First off, get the shipping label right!

The shipping label needs to clearly identify who the recipient is, there address and whether they have to sign for the package on delivery.  It should also contain precise and simple instructions on what to do in the event the recipient is not available to collect the package or it cannot be delivered – your return address and telephone contact number are the bare minimums required here.

It is not unusual for shipping labels to utilize barcode technology to enable efficient tracking of the package using an online tracking system which you may give your customer access to so they can see for themselves where the package delivery is within the schedule.

Secondly, packing materials are frequently second-rate or the packing method used is not effective.  Make sure you use appropriate packing materials for the contents of the package – it is pointless shipping a fragile object wrapped in newspaper and then left to rattle around a box which is too large for the item it contains.  Making sure you use good quality packing materials is essential not only for the protection of the item, but also for your reputation as a seller with your customers.

Another important point to remember is that if you ever have a need to claim on insurance for any loss or damage caused in transit, the insurance company will probably want to see that you used a properly addressed shipping label with good packaging.  Insurance is not there to cover improperly addressed and packaged goods but to compensate when they are damaged in transit – you as the insured must take all reasonable steps to ensure loss does not occur.

Another hint is to make sure that if you are sending fragile or delicate items, you must make sure this is clearly visible on the packaging.  Combining a brightly colored warning sign with your shipping label is a good way of making sure you have all the materials in one place that you need to address and warn the handlers and recipients of what is contained.

By far the most effective method for making sure your package gets from A to B is to concentrate on the shipping label.  The mail service can work wonders with minimal information, but you can ensure a faster delivery time if the information they need is available to them clearly and easily; it goes without saying that if the recipient information is not clear or is lost, the package not likely to be delivered in the first instance!  When you are sourcing shipping labels and packaging materials, consult with your print partner for the best method to achieve the results you are looking for and especially if you are shipping delicate or non-standard items.

If you are a student you may be carry so many things with you everyday from class to class. There is always a possibility that you are going to leave something behind. By having some ID or address labels custom made you can assure that people will know the items are yours. They will know where to contact you and this will ensure a quick return. You can have them plain or have a design on them. You can choose a color you like the best.

If you run an office, you can create labels with the name of your business on them. This will ensure that items stay where they belong. You can also have a barcode placed on your stickers. This will assist in the yearly equipment check, the process will go much quicker and not to mention much smoother. If an item is missing you can easily tell what it is by the missing barcode number.

Even if you are an athlete you can use these labels for your sports bag and equipment. With all the games or tournaments you will be attending, it is a good idea to leave your items marked. Especially since, as you already know, your bags get thrown in the locker room and then are left there during the game. Then you call come back and everything gets thrown out of the way in celebration of your big win. These tags will help determine your team shirt from your team mate’s.

Everyone needs to send out mail at some point, and you are no exception. A great time saver that everyone should enjoy is custom made address labels. You can have just about anything on them with today’s technology. Your favorite cartoon character, the initial of your last name or a nice design: you name it and it is yours. They can be clear, so there appears to be no background or you can have them made in a color of your choice. If you are using address labels for your business you want them to look professional. You can consider placing your company logo on the address label.

Whatever the purpose of the label, you should use them. Your personal items will be marked with your contact information if they are ever misplaced. Your office equipment will remain where it is supposed to, and will be ease to locate if not. Then, lastly, your mailing will take you a fraction of the time it took before with the use of mailing labels.