Best Thermal Label Printer for Amazon FBA in 2023

One of the first tools Amazon sellers should consider investing in is a thermal printer. A thermal printer is designed to make the task of printing efficient and hassle-free. Amazon sellers need quick and easy access to printing large quantities of barcode and shipping labels.  A good thermal printer is an essential tool that belongs on any Amazon seller’s tool and equipment checklist.

But what is the best label printer for Amazon FBA? 

There are a few options out there on the market, so finding the right one is crucial to streamline your shipping and prepping processes. 

Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, let’s explore how the right thermal printer can make your business operations run remarkably smoother and more efficiently.

Time to Go Thermal: The Benefits

You can certainly use a regular printer as an Amazon seller, but I wouldn’t suggest it. Here’s why opting for a thermal printer is a smart move:

Print Speed: Time is money, especially in the fast-paced world of online selling. A thermal printer offers unmatched printing speed, allowing you to handle large volumes of labels swiftly. This is essential for getting your products out the door and into the shipping process quickly.

Print Quality: Thermal printers are known for delivering high-quality prints. Whether it’s barcode labels, address labels, or any other type, clarity is crucial. A fuzzy barcode can halt your supply chain, while a clear, precise print ensures smooth sailing.

The results are also consistent.  Printing labels over and over would wear out your typical inkjet printer, causing distorted images.  Thermal labels, however, look just as good, whether it’s the first or the 10,000th label.  

Ease of Use (No Ink Required!): One of the key features of thermal printers that make them a favorite among Amazon sellers is their ease of use. There’s no need to mess around with ink cartridges or laser toners. Just load your label rolls, and you’re good to go. It’s an easy way to ensure consistent print quality without the fuss and ink smudges. 

Cost Effective: In the long run, thermal printers prove to be cost-effective. The absence of ink not only simplifies operations but also contributes to a lower cost per label. For small businesses and even larger operations, ensuring the best value while maintaining quality is crucial.

Amazon sellers just beginning their businesses should look for ways to spend less on tools and more on inventory to sell. A good thermal printer is a great start in that direction.   

So, while a conventional inkjet or laser printer might seem like a cheap concession, grabbing a good thermal printer can be a game changer for Amazon sellers.

The blend of speed, quality, ease, and cost-effectiveness is a great way to streamline your operations and focus on what matters most – turning a profit.

Thermal Printers: The Contenders

When it comes to thermal printers tailored to the needs of Amazon sellers, there are two finalists that consistently rise to the top: the DYMO LabelWriter 450 and the Rollo Label Printer. Both have carved a niche in the market, promising to streamline the order fulfillment and shipping processes for small businesses and seasoned Amazon FBA sellers alike.

DYMO LabelWriter 450

The DYMO LabelWriter 450 is a cost-effective and reliable companion for small businesses and beginners in the Amazon selling space. It delivers a fantastic blend of affordability and value, making it a sensible choice for those taking their initial steps into the world of Amazon FBA.

This printer is designed for turbo labeling and printing, capable of producing up to 71 four-line addresses, shipping, file folders, barcode labels, name badges, and more. This impressive speed helps to keep your order fulfillment process moving smoothly and efficiently.

One of the cool features of the DYMO 450 is its ability to eliminate the waste and hassle associated with sheet labels. It is adept at printing precise quantities without any difficulty, ensuring you have the exact number of labels you need without unnecessary waste.

Ease of customization is another area where the DYMO excels. It enables users to create and print labels directly from text in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and even Google Contacts. This seamless integration with familiar software ensures that even novices can navigate the printing process with ease.

While the maximum width of labels for the LW450 unit is capped at 2.2 inches, limiting its versatility somewhat, the quality and precision of its prints are praiseworthy. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to use authentic DYMO Label Writer Labels, which are available in various sizes to suit different needs.

In summary, the DYMO LabelWriter 450 is a compact, user-friendly, and efficient label printer that offers a great balance between price and functionality, making it an attractive option for small businesses and Amazon sellers looking to upgrade from their personal home laser printer.

Rollo Label Printer 

Contrasting the DYMO, the Rollo Label Printer emerges as a powerhouse of versatility and functionality for Amazon sellers. Not only does it adeptly handle the standard 4×6 shipping labels and FNSKU labels that are integral to Amazon FBA operations, but it also supports a diverse array of other labels, elevating its utility across the board.

The Rollo printer’s compatibility is extensive and user-friendly. It seamlessly integrates with both Windows (XP and newer) and Mac (10.9 and newer) systems. The setup is a breeze: simply connect your laptop or MacBook via USB and download the Rollo drivers to start printing shipping labels, warehouse labels, Amazon FBA labels, barcodes, and much more.

In addition to its versatile compatibility, the Rollo shines with its exclusive Ship Manager App. This complimentary app streamlines the mailing process and offers cost-saving benefits. By connecting any e-commerce platform, sellers can access deep discounts on shipping rates, avoiding the need for additional subscriptions to platforms like ShipStation or Pirate Ship.

