A thermal printer can remove ink and cutting from a busy packing desk, but it does not reduce carrier prices or fix fulfilment errors. Prove the workflow and volume before buying hardware.
List every carrier and marketplace used, then record the file formats and physical label sizes they provide. Choose hardware only after confirming it can print those labels at readable scale.
Test An Post and courier PDFs
Check marketplace labels
Confirm macOS, Windows or mobile support
Thermal versus office printer
Direct thermal printers are fast and use label rolls, while an existing laser or inkjet printer can be economical at low volume. Compare actual supplies, desk space and time, not just the printer price.
Low volume: test the existing printer
Regular batches: price thermal labels
Keep plain-paper backup available
Avoid locked-in workflows
Some devices and apps favour proprietary rolls, cloud accounts or particular operating systems. Check whether generic label sizes, PDF printing and current drivers work before committing.
Read supported paper specifications
Check driver update history
Avoid relying on one marketplace app
Build a reliable packing station
Put the scale, measuring tape, printer and scanner workflow together. The best printer is wasted if staff can select the wrong order, attach duplicate labels or skip the acceptance scan.
Print one order at a time or use clear batch sorting
Inspect the first label daily
Reconcile dispatched orders with tracking
How to get it right
Collect sample labels: Download non-sensitive examples from every carrier and platform used.
Calculate real volume: Count weekly labels, reprints and existing printer costs.
Test compatibility: Verify size, drivers, PDFs and operating systems before purchase.
Document the workflow: Set rules for order matching, quality checks and handover scans.
Official sources
Rules, availability and rates can change. Confirm the live details before buying postage.