QUESTION: I’m trying to grow my business slowly (I have a day job, thank heavens), and I’m considering getting a refurbished Zebra thermal label printer to save ink, paper and time. I see some good deals on Amazon.
Can these printers be used with USPS Shipping Assistant, or would I have to use Endicia or Stamps.com? Is a Zebra printer worth the investment?
ANSWER: I use Endicia with a Zebra printer for 4 x 6 shipping labels. I’ve bought several of them over the years at eBay — new, used, refurbished. They are pretty expensive if brand new — something like $350 or $450 retail. But I’ve never had to pay more than half retail, even for a brand new one. I’ve bought reconditioned 2844s for as low as $40 on eBay.
The one you mentioned on Amazon looks like a decent deal, but you should ask the seller what kind of cable it has. The newer ones have USB cables, which are a heck of a lot easier to plug into your computer and get working — compared to the older cables, which might not be recognized by you computer.
Also, ask the seller if he’s providing the CD that has the printer drivers, just in case your computer doesn’t automatically recognize the label printer. You can download them online after registering with Zebra, but it’s a lot easier if you have the CD with the drivers, and you know they’re the right ones.
Is a Zebra printer worth $200 or $300? Absolutely, as long as you’re printing a dozen labels a day, it’s going to save you a lot of time. I don’t print as many 4 x 6 labels now that I use FBA, but my Zebra printer is still on 24/7. I can’t stand printing 4 x 6 labels through my Dell laser printer.
Using a Zebra printer with USPS Shipping Assistant might give you some trouble, though. I don’t think it would work if you’re printing out just one label, because Shipping Assistant wants to print out mailing instructions along with the label, and it usually takes an 8.5 by 11 sheet. I think it’s the same deal with the USPS Web service, Click n’ Ship. If you’re printing more than one label, I think you can decline to print the instructions. If someone knows more about this, perhaps they’ll chime in.
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One Comment
I have used a Dymo Twin Turbo thermal printer with Stamps.com for several years, and have been very happy with the results. I usually purchase mine brand new with the extended warranty from the local OfficeMax, as I have found that the hardware is a bit touchy, and have had them break on occasion. Have people had similar experiences with their Zebras?