If you’re sending parcels every week, the routine of queuing at the Post Office or waiting for a courier to fill out labels soon starts to wear thin. Printing your own postage labels at home cuts that step out entirely. You fill in the details once on screen, print a label that already carries the correct barcode and service information, and stick it straight on the box.
This guide covers what you need, how the three most common UK services (Royal Mail, UPS and DPD) actually work, and how to get a clean, scannable label every time using the standard 6×4″ label size most couriers expect.
Why Print Your Own Postage Labels
Printing at home hands you control over cost and content that you don’t get from an over-the-counter transaction. Royal Mail’s online rates through Click & Drop are consistently cheaper than buying stamps or postage in branch, and the saving adds up quickly if you’re sending regular parcels. You also avoid queuing, and if you run an online shop, you can process a whole day’s orders in one batch instead of writing each address by hand.
There’s a legal limit worth knowing before you start: you cannot print your own stamps. Royal Mail’s Click & Drop service produces shipping labels with barcodes, not the small definitive stamps you’d buy in a Post Office, because those count as currency and printing them yourself is illegal.
What You Need To Get Started
The list is short. You need a device to print from (a laptop, desktop, tablet or phone all work), a printer, blank labels, and tape to reinforce the parcel itself. That’s it.
Choosing A Label Printer
A standard inkjet or laser printer will happily print a postage label onto A4 paper, which you then cut out and tape to the parcel. It’s the cheapest way to start and needs no new hardware.
If you’re printing labels every day, a dedicated label printer is worth the investment. Thermal label printers such as the Zebra ZD and ZT ranges, or the Brother QL-1100 and QL-1110NWB, print directly onto pre-cut label rolls with no ink or toner involved, and they’re built to work with Royal Mail’s Click & Drop software and other courier platforms without extra setup.
Whichever printer you choose, check it supports 6×4″ (103 x 164mm) label stock — that’s the standard size Royal Mail, UPS and DPD all print to, and not every model handles it. Compact printers built for smaller price or barcode labels often max out at a narrower width, so confirm the print width before buying if you’re printing courier labels.
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Picking The Right Labels
Most UK courier and postage services are built around the 6×4″ (103 x 164mm) label size, and it’s supported by nearly every label printer on the market. Beyond size, you’ll also choose between direct thermal labels (cheaper, no ribbon required, but prone to fading in heat) and thermal transfer labels (printed with a wax or resin ribbon, more durable, better for anything that might sit in a warm van or get handled roughly).
Setting Up A Workspace That Actually Works
If you’re printing labels regularly, give the job a proper spot rather than balancing a laptop on the kitchen table. You need enough room for the printer, your device, a stock of labels, and the parcels themselves, without everything getting knocked or tangled.
Next step is to setup and connect your devices, making sure the printer is securely connected to your computer. Check your connection before you start a print run. A wobbly Wi-Fi signal or a USB cable that keeps disconnecting will waste more time than it saves. Confirm the correct drivers are installed for your printer, that you’re loaded with the right consumables (labels, ribbon or paper, depending on your setup), and that the connection is stable before you commit to a batch of orders.
Comparing Royal Mail, UPS And DPD
Each of the UK’s major services suits a different kind of sender. Royal Mail works best for everyday domestic and light international parcels. UPS is stronger for international shipping and time-specific delivery. DPD suits businesses sending high volumes to varying addresses who want a network of drop-off points.
| Service | Best For | Key Strengths | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail Click & Drop | Domestic parcels, light international | Cheaper than counter postage, bulk order processing, online store integration, choice of drop-off or collection | No credit account needed to start, pay by card, PayPal or business account |
| UPS Label Service | International shipments, Saturday delivery, insured items | Wide international network, add-ons like COD and specific insurance at label creation | Usually pricier than Royal Mail for UK-only parcels |
| DPD Self Labelling | High-volume senders, varying addresses | Over 8,000 Pickup Shops, fast next-day options, tracked throughout | Runs through a business account, requires daily data transmission to DPD for tracking and invoicing to work correctly |
How To Print A Royal Mail Click & Drop Label
Royal Mail’s Click & Drop service is free to sign up for and walks you through each field, so it’s the easiest starting point if you’ve never printed a label before.
- Go to send.royalmail.com and sign in or register.
- Select “Buy and print a shipping label”.
- Fill in the recipient’s name and delivery address.
- Select “Apply postage” and complete the parcel details (weight, size, contents) for accurate pricing.
- Choose your delivery service, including any compensation cover you need.
- Pick service-specific extras, such as delivery notifications or a Safeplace instruction.
- Confirm and submit the label.
- Pay for the postage.
- Print the label, stick it to the parcel and either book a collection or drop it at a Post Office or Parcel Locker.
How To Print A UPS Shipping Label
UPS labels are created entirely through your browser once you’ve registered a free account.
- Create a free account, or log in at ups.com if you already have one.
- Enter your “Ship From” address.
- If the return address is the same, tick the option to reuse it, then continue.
- Fill in the “Ship To” address for your recipient.
- Complete the “What” section with accurate weight and dimensions so the price is correct.
