A shipping label is a small piece of paper with a lot riding on it. When it is wrong, the parcel can come back to you, arrive late, or trigger a charge from the carrier weeks later. Most of these problems come from a small number of repeated mistakes, and each of them is easy to prevent once you know it.
1. Typos and incomplete addresses
The problem: A missing apartment or suite number, a transposed digit in the postcode or a misspelled street name is the most common cause of failed and returned deliveries.
How to avoid it:
- Don't retype addresses. Create labels from the address the customer gave you in the order.
- Use address verification before you buy the label, and review any suggested correction.
- If an address can't be verified, contact the customer before shipping, not after the parcel comes back.
2. Wrong package weight
The problem: Postage is priced on weight. If the label says 1 lb and the parcel weighs 2 lb, the carrier may charge the difference later, or return the parcel for insufficient postage.
How to avoid it: Weigh parcels on a shipping scale instead of estimating. For products you ship often, note the packed weight of each product and box combination once, then reuse it.
3. Wrong package dimensions
The problem: For larger, lighter boxes, carriers often charge by size (dimensional weight) rather than actual weight. Leaving the dimensions out or guessing them can lead to adjustments after delivery.
How to avoid it: Standardise on a few box sizes and save their measurements. Pick the smallest box that protects the item; extra space costs money and adds weight from filler.
4. Choosing the wrong service
The problem: Picking a service out of habit, such as always using the fastest one, can cost far more than needed. Always using the cheapest one can miss the delivery date the customer paid for.
How to avoid it: Compare the available services for each parcel. When the rates from several carriers are shown side by side, choosing the right balance of price and speed per order only takes a few seconds.
5. Missing or incomplete customs information
The problem: International parcels need a customs declaration. Vague item descriptions ("gift", "merchandise"), missing values or missing tariff codes can hold a parcel at customs or get it returned.
How to avoid it:
- Describe each item specifically, for example "cotton t-shirt" rather than "clothing".
- Declare the real value and quantity of each item.
- Add HS tariff numbers for your products where possible; they tell customs exactly what the item is.
6. Poor print quality and badly placed labels
The problem: Faded, smudged or creased barcodes can't be scanned, which slows the parcel down or needs manual handling. Labels wrapped over a box edge or stuck over seams have the same effect.
How to avoid it: Use a thermal printer with fresh labels, or a laser printer at full quality. Place the label flat on the largest side of the box, away from edges and tape seams. Remove or cover any old labels on reused boxes.
7. Losing track of tracking numbers
The problem: The label is correct and the parcel ships, but the tracking number was never recorded against the order. When the customer asks where their order is, you have to search through receipts or carrier accounts.
How to avoid it: Use a tool that stores each tracking number with its order automatically when the label is bought, and that receives tracking updates, so delivery status is always one click away.
A simple pre-shipping checklist
Before you print, run through these quick checks:
- Address verified, or confirmed with the customer
- Weight measured, not estimated
- Box dimensions entered
- Service chosen by comparing the options
- Customs declaration complete (international only)
- Tracking number saved to the order
Where SellTrac helps
SellTrac's shipping label generator creates labels from your orders, so addresses aren't retyped, and checks addresses before you buy. It compares the rates available from the multi-carrier network, including USPS, UPS and FedEx. International labels collect the customs declaration, including item details and HS tariff numbers, and every tracking number is saved on its invoice.