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Labelling for E-commerce Logistics: Speed, Scale & Accuracy

Labelling for E-commerce Logistics: Speed, Scale & Accuracy
3 months ago
Labelling for E-commerce Logistics: Speed, Scale & Accuracy

Labelling for E-commerce Logistics: Speed, Scale & Accuracy

The e-commerce sector has exploded over the past decade — and with it, the pressure on warehouses, 3PLs, and fulfilment centres to ship faster, smarter, and more accurately than ever before.

One area that often gets overlooked in this high-speed race? Labelling.

But when labels fail — through poor print quality, adhesive issues, or scan errors — the impact is immediate:

❌ Delayed shipments
❌ Misrouted parcels
❌ Increased returns
❌ Angry customers


Why Labelling Is So Critical in E-commerce

Every order that leaves a fulfilment centre needs a label that’s:

  • Accurate (correct address, order number, barcode)
  • Durable (resistant to smudging, moisture, and handling)
  • Scannable (by couriers, sorters, and customers)
  • Quickly printed (without slowing down the pick-pack-ship process)
  • Poor-quality labels lead to failed scans, sorting delays, missed SLAs, and expensive rework — not to mention customer complaints.


    What Makes a Good E-commerce Labelling Setup?

    1. The Right Thermal Printer

    Thermal printers are the go-to in e-commerce because they’re:

  • Fast
  • Compact
  • Low-maintenance
  • Capable of high-volume output
  • Whether you're running Zebra, TSC, Sato, or Toshiba, we can advise on flat-head vs near-edge models based on your throughput and label type.

    2. Compatible Ribbons

    You need labels that:

  • Stick to boxes, bags, or shrink-wrap
  • Remain readable during transit
  • Are matched to the ribbon type (resin, wax-resin, etc.)
  • Incorrect pairings = faded text, smudged barcodes, or labels that peel off in cold or humid environments

    3. Variable Data Ready

    E-commerce labels often require dynamic data:

  • Addresses
  • QR codes
  • Order numbers
  • Routing barcodes
  • Your printer and software must work together seamlessly to pull data in real-time and print without lag or error.

    4. Scalability

    When your order volume spikes (e.g. Black Friday, Q4, or a viral product launch), your labelling system must keep up. That means:

  • Fast print speeds
  • Easy media changes
  • Reliable supply of consumables

  • Common E-commerce Labelling Mistakes

  • ❌ Using direct thermal labels when thermal transfer is needed for durability
  • ❌ Choosing the wrong adhesive (e.g. labels falling off polybags)
  • ❌ Poor-quality ribbons causing light, fuzzy text
  • ❌ Not calibrating printers regularly
  • ❌ Underestimating label volume and running out mid-shift

  • How BHT Services Can Help You

    We supply e-commerce businesses across the world with:

  • Thermal printers built for speed and accuracy
  • Labels and ribbons optimised for your products, surfaces, and shipping conditions
  • Consultation and support to eliminate downtime and reduce print errors
  • Fast delivery of all consumables to keep your operation moving
  • Whether you're a growing online retailer or a 3PL handling thousands of orders daily, our team can help you streamline your labelling process from end to end.

    Contact us today to discuss how we can help you label smarter, faster, and more reliably.

    Labelling for E-commerce Logistics: Speed, Scale & Accuracy