- Choose the “How”, including whether UPS collects the parcel or you drop it at a depot, and pick your delivery speed.
- Add contents details and opt in to email tracking updates if you want them.
- Pay for the label.
- Print it, stick it on the parcel and take it to your chosen depot or wait for collection.
How To Print A DPD Label
DPD’s self labelling service works differently to Royal Mail and UPS. It’s aimed at businesses sending multiple shipments to varying addresses through a DPD account, rather than a one-off consumer sign-up. To get set up, you’ll need to contact DPD’s customer automation team directly on 0121 275 7336, who will configure your account and label software to work with their network.
Once you’re set up, the critical step is ongoing rather than one-off: your labelling software must transmit shipment data to DPD every day. Skip this and DPD’s web tracking won’t show your reference details, and your invoice may be missing key information. If your business sends a high volume of parcels to changing addresses, the setup effort pays off through DPD’s network of over 8,000 Pickup Shops and fast next-day options across the UK.
How To Apply Your Postage Label Correctly
A label that’s correctly printed can still cause delivery problems if it’s stuck on badly. A few rules keep it scannable and legible the whole way through the network.
- On a flat-sided box, centre the label on the largest flat surface, usually the top.
- Keep the label flat against the parcel with no creases or folds across the barcode.
- If you’re using a non-adhesive label, tape it down fully without covering any of the printed text or barcode.
- Always display the label on the outside of the package, never inside or under other tape.
Address formatting matters too. Most courier software includes a template for this, but as a rule, put the recipient’s name, company (if relevant), full street address, town, county and postcode on separate lines, in that order, with the postcode in capitals.
Troubleshooting Common Label Printing Problems
Why Is My Print Quality Poor?
Faint or patchy text on a shipping label is almost always a dirty print head. Check your printer’s manual for the approved cleaning method first, since some thermal printers need isopropyl alcohol wipes and others don’t. Wipe the print head, dry it with a microfibre cloth, and print a test label before running a full batch.
Why Are My Labels Printing Off Centre?
Misaligned labels usually point to a sensor or calibration issue rather than a software fault. Check the label roll is loaded correctly first, then confirm the printer’s label sensor (its exact position varies by model, for example it sits under the output slot on a Zebra ZD220) is aligned with the leading edge of the label. Most thermal printers have a built-in calibration routine, triggered by holding a specific button combination while feeding a label through; check your manual for the exact steps for your model.
Why Is The Print Coming Off My Labels?
This comes down to the label type rather than the printer. Uncoated thermal transfer labels printed with a wax ribbon are the cheapest option, but the print rubs off easily if the label gets any friction in transit. A resin ribbon or a coated label resists abrasion far better. Direct thermal labels have a different weakness: they react to heat, so a hot van or a warm storeroom can activate the unused parts of the label and turn the whole thing black. If your parcels sit in high temperatures before collection, thermal transfer labels with a heat-resistant ribbon hold up better.
The Verdict
For most people sending occasional parcels, Royal Mail’s Click & Drop is the easiest and cheapest way to get started — no business account required, and rates that beat the Post Office counter. If you’re shipping internationally or need guaranteed delivery windows, UPS is worth the slightly higher cost. DPD only makes sense once you’re sending enough volume to justify setting up a business account.
Whichever service you choose, make sure your printer handles 6×4″ (103 x 164mm) labels — that’s the size Royal Mail, UPS and DPD all print to, and it’s what a dedicated thermal printer like the Zebra ZD or Brother QL-1100 is built for. A standard inkjet or laser printer on A4 paper works fine to start with, but if you’re printing daily, a proper label printer pays for itself in time saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print my own stamps at home?
No. Royal Mail’s Click & Drop service lets you print shipping labels with barcodes, but printing the small definitive stamps yourself is illegal, since they’re classed as currency.
What size label do I need for postage?
The 6×4″ (103 x 164mm) format is the standard used by Royal Mail, UPS, DPD and most label printers, including the Zebra ZD/ZT ranges and Brother QL-1100/QL-1110NWB.
Do I need a special printer to print postage labels?
No. A standard inkjet or laser printer works fine for printing a label onto A4 paper, which you then trim and tape to the parcel. A dedicated thermal label printer speeds things up considerably if you’re printing daily.
Is Royal Mail Click & Drop cheaper than posting in branch?
Yes, in most cases. Click & Drop’s online rates are consistently lower than buying postage at the counter, and the saving becomes more noticeable the more parcels you send.
What’s the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?
Direct thermal labels need no ink or ribbon but can fade or blacken in high heat. Thermal transfer labels use a wax or resin ribbon, cost slightly more, and hold up much better against heat and abrasion.
How do I set up DPD self labelling for my business?
Contact DPD’s customer automation department on 0121 275 7336 to get your account configured. Once set up, you must transmit shipment data to DPD daily, or your tracking and invoicing information won’t display correctly.
Need Help or More Information ?
If you need any further help or more information, get in touch through our Contact Us page. Alternatively, call us on 0161 308 5800 or use Live Chat on our main website, Monday to Friday.
