This checklist is for small business owners who pack and ship orders themselves, whether shipping is a regular part of the work or an occasional task. It covers labels, weighing, packaging, and packing supplies so you can review your setup one decision at a time.
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The sections follow the order many sellers use while preparing an order: print a label, weigh the parcel, choose a box or mailer, seal it, then add protective fill where needed. Each section explains what to consider and includes a named pick where one was provided; the packaging sections without picks offer selection guidance.
Use the checklist to compare each item with your products, order volume, and workspace. Check the fit and compatibility points before buying, and prioritize the supplies that address your biggest day-to-day packing needs first.
Thermal Label Printer
A thermal label printer can make shipping labels a dedicated part of your packing setup. The listed pick is the Westinghouse WHTP203E 4×6 Thermal Shipping Label Printer. Before choosing a printer, confirm that its label format works with the labels you plan to use and that your order workflow can send labels to it. Check connection and software requirements against the computer or device you use to prepare shipments.
A common mistake is buying around the printer name alone without checking the full path from order to printed label. Consider where the printer will sit, how labels will be loaded, and whether the available workspace leaves room to handle parcels nearby. If more than one person packs orders, make sure the setup is straightforward for everyone who will use it. Verify label dimensions and workflow compatibility before committing, and consider whether the printer placement makes labels easy to apply without interrupting packing.
What to look for:
- Confirm the 4×6 label format fits your shipping workflow.
- Check device, connection, and software compatibility.
- Make sure the printer fits your packing workspace.
- Consider how easily labels can be loaded and applied.
Westinghouse WHTP203E 4×6 Thermal Shipping Label Printer
This USB and Ethernet thermal printer produces monochrome labels at up to 6 inches per second and 203 DPI, with support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports fanfold labels and rolls, prints media up to 4.25 inches wide, and does not require ink or toner.
Pros:
- Fast printing at up to 6 inches per second
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports both USB and Ethernet connections
- No ink or toner required
Cons:
- Does not support Bluetooth
- Ethernet cable and USB-C cable or adapter are sold separately
Best for: Businesses whose shipping workflow uses 4×6 labels.
Not ideal for: Sellers who have not confirmed device or software compatibility.
Bottom line: Check the label format and your device workflow before choosing the Westinghouse printer.
Shipping Scale
A shipping scale helps you weigh parcels as part of preparing them for shipment. The listed option is the Amazon Basics Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Tare Function, 660 lb. Consider the parcels and packing materials you handle, then check that the scale’s capacity and platform suit your typical workflow. Its tare function is named in the product description; consider whether that feature fits the way you weigh items with containers or packaging.
One common mistake is weighing the product alone and forgetting that the finished parcel includes a box or mailer and its packing materials. Decide where the scale will sit and whether parcels can be placed on it securely and read easily. Check the display and controls against your workspace, and review how the scale is powered and used before purchasing. Weigh the complete packed parcel and confirm that the scale’s capacity and form factor fit the shipments you expect to handle.
What to look for:
- Compare scale capacity with the parcels you prepare.
- Check that the platform accommodates your usual package shapes.
- Consider whether the tare function suits your weighing process.
- Place the scale where parcels can be positioned and read easily.
- Review the power and operating requirements before buying.
Amazon Basics Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Tare Function, 660 lb Capacity,
This digital postal scale is designed for weighing shipping items with a heavy-duty yet portable build. It features a large back-lit LCD display, tare function, and multiple measurement units, supporting up to 660 pounds with 0.1-ounce precision.
Pros:
- High weight capacity of 660 pounds
- Large back-lit LCD for easy reading
- Multiple measurement units and tare function
Cons:
- Data cannot be transferred via USB
- Requires batteries or AC power for operation
Best for: Businesses that want a scale with a tare function.
Not ideal for: Sellers who have not checked platform fit for their parcels.
Bottom line: Choose a scale that accommodates the complete packed parcels in your workflow.
Shipping Boxes
Boxes protect items in transit and give you a consistent outer package to pack and seal. Start by matching box dimensions to the product and the protective materials you intend to use. A box that leaves too little room can make it difficult to add cushioning, while one with substantial unused space can require more fill. Think through your product dimensions and packing method together, rather than choosing a box based on the item alone.
A common mistake is keeping too many box sizes without a clear packing reason, or relying on one size that does not suit the products being shipped. Measure items that are ready for packing, including any parts that need protection, and check how the box closes with the planned contents inside. If your catalog has varied shapes, identify a small set of useful sizes by testing how representative items fit. Check interior dimensions and closure with the actual product and packing materials before settling on a box for a recurring order type.
What to look for:
- Measure the product and any parts that need protection.
- Compare interior dimensions with the packed item, not just its bare size.
- Leave suitable room for the protective materials you plan to use.
- Check that the box closes securely with the contents inside.
- Choose sizes around the products you ship most often.
