How to address a parcel and print your shipping labels
5 min read 26 June 2026
To address a parcel correctly, put the delivery address clearly on the largest flat face and a return address on the back or top-left. A readable label is what keeps your orders out of the lost-mail pile.
This guide is for online sellers handling their own despatch. Here, we’ll cover:
- What information goes on a parcel label
- How to address a parcel correctly in the UK
- How to print shipping labels and address labels
- Label types: integrated, address and handling
- Whether a label printer is worth it for a small business
What information goes on a parcel label?
A parcel label needs the recipient’s full name and address with postcode, a return address and any carrier barcode or tracking number. Handling marks like ‘fragile’ go alongside, not over, the address.
Keep the address block clear of seams, tape and box edges so it scans first time. Our guide to labelling packages for shipping covers placement and what each carrier expects.
How to address a parcel correctly (UK)
For UK delivery, write the address left-aligned with the postcode on its own line in capitals at the bottom. A clear layout is the single biggest thing you can do to address a parcel that arrives without issues.
Where to write the address and return address
Put the delivery address on the largest flat face, roughly central. Knowing how to write an address on a parcel is simple: recipient name, house number and street, town, then postcode, each on its own line.
Add the return address smaller, on the back or the top-left corner of the front, so it’s clearly the sender. A return address means undeliverable parcels come back to you instead of being lost.
How to print shipping labels
Most carriers generate a PDF label from their online system that you print, trim and attach with the barcode flat and uncreased. You can print shipping labels on a desktop printer or a dedicated label printer.
Printing with or without a label printer
Without a printer, print onto integrated label paper or plain A4, then attach with a clear label pouch or wide tape, keeping tape off the barcode. To print address labels at volume, a thermal label printer is faster and doesn’t need ink.
What label types are there?
The main types are integrated labels, address labels and handling labels such as fragile or this-way-up. Each does a different job, and most sellers use a mix.
- Integrated labels: an invoice sheet with a peel-off label, so paperwork and address print together.
- Address labels: plain self-adhesive labels for the delivery and return address.
- Handling labels: fragile, this-way-up and hazard marks. Read our guide to hazard labels for more information.
Do you need a label printer? Options for small sellers
A label printer isn’t essential at low volumes, but it saves time and ink if you’re posting daily. A label printer for small business use is usually a compact thermal model that prints without ink cartridges.
If you post a few orders a week, plain paper and a label pouch are fine. Past roughly ten parcels a day, a thermal printer pays for itself in time and tidier labels.
Get your despatch set up
Whether you print at volume or by hand, the right labels make despatch faster and cleaner. Browse the range to find integrated, address and handling labels in one place.
Key takeaways
- Put the delivery address on the largest flat face with the postcode in capitals on its own line at the bottom.
- A return address on every parcel means undeliverable orders come back to you instead of being lost.
- Keep tape and seams clear of the barcode so labels scan first time.
- Integrated labels print the invoice and address together, saving a step on every order.
- A thermal label printer pays for itself past roughly ten parcels a day by saving time and ink.
FAQ: Addressing and labelling parcels
Does the return address have to be on the parcel?
It’s not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended so undeliverable items can be returned rather than lost. Put it smaller than the delivery address, on the back or top-left of the front.
Can I handwrite a shipping label?
You can handwrite the address, but carrier barcodes and tracking must be printed to scan reliably. Write clearly in capitals and use waterproof ink if the label isn’t covered.
What size are standard shipping labels?
Most parcel labels are around 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches), which is the standard size for thermal label printers. Integrated labels usually sit on an A4 sheet with the label pre-cut.
Where should I put a fragile sticker?
Place fragile or handling stickers next to the address and on at least two faces, never over the address or barcode. Bright handling labels are more visible than printed text alone.
Do I need a barcode on my parcel label?
You need a barcode only if your carrier service includes tracking, in which case it must be printed and uncreased. Untracked stamped post needs only a clear address and the correct postage.
