What I Used Before a Label Printer
Before I got a label printer for eBay, I was using a regular paper printer.
That means:
- buying paper
- buying ink
- printing slowly
- taping labels onto packages
Over time, it becomes:
- slow
- annoying
- more expensive than you think
You can also go to the post office and have them print labels for you.
But that means:
- driving there
- waiting in line
- doing it every time you sell something
That gets old fast.
Why I Switched
A label printer is one of the first upgrades I’d recommend if you’re serious about selling on eBay.
It saves:
- time
- effort
- money over time
The biggest advantage:
no ink
It’s a one-time purchase, and after that, you’re just buying labels.
(This can be a business expense—check with a tax professional.)
What I Use
I use a Rollo thermal label printer.
For me, it’s been reliable and simple.
I’ve used it for:
- several years
- thousands of labels
No major complaints.
The Only Ongoing Cost
Once you have the printer, the only thing you need is:
4×6 thermal labels
That’s it.
Rollo Labels vs Off-Brand Labels (Important)
When I first started, I only bought Rollo brand labels.
They’re:
- good quality
- sturdy
- reliable
But I was told:
“Don’t use off-brand labels — they can damage your printer.”
That’s not true.
I tested cheaper labels later on, and:
- they worked completely fine
- maybe slightly thinner
- still stick perfectly
And the big difference:
they cost about half the price
Now I buy off-brand labels (Amazon or eBay), and I haven’t noticed any real downside.
Small Things You Should Know
Like any tool, there’s a small learning curve.
You’ll figure out:
- print speed
- print darkness/lightness
- label alignment
Occasionally, you might run into:
- connectivity issues
- printing errors
For me, a quick reset usually fixes it.
After a lot of use, you can also lightly clean the sensor:
- tiny dab of isopropyl alcohol
- Q-tip
- machine OFF
Just be gentle — that’s it.
Rollo vs Alternatives
There are a few other options out there:
Dymo
- solid brand
- sometimes more expensive
- more common in office setups
Zebra
- very durable
- used more in business/warehouse environments
For most eBay sellers, Rollo hits the balance of:
- price
- reliability
- simplicity
That’s why it’s so commonly used.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re shipping:
- a few items occasionally → not necessary yet
- consistently every week → worth it
- daily → absolutely worth it
It removes friction from your workflow and saves time every day.
Final Thoughts
A label printer isn’t required to start.
But if you’re shipping consistently, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make.
It saves time, reduces hassle, and makes your process much smoother.
If You’re New, Start Here
If you’re just getting started, these posts walk through my full system:
