable:
Reason: Printer settings are incorrect, or the label resolution is too low.
Solution: Adjust your printer settings. Make sure you’re using the correct label size and resolution. Try printing a test page first.
No Shipping Label information is available on carrier site after manual label creation:
Reason: The tracking number might be wrong or the label might be too old (tracking information is removed after some time)
Read more about How To Customize Woocommerce Shop Page Solution: Ensure the tracking number is correct. If the tracking number is correct, reach out to customer support for the shipping carrier.

Pro Tip: Prevention is Better Than Cure

While reprinting labels is a necessary task, you can minimize the need for it by:

Using high-quality label paper.
Maintaining your printer regularly.
Double-checking addresses before printing.
Storing labels in a safe, dry place after printing.
Implementing address validation during checkout using plugins.

Conclusion

Reprinting a WooCommerce label is a straightforward process, especially when using a good shipping plugin. By understanding the steps involved and being prepared for potential problems, you can ensure that your orders are shipped smoothly and efficiently. Remember to document your shipping workflow and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to improve your team’s efficiency and reduce frustration around these tasks. Good luck!