If you run an eCommerce business in Australia (even a small side-hustle), you’ve probably experienced that moment where you’re juggling parcels, refreshing tracking numbers, and hoping no shipping mistake comes back to bite you.
And if you’ve ever headed down to your local post office, you might’ve noticed that some Australia Post locations offer free shipping label printing. It’s a handy option, especially when you’re just getting started or only sending the odd parcel here and there.
As your order volume grows and your workflow becomes more streamlined (or at least you want it to be), relying on in-store printing starts to feel a little limiting.
That’s where printed labels produced by your own direct-thermal label printers can completely change the game.
At eBPak, we see firsthand how many businesses make the switch from free in-store printing to thermal labels at home or in the warehouse.
So, what are the real pros and cons of free Australia Post label printing, and why might investing in your own thermal label printer be one of the smartest moves for your business?
The Appeal of Free Australia Post Label Printing
To be fair, Australia Post offering free in-store label printing is genuinely useful. For new businesses or those shipping occasionally, it can be cost-effective for low volume senders and easier for beginners learning the ropes.
For small-scale operations, those benefits make sense. Once your business starts growing, even modestly, the free printing option becomes less of a convenience and more of a hurdle.
Why Relying on In-Store Printing Fails Growing Businesses
Losing Time is Losing Money
No matter how friendly your local post office team is, waiting in line every other day (or even daily) is time you could spend packing orders, replying to customers, or simply living your life.
That's without considering peak seasons or postal delays that are out of your control. The truth is, time is money and you could be using yours inefficiently relying too much on in-store printing.
No Flexibility for Last Minute Changes
It takes more than you think for your package to arrive in perfect condition and unfortunately, something as simple as a labeling mistake can result in very serious, negative consequences.
Customers may send incorrect, inaccurate or misspelled information resulting in mislabelled packages.
So what happens when a parcel is mislabelled? It could mean: further delays, lost products, lost shipping fees, unsatisfied customers, and perhaps even worse, potentially damaged ratings and reputation.
If you printed labels yourself, correcting these mistakes would be much easier, faster and more convenient in general.
Limited Control Over Label Quality
In-store printers do the job, but they’re not exactly producing premium quality shipping labels. Smudging, fading, and peeling are issues that could happen and they all lead to scanning issues. Both legislative bodies and independent carriers (not just Australia Post) are increasingly strict about label readability.
This concern disappears with your own printed labels or thermal labels, where you get more control and confidence over the quality of the labels.
Why Thermal Label Printers Are Worth the Investment
At eBPak, we’re big believers in making work easier, not harder, and the direct-thermal label printers we offer are designed to do exactly that.
Here’s why getting your own labels are the best solution for your business:
Very Convenient
Direct-thermal label printers use heat, not ink. That means: no cartridges, no toner, no smudging and no low ink warnings at 7am before a pile of orders is due.
Just clear, professional labels for shipping, every single time.
Instant Reliability
If there's a mistake that needs to be amended, that's no stress. Just update the address and reprint. It will take a few seconds with no queues and no extra fees.
Avoiding mislabelled shipments alone saves some businesses hundreds or even thousands per year from replacements and reshipping costs.
Faster, Smoother Workflow
When you can print dozens of printed labels in minutes, your packing process becomes smooth and scalable.
This may not seem that big a deal when you are starting out, but it makes a world of difference as your business grows and peak seasons hit.
Better Branding and Professional Presentation
Well-printed thermal labels are clear, clean, and highly scannable. That means fewer issues during sorting, fewer delays, and a more professional impression for your customers.
Freedom to Choose Better Quality Labels
When you print in-store, you get what you get. When you print yourself, you can choose: high quality labels, matte or gloss finishes, durable adhesives, or eco-friendly options.
eBPak stocks a wide variety of premium labels for shipping, including A4 labels for inkjet and laser printers. Higher quality labels mean:
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stronger adhesion
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less peeling during transit
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better barcode scanning
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improved professionalism
Your brand deserves that level of consistency.
When Should a Business Make the Switch?
Australia Post provides a great service but it’s simply not as effective for every situation, such as scaling your online business.
Most sellers realise it’s time to switch to their own thermal label printer when:
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sending more than one or two parcels per week
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spending too much time at the post office
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dealing with frequent address updates
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wanting more brand consistency
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needing faster turnaround times
If any of those sound familiar, upgrading to a direct-thermal label printer (such as the best selling, high speed, energy saving and durable Direct Thermal Label Printer Gprinter GP-1324D, as an example) will feel like a huge weight off your shoulders.
The Better Decision Long Term
Australia Post’s free label printing is a great starter option, and for low-volume senders, it's a generally helpful service. Once your eCommerce business begins to grow, even slightly, the convenience starts to disappear.
On the other hand, investing in your own thermal label printers delivers: speed, flexibility, professionalism, fewer errors, and better control over your shipping process. Ultimately, it gives your business room to grow, allowing it to thrive instead of holding it back.
Ready to Upgrade Your Shipping Workflow?
Take the frustration out of labelling and level up your packing process with eBPak’s range of direct-thermal label printers and premium labels for shipping.
Make the switch today and experience the difference smarter labelling makes for your business.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us today. Our helpful team at eBPak would love to hear from you and help your business succeed