How to Design Sticker Labels for E-Commerce Packaging

In e-commerce, your packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand. Sticker labels play a vital role in shipping, unboxing, and ensuring brand consistency across every order. Whether you’re running a boutique online store or managing large-scale fulfilment, designing the right labels can improve delivery accuracy, reduce waste, and leave a lasting impression.

What should e-commerce sticker labels include?

E-commerce sticker labels should be durable, scannable, and on-brand. A well-designed label typically includes your logo, order or return details, shipping barcodes/QR codes, and clear contact information. Beyond functionality, sticker labels reinforce brand identity during unboxing and help ensure parcels survive transit while remaining professional.

Materials & finishes that survive shipping (and still look premium)

Not all labels are created equal. The right choice depends on durability, product type, and customer expectations.

Popular options for e-commerce labels:

Paper labels: Cost-effective, suitable for short-term use or dry conditions.
Film labels (PP/PET): Durable, scratch-resistant, and ideal for waterproof shipping labels.
Laminated finishes: Add UV, abrasion, and moisture resistance while enhancing colour depth.
Special adhesives: Permanent adhesives work well for cartons, while stronger options may be required for polymailers or textured packaging.

Quick comparison:

Material / Finish	Durability	Best Use Case	Considerations
Paper	Low–Medium	Decorative branded seals	Not water-resistant
PP/PET Film	High	Shipping & return labels	Slightly higher cost
Laminated Paper	Medium–High	Premium unboxing / gift boxes	Added production time
Fluorescent Stock	High visibility	Pick/pack workflows, warnings	Best for internal use

For high-visibility workflows, blank fluorescent sticker labels are often used in warehouses to colour-code SKUs and reduce fulfilment errors.

Design principles that boost delivery success & brand recall

1. Prioritise scannability

Ensure barcodes and QR codes have high contrast.
Leave enough quiet space around codes for reliable scanning.

2. Balance branding with function

Use logos, brand colours, and slogans for consistency.
Place branding elements on non-essential areas so shipping info remains clear.

3. Choose the right size & placement

Labels should cover enough surface area to stick securely but not wrap around corners.
For curved packaging, opt for flexible film materials.

4. Design for accessibility

Choose legible fonts, large enough for quick reading.
Avoid overly glossy stocks that cause glare under warehouse lighting.

Workflow: choosing print methods & colour-coding

How you produce labels can make or break fulfilment efficiency:

Thermal printing: Fast, reliable, and ideal for high-volume shipping labels.
Inkjet/laser printing: Better for full-colour branded packaging elements.
Outsourcing vs in-house: Smaller businesses often benefit from outsourcing, while large e-commerce operations may invest in printers for flexibility.

Tip: Use colour-coding for stock management and promotions. Incorporating fluorescent sticker labels helps warehouse teams quickly identify categories, urgent orders, or returns.

The E-commerce Label Design Checklist

A simple checklist to ensure your labels perform every time:

Choose the right material (paper, film, laminated).
Select adhesive suitable for cartons, polymailers, or refrigerated goods.
Include key information: shipping details, return info, brand logo.
Test waterproof and smudge resistance.
Ensure barcode/QR scanability.
Design with bleed and safe zones.
Pick a finish (matte/gloss) that aligns with brand image.
Consider colour-coding for fulfilment.
Test adhesion on actual packaging.
Order sample runs before scaling up.
Keep designs consistent across SKUs.
Plan reorder cycles to avoid stockouts.

FAQs About E-Commerce Sticker Labels

Are waterproof labels really waterproof?
Yes. Waterproof labels use durable film materials and strong adhesives to resist moisture, making them ideal for shipping in wet or humid conditions.

What size should shipping labels be?
The most common size is 100mm x 150mm (4” x 6”), large enough for scannability and compliance with courier systems. For smaller parcels, adjust accordingly while keeping codes clear.

Do I need different adhesives for cartons vs polymailers?
Yes. Corrugated cartons often work with standard permanent adhesives, while slick polymailers may require stronger or specialised adhesives for secure sticking.

Should return labels be pre-applied or included in the box?
This depends on your workflow. Pre-applied saves customers time, but including return labels inside the parcel can prevent misuse.

What’s the best printer type for e-commerce labels?
Thermal printers are the most efficient for shipping labels, while inkjet/laser printers are better suited for decorative branded packaging.

For more technical guidance, visit our Contact Us page and speak with our team.

The right sticker labels do more than keep parcels intact - they shape your customer’s first impression and support your brand’s growth in a competitive online marketplace. Whether you need durable shipping labels, decorative branded packaging seals, or warehouse-friendly fluorescent labels, Label Power provides tailored solutions that keep your e-commerce operation efficient and on-brand.

Ready to upgrade your packaging? Request a quote today and discover the best label options for your business.