Avery 5126 Shipping Labels Review: Reliable 9/10 Verdict
Digging into user feedback, the Avery Half-Sheet Printable Shipping Labels, White, 200 Blank Mailing Labels (5126) consistently score high marks across platforms, averaging 4.7–4.8 out of 5. The verdict from most users is a strong 9/10 for reliability, print quality, and adhesive strength, with minor caveats around water exposure.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Ideal for high-volume shippers, small businesses, and organized households.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong permanent adhesive that sticks to cardboard, glass, and metal | Not waterproof — ink can blur when wet |
| TrueBlock technology fully covers old labels and markings | Larger size may feel excessive for small packages |
| Jam-free and smudge-free printing on laser printers | Optimized for laser; inkjet use possible but not officially marketed |
| Compatible with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and popular shipping software | Price varies significantly between sellers |
| Easy customization with Avery Design & Print templates | Limited durability in extreme weather |
| FSC-certified eco-conscious paper | Not tear-resistant |
Claims vs Reality
Avery markets these labels as “no more jams or smudges” and “guaranteed to stick and stay put.” Digging deeper, multiple Amazon buyers confirm this. One verified buyer said: “In over 500 printings, not one time has a label peeled and jammed my printer. Every package has arrived with the label intact.”
The brand also promotes TrueBlock technology as a way to “reuse boxes by covering everything underneath.” Reddit users echo this, with one noting: “TrueBlock completely hides old markings, even on dark cardboard, so reused boxes look clean and professional.” This aligns closely with the marketing promise.
However, while Avery positions these as laser printer optimized, several users report successful inkjet printing. One Amazon reviewer admitted: “I always use these for printing postage on my inkjet… they’ve all come out beautifully.” This slightly contradicts the official positioning and widens the appeal beyond laser printer owners.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Strong adhesive is the most consistent point of praise. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Unlike other labels I’ve tried, this sticks good on cardboard boxes and plastic wrap.” For small online sellers, this reliability means fewer reships due to lost labels.
Print clarity is another standout. Staples reviewers talk about “crisp graphics and clear text” that hold up in transit. This benefits e-commerce sellers using branded labels, as logos and barcodes remain scannable.
TrueBlock’s covering ability is cited by USPS Click-N-Ship users who reuse boxes. As one Trustpilot reviewer explained: “TrueBlock lets me cover the old label entirely — no ghost text, no residue showing through.” For environmentally conscious shippers, it’s both aesthetic and sustainable.
Common Complaints
Water resistance — or lack thereof — is the most frequent complaint. One Amazon buyer recalled: “It did get wet in the rain and blurred a little… not the best in water.” This poses issues for packages left outdoors or in humid conditions.
Size concerns also surface. While the 5.5” x 8.5” format suits large shipping labels, casual mailers find it “a tad on the larger size” for smaller parcels, leading to wasted space or overhang.
Price variability frustrates bulk buyers. eBay listings range from $27 to $53 per pack, prompting community advice to watch for office supply sales or Amazon deals.
Divisive Features
Inkjet compatibility splits opinion. Official specs emphasize laser optimization, but users report good results with inkjets. One reviewer on Amazon said: “I was initially reluctant to get a dual-purpose Avery label… but they’ve all come out beautifully on my inkjet.” Others caution that inkjet prints may smudge if exposed to moisture.
The perforation design — intended to separate label and receipt — is seen as a convenience by USPS users, yet some prefer full sheets for custom layouts. As Reddit discussions show, this depends on workflow.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Amazon long-term reviews suggest consistent quality over time. One small business owner shared: “I’ve used these for years — perfect! Not one printing jam.” This reliability builds trust for recurring purchases.
Scam concerns are minimal, though buyers warn about counterfeit or mislabeled packs from third-party sellers. Community advice leans toward purchasing from verified retailers like Staples, Office Depot, or Amazon direct.
Alternatives
Within Avery’s own lineup, weatherproof labels are suggested for outdoor durability. Users needing tear resistance or UV protection often switch to these. However, for indoor or short-haul shipping, the 5126 remains the preferred choice due to cost-effectiveness.
Competitors in the same space include generic self-adhesive labels on eBay, but feedback suggests weaker adhesive and less effective coverage compared to TrueBlock’s opaque finish.
Price & Value
Prices fluctuate widely. On Amazon, $27.44 per pack equates to $0.14 per label, while Office Depot lists $53.99 ($0.27/label). Bulk buyers note resale value is negligible, but cost savings come from reduced tape use and faster application.
Buying tips from the community include:
- Watch for back-to-school or office supply seasonal sales.
- Buy in multi-pack bundles for lower per-label costs.
- Avoid unfamiliar sellers to prevent counterfeit issues.
FAQ
Q: Can these be used with inkjet printers?
A: While marketed for laser printers, many users successfully print with inkjets. However, inkjet prints may smudge if exposed to moisture, so laser remains the safer choice.
Q: Are they waterproof?
A: No. Several users reported blurred ink when wet. For outdoor or weather-exposed packages, opt for Avery’s weatherproof line.
Q: Will they cover dark or bold markings underneath?
A: Yes. TrueBlock technology fully hides previous labels and markings, even on dark cardboard.
Q: Do they work with USPS Click-N-Ship?
A: Yes. They are fully compatible with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and services like Stamps.com and PayPal shipping.
Q: Can I handwrite on them?
A: Yes. The matte white finish accepts pen and marker without smudging.
Final Verdict: Buy if you run an online store, ship regularly, or need professional-looking labels for reused boxes. Avoid if you require waterproofing or smaller label formats. Pro tip from the community: “Stock up during office supply sales — it’s worth buying in bulk for the adhesive quality alone.”