The Rollo printer excels in speed and cost savings. Employing advanced direct thermal technology, it prints at a remarkable speed of 150mm/s, equivalent to one 4×6 label per second. The high-resolution 203 DPI print head ensures labels are clear, crisp, and easy to scan.

Beyond being just a shipping label printer, the Rollo also functions as a custom label maker. It can print labels ranging from 1.57″ to 4.1″ in width, making it ideal for many label types such as barcodes, product labels, thank you stickers, QR code stickers, business or name stickers, and more.

Rollo’s compatibility doesn’t end with software; it aligns with all major shipping platforms, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, and eBay. Its ability to blend into diverse ecosystems makes it an invaluable asset for Amazon sellers who need a one-stop solution for all their labeling needs.

In essence, the Rollo Label Printer stands out for its incredible versatility, user-friendly setup, high-speed printing, and extensive compatibility, presenting itself as an indispensable tool for Amazon sellers.

Both printers cater to different needs and preferences of the Amazon FBA seller. The DYMO LabelWriter 450 stands out for its cost-effectiveness and precision, whereas the Rollo shines in terms of versatility and compatibility with the types of labels essential for Amazon sellers. Ultimately, both strive to enhance efficiency and ease for Amazon FBA businesses.

A Label Lollapalooza

Before a winner is declared, let’s take a quick detour to discuss labels.

A thermal printer can provide value not only to the Amazon business but in various other ways as well.

Shipping Labels

The 4×6 shipping label is an indispensable commodity for Amazon sellers. They ensure that products reach the Amazon fulfillment center and/or arrive seamlessly at the customer’s doorstep.

These labels are crucial in the shipping process and, fortunately, don’t have to break the bank. In fact, sellers can acquire these essential labels for free at ups.com!  That’s a home run if you are scoring at home.

They come in rolls of 1000 from UPS and are easy to manage.  The 4×6 shipping label has the professional look and durability factor that taping a piece of paper to a box just can’t match.   

Amazon Barcode Label 

FNSKU or barcode labels are one of the most necessary items to keep fully stocked at all times. These unique identifiers are an Amazon requirement. Every item passing through an Amazon fulfillment center must have one.  

This would be a nightmare, nay impossible, without a thermal printer on hand. With a thermal printer, printing FNSKU labels becomes a straightforward and efficient part of the business.  You can purchase a sheet of address labels that can serve as barcodes.  Or we recommend buying small rolls in bulk to get more bang for your buck. 

Other Label Uses

Beyond shipping and barcode labels, thermal printers can provide additional benefits to Amazon sellers, including: 

• • Expiration dates
  • Customer Notices
  • Receipts 
  • Name tags
  • Gift labels
  • Thank-you stickers 
  • And much more! 

The Winner: Rollo!

For Amazon sellers searching for a printer that can efficiently handle all their label needs, the Rollo printer stands alone.  

It consistently outperforms others, including the Dymo LabelWriter 450. The most prominent advantage of the Rollo is its ability to print a wide variety of labels, including the two most common types: shipping and barcode labels.

Bottom line: The Dymo can’t quite match the Rollo’s versatility. 

Ease of setup is another area where Rollo takes the lead. While both printers are compatible with Windows and Mac, the Rollo ensures a swift setup process with a simple USB connection and quick driver download. In contrast, some users might find setting up the Dymo slightly less straightforward.

The Rollo also simplifies the shipping process with its Ship Manager App. It seamlessly connects to any e-commerce platform, offering affordable shipping rates. The Dymo doesn’t come with a similar all-encompassing app, potentially making shipping management more time-consuming.

Regarding speed and cost savings, the Rollo outperforms the Dymo by using direct thermal technology to print at a speedy 150mm/s. The high-resolution 203 DPI print head ensures clarity on every label. The Dymo, while efficient, may not deliver the same speed and clarity in one package.

Lastly, the Rollo’s compatibility with a host of shipping platforms and marketplaces, such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon, makes it a more adaptable choice. The Dymo does not offer the same breadth of compatibility, making Rollo the more convenient and versatile option for most Amazon sellers.

Time to Roll Out with the Rollo 

Efficiency and adaptability reign supreme in this industry. Enter the Rollo Thermal Printer, a game-changer that streamlines the shipping process, saving you time and money.

With its impressive print speed and impeccable print quality, Rollo not only trumps conventional printers but also edges out the competition. Its versatility in printing a wide variety of labels ensures you’re always ready to meet the demands of your growing Amazon business. 

Moreover, Rollo’s ability to produce other types of labels, such as expiration dates and customer notices, amplifies its utility. It’s an easy way to bolster your customer service while simplifying your workflow.

The printer’s compatibility with various marketplaces and shipping platforms, combined with its user-friendly Rollo Ship Manager App, grants sellers a competitive advantage in the fast-paced e-commerce landscape.

Ultimately, for Amazon sellers seeking a reliable, cost-effective, and versatile printing solution, Rollo emerges as the best thermal label printer for Amazon FBA in 2023.