Do you need a Thermal Label Printer for Amazon FBA?

If I could write a one word article answering this, it would simply contain the word yes. Unfortunately, I can’t do this, however satisfying it would be.

Instead, I have decided to write a short-form article below which explains the benefits of a label printer, explaining exactly why you need one of these gadgets if you’re an Amazon FBA seller.

What is a Thermal Label Printer?

Thermal label printers are specialized printers that are designed to print labels and tags using heat-sensitive paper. These printers are commonly used in a variety of industries, including retail, shipping, and healthcare, to print labels for products, packages, and documents.

They aren’t huge printers like you would find in offices, or warehouses etc. A label printer will fit in a pretty small space, usually no wider than 12 inches. A perfect example is below, where you can see the size in comparison to a USB Stick, or 6×4 Label.

Benefits of a Thermal Label Printer for your Amazon FBA Business

There are several key benefits to using a thermal label printer:

• Cost-effective: Thermal label printers are more cost-effective than other types of printers because they do not require ink or toner. Instead, they use heat to transfer the ink from the ribbon to the label, which means there are no consumables to replace. This can save businesses a significant amount of money in the long run.
• High-quality printing: Thermal label printers are capable of producing high-quality prints that are crisp, clear, and smudge-free. This is because the heat transfer process ensures that the ink is transferred evenly and accurately to the label, resulting in professional-looking labels every time.
• Fast printing speeds: Thermal label printers are designed to print labels quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for businesses that need to produce a large volume of labels in a short amount of time. Some models are capable of printing hundreds or even thousands of labels per hour, allowing businesses to keep up with demand and meet tight deadlines.
• Versatility: Thermal label printers are highly versatile and can be used to print a wide variety of labels and tags, including barcode labels, shipping labels, and product labels. They are compatible with a range of label sizes and shapes, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications.
• Durability: Thermal label printers are built to last and can handle a high volume of printing without breaking down. They are also resistant to wear and tear, which means they can be used in demanding environments without the risk of malfunction.
• Easy to use: Thermal label printers are user-friendly and easy to operate, even for those with little or no experience with printing. They typically come with intuitive software that allows users to design and print labels with just a few clicks.
• Environmental benefits: Because thermal label printers do not use ink or toner, they are more environmentally friendly than other types of printers. This means they generate less waste and have a smaller carbon footprint, which can be a major advantage for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.

The good news is that Thermal Label printers don’t cost a great deal, you can pick a very good one up for around £90. This will last you a considerable amount of time, but there are no ‘serviceable’ parts which means when it does start to encounter issues, you will need to replace this with a new label printer.

Another benefit, must limited to the ‘better’ label printers is the fact that they can run on Wi-fi and integrate with your mobile device out of the box. I have an Airprint capable Label Printer, although I must admit, I rarely use it. Whenever I’m making labels, I’m on the PC almost 100% of the time… so it’s a bit of a lost function. Nice to have, but not needed in my household.

Are there any Issues with Label Printers to be aware of?

Although thermal label printers have many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

1. Limited media compatibility: Thermal label printers are designed to work with heat-sensitive paper, which means they are not compatible with other types of media such as cardstock or envelopes. This can be a limitation for businesses that need to print on a wider range of materials.
2. Limited color options: Thermal label printers are typically limited to printing in black or a single color, as they use a ribbon that is coated with ink. This can be a drawback for businesses that need to print labels in multiple colors or with intricate graphics.
3. Limited image quality: The image quality of thermal label printers is generally lower than other types of printers, such as inkjet or laser printers. This is because the heat transfer process can result in some degradation of the image, resulting in less sharp and detailed prints.
4. Limited durability of printed labels: Thermal label prints are prone to fading over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or other sources of heat. This can be a drawback for businesses that need labels to remain legible for an extended period of time.
5. Limited resolution: Thermal label printers generally have lower resolution than other types of printers, which can result in less detailed and accurate prints. This can be a problem for businesses that need to print small or intricate text or graphics.
6. Limited connectivity options: Some thermal label printers may have limited connectivity options, such as only supporting USB or serial connections. This can be a drawback for businesses that need to connect the printer to a network or use other connectivity options.
7. Limited flexibility: Thermal label printers are generally more specialized than other types of printers, which can limit their flexibility and make them less suitable for printing a wide range of documents.

In conclusion, thermal label printers offer a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. They are cost-effective, produce high-quality prints, have fast printing speeds, are versatile, durable, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. These factors make thermal label printers an excellent choice for businesses that need to produce labels and tags on a regular basis.

Do I need a Thermal Label Printer for Amazon FBA?

If you’re just starting out on Amazon FBA, you don’t need to purchase a Thermal Label Printer. Yes, you would still see the benefits listed above, but you might not have the capital to waste on another printer, when you have a perfectly capable printer already.

Any Amazon seller will admit that the starting capital is the biggest issue, as they look to scale and scale, and scale and scale!

Ultimately, it will make your life a lot easier with a Label Printer, especially when it comes to printing out individual ASIN labels, ‘Heavy’ marked packages, and other type of labels. It will also save you lots of money, compared to an Ink Jet Printer!

I have summarised the main benefits that an Amazon FBA Seller will receive with a Thermal Label Printer:

1. Increased efficiency: Using a label printer can help Amazon sellers save time and increase their efficiency when preparing orders for shipping. Rather than handwriting labels or printing them on a regular printer, a label printer allows sellers to quickly and easily print professional-looking labels with barcodes and other important information.
2. Professional appearance: Using a label printer can help Amazon sellers create a professional appearance for their orders. By printing high-quality labels that are clear and legible, sellers can make a good impression on their customers and increase the chances of repeat business.
3. Reduced errors: Using a label printer can help Amazon sellers reduce the risk of errors when preparing orders for shipping. By using a label printer to print labels with the correct shipping information, sellers can avoid mistakes that could result in delays or other issues.
4. Improved tracking: Many label printers are capable of printing shipping labels with tracking numbers, which can help Amazon sellers keep track of their orders and provide updates to their customers.
5. Compatibility with Amazon’s shipping programs: Some label printers are specifically designed to be compatible with Amazon’s shipping programs, such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Logistics (AMZL). This can make it easier for sellers to print labels that are compatible with these programs and streamline their shipping process.

Overall, using a label printer can be a valuable tool for Amazon sellers looking to increase their efficiency, create a professional appearance, reduce errors, improve tracking, and streamline their shipping process.

For less than £100, it’s a solid investment into your new business. You’ll be thankful that you no longer have to cellotape paper down, from the very first label that you print. Peeling the backing away and placing the label is also quite a calming experience, providing you center the label correctly!

This concludes our Thermal Label Printer for Amazon FBA Review Article. Let us know in the comments below, what your method of printing is!