A label printer is one of the first upgrades most resellers make: it turns printing, cutting and taping paper labels into peel-and-stick. This guide covers what to look for, with links to browse on Amazon.ca. The products were not tested by this site. For the full reseller toolkit, see reselling tools; to choose a carrier, see Stallion Express vs Chit Chats vs Canada Post.
What should you look for in a shipping label printer?
Feature
What it means
What to look for
Print type
Direct thermal uses heat-sensitive labels; inkjet/laser use paper
Direct thermal: no ink or toner to buy
Label size
4×6 inch is the common shipping label size
Make sure it handles 4×6 rolls or fan-fold stacks
Connection
USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
USB is simplest; wireless helps if you print from a phone
Compatibility
Drivers for Windows, macOS or ChromeOS; works with your marketplace
Check your shipping platform’s printer list
Label feeding
Internal roll holder vs external stack
External feeding accepts more label brands and sizes
Your carrier’s label format. Canada Post, Chit Chats and Stallion Express all generate printable labels through their own systems; confirm 4×6 output in your account settings.
Weight accuracy. Underpaid postage can lead to adjustments; weigh every parcel.
Deductions. Printers, labels, scales and packaging used for your business are generally deductible business expenses; larger equipment may be claimed over time.
Do I need a thermal label printer to start reselling?
No. A home printer and tape work for a few parcels a week. A thermal printer saves time and ink once you ship regularly.
What size labels do shipping label printers use?
The common shipping label size is 4×6 inches. Check that your printer accepts 4×6 rolls or fan-fold stacks and that your shipping platform outputs that size.
Do thermal printers need ink?
Direct thermal printers do not use ink or toner. They print by heating special thermal labels, so the labels are the ongoing cost.
Will a label printer work with Chit Chats or Stallion Express?
Both services generate labels you print yourself. Confirm the label size setting in your account and that your printer has drivers for your computer.
Are shipping supplies tax deductible?
Labels, packaging and postage used to fulfil sales are generally deductible business expenses on Form T2125. This is general information, not tax advice.
Which sources support this guide?
The rules, rates, and platform requirements in this guide are checked against these primary sources. Retail price ranges are labelled as ranges to verify locally, and they are not quotes.
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