Can I print out postage/label on plain paper and cover it w/clear package tape when I tape it down? Or do bar codes, address, etc need to be uncovered by glossy tape?

-Some time back, I recall USPS making me re-label a pkg that had the address covered over w/clear tape, for not meeting some code.

I've never had a problem covering the entire USPS label with clear packing tape.

Do not cover the barcodes or the scrambled postage indicia. It should say as much in the instructions.

I cover with fine gabardine.

---

A man who is of "sound mind" is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key.
(Paul Valery)

Back when I used plain paper, I used clear tape to cover most of the label, being careful to leave only the barcode section uncovered.

We've probably printed out 2000+ labels over the years and all have been
completely covered. If I had a Laser printer I might leave part of it uncovered.
We've never once had a complaint from the Postal Service.

---

Grateful11

I use plain paper, tape down all four edges, but don't cover any of the print with the tape.

DM

Quote
Grateful11
We've probably printed out 2000+ labels over the years and all have been
completely covered. If I had a Laser printer I might leave part of it uncovered.
We've never once had a complaint from the Postal Service.

You've been lucky then. From the label instructions (USPS emphasis, not mine):

"3. Adhere your label to the package. A self-adhesive label is recommended. If tape or glue is used, DO NOT TAPE OVER BARCODE. Be sure all edges are secure."

Yes, the label instructions say not to cover it but I have never had a problem with our PO. UPS and FEDEX also say not to cover the label, but I have never had a complaint.

All they care about is that their readers can read the barcode.

Yes I know exactly what it says because like I said we've been doing it
for years. We're on first name basis with almost everyone at our local
PO. My wife asked the Post Master about the taping of the label years ago
and she it's not a problem. Those of you only taping the edge of the
label better have the delivery address either written underneath the
printed label or a shipping invoice inside or something. I've seen those
labels get torn half off with stuff we've bought off Ebay.

This has been discussed to no end on eBay forums. Just do what you feel
is best and let go. We'll continue doing the tape over the entire label.

---

Grateful11




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2009 04:50PM by Grateful11.

I tape the entire label down except for a slice of the barcode.

As I understand it, some scanners will not read the label correctly through some tape. In such a case, no problem for the USPS; they just send the package on without a scan.

If that's not a problem for you, tape it any way you please.

---

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Sir Jonathan Ive

-An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

There is no safety for honest men
except by believing all possible evil
of evil men.

Pixels were born to be punished. -Frederick Van Johnson

Mister, that's a ten-gallon hat on a twenty-gallon head.

I *love* Sigs. It's Glocks I hate.

I use some glue stick on the back of the label, then tape on the edges only on all four sides.

I haven't had a problem with either UPS or USPS as long as the tape goes over with no wrinkles or folds.