Avery 5168 Shipping Labels Review: Strong but Not Perfect
Digging into user feedback on the Avery Printable Shipping Labels, 3-1/2" x 5", White, 400 Blank Mailing Labels (5168) reveals a product that earns high marks across most platforms — with average ratings hovering between 4.6 and 4.8 out of 5 — but also carries a few surprising concerns. While marketed as having “permanent” Ultrahold adhesive and jam-free printing with Sure Feed® technology, not every buyer’s experience has matched the brochure.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Performs exceptionally for most, but adhesive reliability can vary by use case.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright white TrueBlock® technology fully covers old labels | Isolated reports of adhesive failing on certain carton surfaces |
| Sure Feed® design reduces printer jams | Not waterproof |
| Works well with high-volume laser printing | Optimized for laser printers, limited inkjet feedback |
| Easy customization with free Avery templates | Higher price point than generic labels |
| Versatile applications beyond shipping | Bulk pack may be excessive for low-volume users |
Claims vs Reality
Avery’s marketing strongly promotes the TrueBlock® technology as “guaranteed to completely cover everything underneath.” On this point, user consensus is overwhelmingly positive. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Trueblock technology covers up everything underneath the shipping label so you can reuse boxes.” Reddit feedback echoed this, with one office user stating these “stand out and [are] easy to read… never had a problem printing them off.”
The Ultrahold® permanent adhesive is another core claim, promising to “stick to more tough surfaces” and “won’t lift, curl or fall off like other brands.” While most reviews agree — Staples customers said they “stick great” and “last all year” even on library cards — there is a notable outlier. One small business owner reported: “They literally fall off the shipping cartons… not just once, all the time.” This suggests that while the adhesive works well on typical cardboard, certain coatings or textures may cause adhesion issues.
Finally, Avery highlights Sure Feed® technology to prevent printer jams and misalignment. Here, reality aligns with the claim. A Staples reviewer wrote: “Ran these through our laser color copier without any issues,” and another described them as “smudge-free and jam-free,” particularly valuable for high-volume operations.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Staples, Walmart, and Avery’s own site, users consistently praise the print quality and ease of use. For offices handling frequent shipments, the ability to produce crisp, professional-looking labels without jams is a major time saver. One school librarian reported using them for non-shipping purposes: “I put the label on a 3x5 card and they last all year.” High-volume e-commerce sellers also value the bulk pack format, with Avery’s own marketing noting its suitability for “eBay®, Shopify®, and Etsy® orders.”
The versatility of the 3-1/2" x 5" size is another highlight. A verified Amazon buyer mentioned using them for “beer bottle labels and wine labels,” while others have applied them to “gift tags, crafting, party favors, and more.” This adaptability makes them appealing beyond the shipping department.
TrueBlock® coverage is especially valued by eco-conscious buyers who reuse boxes. A Staples customer wrote: “Just the right size for the label I needed… appreciate the ‘permanence’ of the adhesive,” underscoring how the large white surface can refresh old, marked packaging.
Common Complaints
Despite the strong ratings, adhesive reliability is the most frequent complaint in negative reviews. The small printing company owner’s story of labels peeling off during transit stands out because it directly contradicts the “won’t fall off” claim. Such cases appear rare but can be critical for businesses that rely on secure labeling.
Another limitation is water resistance — or the lack thereof. Staples lists the product as “not waterproof,” which could be a dealbreaker for certain outdoor or refrigerated shipping needs. While not a complaint per se, it’s a spec that some buyers may overlook.
Price sensitivity also emerges in scattered comments. While not universally criticized, some users note these labels cost more than generic equivalents, making them less attractive for budget-conscious operations.
Divisive Features
The permanent adhesive is a double-edged sword. For most, it’s a benefit; for others, it’s problematic when misapplied. Removing and reapplying is not feasible, which can lead to wasted sheets. The bulk pack size also splits opinion — high-volume users find it cost-effective, but casual users may find 400 labels excessive, especially given the upfront cost.
There’s also the laser printer optimization factor. While compatible with many printers, most praise comes from laser printer users. Inkjet feedback is minimal, leaving some uncertainty for those relying on non-laser devices.
Trust & Reliability
Trust scores are high, with Trustpilot and Avery.com ratings averaging 4.8/5 from dozens of verified buyers. Reports of shipping delays or counterfeit goods are absent, suggesting a low scam risk when buying from reputable retailers like Staples, Walmart, or Amazon.
In terms of durability, long-term feedback is positive. One Reddit user using them for school library cards reported they “last all year,” and another for equipment labeling noted they “don’t smudge.” These stories suggest that for most applications, the adhesive and print quality hold up over months of use.
Alternatives
Within Avery’s own lineup, smaller or waterproof label options exist for those who need moisture resistance or work with smaller packages. Generic brands offer similar sizes at lower prices, but user consensus suggests they lack the TrueBlock coverage and jam-free reliability that define the 5168 model. Businesses shipping in wet or cold environments might compare these with Avery’s weatherproof labels.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely: Walmart lists them at $27.53, Staples at $42.79, and Amazon around $30.59 (before shipping/import fees for Canada). eBay and Avery’s site show higher MSRP values but frequent discounts. Community tips include waiting for office supply store sales or bulk-purchase promotions.
Given the coverage, print quality, and jam-free feed, high-volume users generally see the price as justified. Low-volume users may find better value in smaller packs or generic alternatives.
FAQ
Q: Do these labels work with inkjet printers?
A: While some Avery 5168 listings mention laser optimization, certain versions are compatible with inkjet printers. However, most user feedback and performance claims focus on laser printing.
Q: Can they be removed without damaging the surface?
A: No. These use permanent adhesive, so removal may damage surfaces or leave residue. They are not designed to be repositionable.
Q: Will the labels withstand outdoor conditions?
A: These are not waterproof. In wet or humid environments, the adhesive and paper may degrade, making them unsuitable for prolonged outdoor use.
Q: Can I handwrite on them?
A: Yes. Several users report that they are “easy to write on and don’t smudge,” making them versatile for quick labeling needs.
Q: Do they peel easily from the sheet?
A: Yes. Features like Avery’s Pop-up Edge™ make it easy to bend the sheet and lift labels without curling.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a high-volume shipper, e-commerce seller, or need large, professional-looking labels that cover old markings. Avoid if you need waterproofing or are labeling coated/shiny cartons that may resist adhesion. Pro tip from community: For maximum adhesion, ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free of coatings before applying.