Padded Mailers
Padded mailers are an option to consider when an order’s shape and protection needs suit a flexible mailer. Start with the item’s finished dimensions and determine whether it can fit without forcing the seams or closure. Consider how the item should be protected during handling, and whether a mailer gives it the structure your packing process requires. Product shape and protection needs should guide the choice.
A common mistake is treating a mailer as a substitute for a box in every situation. Check whether the item has edges, components, or a shape that could make the mailer difficult to close or unsuitable for the way you intend to protect it. Allow room for the item to enter and for the closure to seal as intended. If you ship multiple product types, assess them individually instead of assuming one mailer size or style will work for all. Test the actual item in the mailer and review closure fit before using it for repeat shipments.
What to look for:
- Compare the mailer’s usable space with the item’s dimensions.
- Check whether the item’s shape suits a flexible package.
- Consider the protection the item needs in transit.
- Allow room to insert the item and close the mailer properly.
- Evaluate different product types separately.
Packing Tape Dispenser
A hand dispenser can make tape easier to handle while closing boxes. The listed pick is the 3M Scotch Box Sealing Tape Hand Dispenser H180 for 2" Tape, Gray. Its description specifies 2-inch tape, so confirm that this width matches the tape you plan to use. Consider how the dispenser feels during the sealing steps in your workflow and whether it can be stored near your packing area.
A common mistake is checking only the dispenser while overlooking tape compatibility and how boxes are sealed in practice. Review the tape width and how the roll loads, then consider whether the handle and cutting action suit the person doing the packing. If several people share the station, a familiar, accessible place for the dispenser can help keep the process orderly. Match the dispenser to the tape roll and test the setup with the box sizes you use before relying on it for recurring shipments.
What to look for:
- Confirm your box sealing tape is 2 inches wide.
- Check how the tape roll loads onto the dispenser.
- Consider handle comfort during your usual packing routine.
- Keep the dispenser accessible at the sealing station.
- Try it with the boxes you use regularly.
3M Scotch Box Sealing Tape Hand Dispenser H180 for 2" Tape, Gray
This hand-held tape dispenser is designed for efficient sealing of shipping boxes in various settings. Made of durable plastic and metal, it features adjustable tension control and a pistol grip for easy one-handed operation, suitable for 2-inch tape rolls up to 60 yards long.
Pros:
- Durable construction suitable for high-volume use
- Adjustable tension control for optimal sealing
- Pistol grip allows for easy one-handed operation
Cons:
- Designed for industrial use only, not for consumers
- Limited to 2-inch tape rolls
- May be heavy for prolonged use
Best for: Packers using 2-inch box sealing tape.
Not ideal for: Businesses whose tape width does not match the dispenser.
Bottom line: Confirm tape width and loading fit before adding this dispenser to your station.
Void Fill Paper
Void fill helps occupy space around items inside a package. The listed pick is CrinklePak 10 LB Pink Crinkle Paper Shred – USA Made Gift Basket Fille. Consider the package types and products you ship, then decide whether crinkle paper fits the appearance and packing approach you want. Keep the amount of space inside the box in mind: fill should suit the package and its contents, rather than being selected without regard to how the item sits.
A common mistake is adding fill without first checking how the item moves inside the packed box. Place the product in its intended packaging and assess where cushioning or space filling is needed. Consider how the paper will be stored and accessed at your packing station, especially if you use it across several orders. Test the packed arrangement with representative products and boxes, and make sure the fill works with your presentation and handling process before making it a routine supply.
What to look for:
- Check whether crinkle paper suits the products you pack.
- Assess the empty space in the box around the item.
- Test how the item sits with the fill in place.
- Consider storage and access at your packing station.
- Match fill quantity to the package and packing method.
CrinklePak 10 LB Pink Crinkle Paper Shred – USA Made Gift Basket Filler
This 10-pound bag of pink crinkle paper shred is made in the USA and designed to add volume and color to gift baskets, packaging, and product displays. The color-fast strands maintain their vivid shade and springy texture without bleeding dye onto flowers, clothing, or other items.
Pros:
- Made in the USA with consistent quality control
- Color-fast and does not bleed or fade
- Maintains volume and springiness without flattening
- Versatile for gift baskets, shipping protection, and decor
Cons:
- Limited to a single color per bag
- Paper material may not be suitable for wet environments
Best for: Businesses whose packing style suits crinkle paper.
Not ideal for: Shipments whose products or packing method call for another approach.
Bottom line: Try the paper with representative items and boxes to assess fit and presentation.
Build your supply list in a practical order: start with the tools that support your current shipping routine, then choose boxes or mailers that fit your products, and add sealing and void fill supplies that work with those packages. Prioritize fit, compatibility, and workflow before adding extra variations.
You can refine the checklist as you learn which products and package combinations work smoothly. Start with a manageable set of supplies, review how each choice fits your orders, and keep adjusting your setup as your shipping needs become clearer. A thoughtful, repeatable packing process makes the work easier to organize.
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