I talk about a lot of different topics having to do with selling on Amazon with FBA, but one of the most impactful things I discuss are time-saving tools. I’ve previously written about how I wish I had invested in time and effort-saving tools sooner, and no other tool embodies this feeling as strongly as when I invested in my first thermal label printer.
Before printing labels with a thermal label printer, I used my laser printer to print an 8.5” x 11” paper with both the shipping and FBA labels on it. Then I had to cover the entire paper label with clear packing tape, because if I didn’t, it would get damaged or torn off in transit. I estimate this process took me 2 minutes for every box I needed to label.
Contrast this with the time to print and stick-on thermal adhesive labels: I can print the label and put it on a box in 20 seconds or less! I can remember the first time I printed a thermal label and stuck it to the box, dumbstruck at both how much faster this was than my old labeling process, along with the realization that this one change will save me tons of time, since I ship dozens of boxes per day.
I also felt a bit silly at not having made this change sooner. I had convinced myself that spending a couple hundred bucks on a thermal label printer was too much money to spend on a “luxury”. I didn’t understand how much time it would save me, and how I could use that time to focus on money-making tasks for my business instead of spending time labeling boxes.
Given how I feel about how important it is to invest in time-saving devices, especially thermal label printers, I’ve put together a post about how much better thermal label printers are than laser printers for label printing. If I can convince at least one person to stop wasting time like I did, and invest in a time-saving thermal label printer, I’ll be happy.
Table of Contents:
- Advantages of Thermal Label Printers
- Disadvantages of Laser Printers
- Thermal Label Printer Features to Consider When Shopping for One
- Maintenance and Upkeep of Thermal Label Printers
- Conclusion
Advantages of Thermal Label Printers
Thermal label printers offer a variety of advantages over laser printers when it comes to printing labels. The most notable advantage is their faster printing speed, which can be up to five times faster than a laser printer. This makes them ideal for businesses that need to print large volumes of labels quickly and efficiently.
Another advantage of thermal label printers is the lower cost per print. Thermal label printers use heat-sensitive paper or plastic film, which is much less expensive than the toner used in laser printers. Additionally, since there are no cartridges or drums required with thermal label printers, they require fewer consumables and maintenance costs compared to laser printers.
Finally, thermal labels are more durable than those printed on a laser printer because they are resistant to smudging and fading due to exposure from light or moisture. This makes them perfect for labeling products that will be exposed to harsh environments such as outdoor storage facilities or warehouses where temperatures may fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Furthermore, these labels have an extended shelf life, so you can buy them in bulk and not worry about replacing them if they sit on a shelf for a few months.
Overall, thermal label printers offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for Amazon FBA sellers who need to quickly produce labels that are both durable and reliable.
Key Takeaway: Thermal label printers offer many advantages over laser printers, including faster printing speeds, lower cost per print, and greater durability. Investing in a thermal label printer can be beneficial for Amazon FBA sellers who need reliable labeling solutions for their products.
Disadvantages of Laser Printers
Laser printers are a popular choice for printing documents on plain paper, but they have distinct disadvantages when printing labels when compared to thermal label printers.
One of the most significant drawbacks is their slower printing speed. Laser printers can take up to a minute to print a single page, while thermal label printers can produce labels in just seconds. This makes them much more suitable for high-volume printing jobs that require quick turnaround times, like shipping tons of boxes to Amazon.
Another disadvantage of laser printers is their high cost per print. Thermal label printers don’t use toner or ink cartridges, whereas toner cartridges used in laser printers can be expensive. This means that if you’re doing large amounts of printing with your laser printer, you’ll spend more money on printing because you’ll have to buy another toner cartridge when the current one runs out.
Finally, laser printed labels are less durable than those produced by thermal label printers because laser printers fuse ink onto plain paper. Thermal label printers use heat instead of ink or toner for image transfer onto the label. If you need labels that will stand up against wear and tear or exposure to harsh environments, without needing to be covered with packing tape like I use to do, then a thermal label printer is your best choice for producing labels reliably and consistently.
