Avery 5165 Labels Review: Durable Adhesive, Worth It?
A surprising takeaway from extensive user feedback is just how consistently the Avery Full-Sheet Printable Shipping Labels, White, 100 Blank (5165) deliver professional results across diverse applications—earning an overall 9.5/10 from cross-platform ratings. Whether for shipping, crafting, or organizational projects, the product’s combination of TrueBlock® technology and UltraHold® permanent adhesive has won broad endorsement from e-commerce sellers, small business owners, and hobbyists alike.
Quick Verdict: Yes – a strong buy for high-volume shippers, event organizers, and home-based businesses seeking versatile label sheets that print cleanly and adhere securely.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| TrueBlock® tech fully covers old labels and markings | Not water-resistant or weatherproof |
| UltraHold® adhesive sticks reliably to cardboard, paper, glass, and metal | Optimized for laser printers – inkjet compatibility not consistently supported |
| Crisp text and vibrant colors with jam-free, smudge-free printing | Permanent adhesive means no repositioning once applied |
| Works with USPS®, UPS®, FedEx®, and common e-commerce shipping tools | Full-sheet format may be overkill for small label needs |
| Free Avery Design & Print templates and mail merge tools available | Matte finish—not suited for glossy presentation needs |
| FSC® certified paper for eco-conscious buyers |
Claims vs Reality
One major marketing claim is that TrueBlock® technology "completely covers old shipping labels, markings, and everything underneath." Digging deeper into user reports, this feature impressed many who reuse boxes. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "These labels completely hide any print beneath, even dark shipping barcodes, giving my reused packaging a professional look." Reddit discussions affirm that even large, bold text or heavy marker ink is not visible after applying the label.
Avery also promotes jam-free and smudge-free performance when labels are used with laser printers. While the company officially lists "laser printer optimization," some spec sheets mention inkjet compatibility, which led to user confusion. Cross-platform feedback shows laser users achieving flawless prints. Stapler buyers reported "zero jams after hundreds of sheets through my HP laser printer". However, there were occasional reports of inkjet smudging or curling, confirming the reality: while officially compatible with some inkjets, results vary.
Lastly, Avery’s claim of "UltraHold® adhesive sticks to cardboard, paper, glass, and metal" holds up under scrutiny. A Trustpilot reviewer stated: "We’ve used them on cardboard shipping tubes, glass jars, and for signage on metal surfaces—none have peeled months later." This adhesive strength, however, means removal is nearly impossible without damage, a trade-off for secure shipping.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring pattern emerged around the product’s versatility. E-commerce sellers see full-sheet labels as a canvas for variable print layouts, splitting sheets into custom shapes for branding, or printing large promo stickers. Reddit user reports show creative uses: "I printed a quilt exhibitor list on a sheet, cut them down, and they stuck beautifully without damaging delicate fabric."
Event planners particularly benefit from the customization flexibility. Avery’s free online templates and mail merge tools allow rapid personalization—be it wedding favors or classroom supplies. A verified buyer on Amazon shared: "We designed themed return address wraps for our holiday cards using the Avery software—it was incredibly easy to import our spreadsheet and print."
TrueBlock® technology is universally lauded by warehouse teams and online shop owners handling returns. Staples reviews confirm the practicality: "Being able to completely cover old UPS labels means boxes can be reused without confusion." This feature aligns perfectly with sustainable practices, especially for small businesses aiming to present clean packages while cutting waste.
Common Complaints
While adhesive strength is celebrated, it becomes a pain point for users needing flexible labels. Once applied, misaligned sheets cannot be repositioned without tearing. Amazon buyers caution: "If you get the angle wrong, it’s stuck for good—there’s no adjusting." This affects crafters or professionals handling delicate substrates.
The lack of water resistance is another regular gripe. Outdoor signage or packaging subject to moisture fares poorly. Trustpilot entries call out failures in damp conditions: "They bubbled on cold beverage bottles stored in ice baths." For shipping labels, this is rarely an issue unless packages face heavy rain exposure without over-wrap.
Finally, inkjet printer users sometimes struggle despite manufacturer notes suggesting compatibility. Reports from OfficeSupply.com include: "My Epson inkjet smeared if the sheet wasn’t left to dry for 10+ minutes." For high-speed workflows—common in busy fulfillment centers—this delay is unacceptable.
Divisive Features
The full-sheet format itself is celebrated by designers and bulk shippers but questioned by users who only need small address labels. Some Amazon reviewers found cutting sheets down to size cumbersome: "We wanted just four labels per sheet—ended up wasting edges due to alignment issues." Yet for others, this is precisely why they choose 5165; its flexibility to create any size outweighs setup hassle.
The matte finish divides audiences too. It prevents glare and smudges under handling, which marketers favor, but lacks the glossy, premium look preferred for luxury products. Etsy sellers trading in high-end handcrafted goods noted: "Matte makes my colors a bit flatter than I’d like for premium packaging."
Trust & Reliability
Across Trustpilot and Reddit, scam concerns are nonexistent—the Avery brand maintains consistent quality control. Repeat buyers mention using the 5165 labels for years without deviations in sheet size or adhesive performance. Reddit threads include long-term durability anecdotes, such as: "Six months on storage bins in a humid garage and the labels haven’t lifted at all."
A high satisfaction guarantee bolsters trust. Multiple Office Depot buyers have noted Avery’s willingness to replace products free if performance is subpar. This service record builds reliability among business users relying on labels daily.
Alternatives
Few direct competitors were named in user discussions, but comparisons are occasionally drawn with generic bulk labels from office supply stores. The driving distinction is reliability: buyers switching from off-brand sheets repeatedly describe print feed jams and inconsistent adhesives, prompting returns to Avery. For those requiring waterproof labels, alternatives with synthetic or laminated finishes may suit better, but they often cost more and lack TrueBlock® coverage.
Price & Value
Prices vary—from $27.44 at OfficeSupply.com to $49.99 at Staples, with bulk discounts bringing rates down near $0.34 per sheet in some cases. eBay sellers occasionally offer multi-box deals around $49 for 500 sheets, appealing to high-volume users. Community members advise buying during seasonal office supply sales or directly from Avery with coupon codes, yielding substantial savings. Considering durability and professional finish, users believe the cost is justified compared to reprinting due to smudges or lift-offs with cheaper brands.
FAQ
Q: Can I use these labels with an inkjet printer?
A: While some documentation mentions inkjet compatibility, most feedback shows optimal results with laser printers. Inkjet users sometimes report smudging or slow dry times.
Q: Are the labels repositionable?
A: No, the UltraHold® adhesive is permanent. Once applied, removing or realigning the label will likely damage it and the surface.
Q: Will the labels withstand outdoor weather?
A: No, they are not water-resistant or weatherproof. Users suggest additional protection like clear tape or sleeves for outdoor use.
Q: Can I cut the sheets into smaller sticker sizes?
A: Yes, many users customize sheet shapes with scissors or cutting machines like Cricut® or Silhouette®.
Q: Do these labels leave residue if removed?
A: Yes, residue is common due to the strong permanent adhesive, especially on non-porous surfaces.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need high-quality, full-coverage labels for shipping, branding, or organizational projects, particularly with laser printing. Avoid if you require waterproof durability or repositionable applications. Pro tip from community: For clean reusable packaging, pair these labels with Avery’s online Design & Print tools to maximize professional presentation without extra graphic software.
