Letters and parcels reach their destinations using the information in a shipping label, so as such labels play a crucial role in shipping mail and packages properly. If a label is incorrectly printed, the shipping journey is immediately interrupted and compromised. 

The Problem with Ink Printers

It’s true that any printer can be used to print labels. However, providing a correctly printed label is not always a perfect science, which is why it’s part of what businesses that offer shipping services provide. In recent years, the USPS and some private carriers have allowed customers to print labels at home. In addition, pack and ship centers and other businesses that offer shipping services can print shipping labels for customers using any inkjet or laser printer. While at first glance this convenience appears practical, it often presents challenges to customers and pack and ship centers for reasons that include:

• Smudging: Ink printers are highly prone to smudging, which can lead to illegible labels and can have serious consequences for a letter or a parcel’s journey through the mailstream.

• Constantly Changing Ink Levels: Ink printers run low, causing faded labels and stressing out customers. When printers run out of ink altogether, sure, you can always buy more, but that’s an additional step and expense. During busy times, running low on ink can be stressful for staff and customers.

• Required Maintenance: Any owner of a home printer will agree that ink printers require regular maintenance and are notorious for being moody. And while ink printers may be helpful for standard office document printing, they take quite a beating when used for shipping labels, therefore requiring even more frequent maintenance in order to avoid breakdowns and repairs.

The Importance of Properly Printed Labels

Private carriers and the post office emphasize the importance of correctly printed shipping labels. A clear, legible label that can withstand travel is necessary for scanning and normal shipping. A label that’s not printed correctly often has negative results, including the following:

• Returned Packages: The carrier or the post office will not transport a package with a label that their machine can’t scan. 

• Returns: If a package or mail is rejected, it will most likely be returned to the sender, therefore adding another item to a customer’s to-do list, fueling more stress for busy people. 

• Lost or Misdelivered Packages: Faded or smudged label details can direct the letter carrier to the wrong address, leading to packages that are lost forever.

• Additional Expenses: Having labels reprinted costs money, and depending on the carrier and the type of service used, the fees can be significant.

How ATP Defeats the Ink Monster

Anytime Postage valiantly takes on the ink monster, therefore leading to customers satisfaction and higher sales for mailing service businesses. The stylish, self-service kiosk removes the challenges that come with standard ink printers, and each Anytime Postage kiosk is integrated with a state-of-the-art thermal printer, providing customers with an efficient, clean, and nearly foolproof way to print shipping labels. 

What is a Thermal Printer?

A thermal printer is a type of dot-matrix printer that burns images or information onto special heat-sensitive paper, and it’s designed to print shipping labels that are resistant to smudging, fading, or water damage.

Since every Anytime Postage kiosk comes with a built-in modern thermal printer, you can rest assured that your experience will be seamless, including:

• No More Inky Expenses: A thermal printer doesn’t need ink cartridges. You can print thousands upon thousands of shipping labels without ever needing to purchase replacements or ink refills. 

• Easy to Use: The kiosk will automatically print a label when the correct information is given and verified, and after payment is processed. You only need to replenish the label paper when it runs out.

• Carrier Compliance: By printing labels using a thermal printer, the kiosk ensures that each mail or parcel it processes adheres to postal standards. For example, the sender and recipient information is legible, the QR code is clear, and the size is correct. 

• Minimal Maintenance: Because it doesn’t require constant cartridge replacement, the Anytime Postage thermal printer needs almost no maintenance whatsoever. It’s all set and ready to go right out of the box.

Anytime Postage is an Efficient and Cost-Effective Solution for Your Business

Aside from relieving your shipping label printer woes, Anytime Postage also provides your business many other benefits, including:

• Incremental Revenue: The self-service shipping kiosk is an income-generating tool that provides convenient, automated shipping services to your customers. 

• The Ability to Serve Customers Faster & Better: Anytime Postage allows customers to handle shipping independently, reducing wait times and staffing needs.

• Improved Efficiency: You can customize and brand your kiosk to accept multiple carriers and accept credit and debit card payments of your choice.

• Scalable Business Solutions: The kiosk is perfect for pack-and-ship stores, co-working spaces, schools, retail centers, hotels, and other businesses that offer shipping services. As your business grows, you can easily add additional kiosks at any time to meet demand. 

How Does Anytime Postage Work?

The Anytime Postage kiosk is seamless to use:

• The kiosk is integrated with a precise weighing scale. It accepts parcels up to 33 lbs or 15 kg.

• Using the intuitive touchscreen, customers can enter sender and recipient information and choose a carrier that suits their needs. 

• Payment is done on the kiosk using a credit or debit card.

• Once all information is verified, the kiosk will print the shipping label. The label is then affixed to the letter or parcel and your customer can hand over the mail item to you or your staff.

Adding efficient digital solutions and upgrading your shipping services keeps you competitive and profitable, and Anytime Postage assures that your upgrade will benefit you, your business, your customers, and your community. To take a few minutes to explore what the Anytime Postage self-service shipping kiosk can offer your business, simply visit our website for more information.