Overall, laser printers are not the ideal choice for printing labels due to their slower speed, higher cost per print and less durable labels. Thermal label printers offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution when it comes to printing labels for Amazon FBA or any business that ships a lot of boxes.
Features to Consider When Shopping for a Thermal Label Printer
When shopping for a thermal label printer, there are several things to consider. Make sure to get the right connectivity option, as some models may require an additional USB cable to work with your computer or software program. Compatibility is key, so make sure the printer you choose is compatible with your operating system and any other programs you plan on using it with.
Size and portability requirements should also be considered when choosing a thermal label printer. If you need to move the printer around frequently, look for one that’s lightweight and easy to transport. For stationary use, look for a larger model that can handle heavier workloads without sacrificing performance or reliability.
Finally, maintenance and upkeep of thermal label printers must not be overlooked either, as regular replacement of parts such as rollers will help keep them running smoothly over time. Cleaning the interior components regularly helps reduce dust buildup which can cause jams or misprints down the line if left unchecked too long. Also, knowing how to troubleshoot common issues such as jams or incorrect print settings can get you back up-and-running quicker than having to call customer service every time something goes wrong.
When shopping for a thermal label printer, it is important to consider print quality, connectivity options and compatibility with software programs, as well as size and portability requirements. Also, don’t forget one of the best feature is one you don’t have to think about: they don’t use toner or ink cartridges, so you’ll never have to buy on install one!
Key Takeaway: Thermal label printers offer faster printing times, the ability to print unique barcodes directly from the printer, and don’t need toner or ink. They are a great choice for Amazon FBA sellers who need to print durable labels quickly.
Maintenance and Upkeep of Thermal Label Printers
I quickly mentioned this in the previous section, but proper maintenance and upkeep of thermal label printers is essential for optimal performance. Replacing parts such as rollers, cleaning the printer regularly, and troubleshooting common issues are all important steps to take in order to keep your thermal label printer running smoothly.
Replacing Rollers When Needed: Thermal label printers use rollers to move the labels through the printer. It’s important to check these periodically to ensure they aren’t worn out or damaged. If the rollers become worn or broken, it can cause problems with printing quality or even prevent the printer from working altogether. You should be able to print several thousand labels before needing to replace the rollers, but it’s something you should at least know could become an issue.
Cleaning the Printer Regularly: Dust can accumulate on the interior of a thermal label printer, which can lead to poor print quality or other issues such as jams. To avoid this problem, it’s important to clean your printer at least once every few months using compressed air cans or lint-free cloths dampened with water (no solvents). Please make sure you unplug the power cord before attempting any cleaning!
Troubleshooting Common Issues: When dealing with a malfunctioning thermal label printer, there are several things you can do yourself before contacting customer service for help. First, try resetting the printer by turning off its power switch, waiting 10 seconds, then turning it back on again. If this doesn’t fix the problem, try checking all cables for proper connections as well as making sure no foreign objects have gotten into slots meant for labels. Additionally, make sure that all settings within software programs used in conjunction with your device are correct; if none of these steps solve your issue, then it’s time to contact customer service.
Regular maintenance and upkeep are necessary when using a thermal label printer to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Replacing worn parts and regular cleaning help maintain peak efficiency while also preventing costly down time.
Key Takeaway: Thermal label printers require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure optimal performance. This includes replacing rollers as needed, cleaning the printer regularly, and troubleshooting common issues.
Conclusion
Thermal label printers are the best choice for Amazon FBA sellers, or any business that ships a lot of boxes, who need to print durable labels quickly. A thermal label printer’s primary benefit is that it quickly and easily prints adhesive labels, saving time and money. Thermal printers are more reliable than inkjet or laser printers, as they don’t require additional supplies such as toner or cartridges. They also produce high-quality labels that can withstand the rigors of shipping and handling without fading or smudging. This makes them ideal for ensuring accurate product tracking and efficient delivery times.
Don’t be like me, putting off the time-saving purchase of a thermal label printer without knowing how beneficial it will be. With the right thermal label printer, you can quickly print your labels, making it easier to get your products out the door fast!
If I’ve convinced you to buy a thermal label printer, check out my guide about which labels you should use!