Avery 5264 Shipping Labels Review: Strong Adhesion Verdict
Surprising finding: Across Amazon, Staples, Trustpilot, and Reddit, the Avery Printable Shipping Labels, 3-1/3" x 4", White, 150 Blank (5264) earned near-universal praise for print quality and adhesive strength, scoring an impressive 9.6/10 from aggregated user ratings. But digging deeper, a few recurring complaints about printer compatibility and non-waterproof construction emerged.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — highly recommended for high-volume, laser-based shipping and organization tasks, but less ideal for outdoor or moisture-prone applications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| TrueBlock® technology completely covers old labels and markings | Not waterproof — unsuitable for outdoor shipments |
| Sure Feed® tech reduces printer jams and misalignments | Limited to laser printers for optimal results |
| Permanent adhesive sticks to cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic | Matte finish may not suit glossy branding needs |
| Crisp, smudge-free print quality | Non-repositionable — mistakes require reprinting |
| FSC-certified paper — eco-conscious sourcing | Slight curl reported in humid environments |
| Works with free Avery Design & Print templates | Higher cost per label compared to budget brands |
Claims vs Reality
One of Avery’s central marketing claims is that TrueBlock® technology “completely covers everything underneath” to allow box and envelope reuse. Verified buyers across Amazon and Staples confirm this: “You can’t see a thing under these labels, even bold black print,” noted a verified Amazon customer. Reddit user feedback echoed the sentiment, with one posting that they “reuse old USPS boxes all the time—looks brand new once the label’s on.”
Avery also promotes its proprietary Sure Feed® technology as a fix for printer misalignments and jams. Trustpilot reviewers back this up, describing how the sheets “run smoothly every time, no jams, no wasted labels.” However, a small number of Staples customers reported occasional feed issues when using older printers, suggesting that while the tech works for most, compatibility isn’t flawless.
Finally, Avery claims smudge-free, crisp printing optimized for laser printers. Here, user reality matches the claim: “The bright white finish makes the text pop, even color logos come out perfect,” wrote a verified Staples buyer. But cross-platform reports caution that results are less consistent with inkjet printers, despite nominal compatibility.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit, users consistently praised the print quality. A verified buyer on Amazon wrote: “Logos, barcodes, and text all look professional, no smearing even with heavy coverage.” For small business owners, this means shipping labels can double as product branding. Reddit users selling on eBay and Etsy often mentioned the “sharp text” as a selling point for customer-facing packages.
Adhesive performance is another standout. Trustpilot reviews repeatedly highlight how the labels “stick to everything—cardboard, glass jars, plastic bins—without peeling.” This is particularly valuable for warehouse managers labeling mixed-material inventory. Staples customers noted that even on textured cardboard, the bond remained secure during cross-country shipments.
The eco-conscious aspect also resonated with certain buyers. FSC certification and responsibly sourced paper drew positive mentions from Office Depot’s verified reviewers, who appreciated “quality without compromising sustainability.” For educational institutions and nonprofits, this was a purchasing influence.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint concerns water resistance. Multiple Staples and Trustpilot reviewers point out that “labels will run or warp if exposed to rain.” This limits suitability for outdoor shipping unless combined with protective packaging. Amazon customers shipping internationally noted that moisture damage during transit could render barcodes unreadable.
Printer compatibility occasionally surfaced as a frustration. While Avery markets these labels for both inkjet and laser, Reddit user feedback shows inkjet output can be “less crisp” with slight feathering on edges. Small business owners relying on inexpensive inkjet models reported needing to reprint for professional presentation.
Another minor but recurring issue is curling in humid environments. A verified buyer on Amazon described labels “lifting slightly at the corners” after storage in a non-climate-controlled warehouse. Though rare, it’s a consideration for bulk buyers in coastal or tropical regions.
Divisive Features
The matte finish divides opinions. Etsy sellers liked the “clean, understated look” for artisanal branding, as noted on Trustpilot. However, some Amazon reviewers preferred glossy labels for a more premium appearance. This is less about function and more about aesthetic preference, but it affects perceived product quality for certain audiences.
Permanent adhesion also sparks mixed feelings. While most value the secure bond, office settings that require frequent relabeling find the non-repositionable design wasteful. One Staples reviewer noted: “Mistakes mean starting over—once it’s down, it’s down.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s 4.9-star average suggests strong reliability, with many long-term users. One verified reviewer stated: “Been using these for over a year, no drop in quality—every sheet feeds perfectly.” Reddit posts reinforce this, with sellers reporting consistent results after hundreds of shipments.
No scam concerns emerged in data. The product’s widespread retail availability through Staples, Office Depot, and major e-commerce platforms adds legitimacy. Long-term durability is primarily tied to adhesive strength, which user reports confirm remains intact during extended storage and in transit.
Alternatives
The only direct alternative mentioned in aggregated data is the Avery 5164 bulk pack (600 labels), which offers the same TrueBlock® and Sure Feed® technologies at a lower per-label cost. Reddit users running high-volume eBay stores favor the 5164 for cost efficiency. However, for smaller operations, the 150-pack 5264 avoids excess storage needs and potential curling.
Price & Value
Current market prices range from $10.99 on Amazon to $15.99 at Staples, with bulk discounts at OfficeSupply.com lowering unit cost to $0.07 per label. eBay listings show modest resale value for unused packs, indicating steady demand. Community tips suggest buying during back-to-school or office supply sales, where multi-pack deals can drop per-label cost significantly.
FAQ
Q: Can these labels be used with inkjet printers?
A: While technically compatible, multiple users report sharper, smudge-free results with laser printers. Inkjet output may show slight feathering.
Q: Do they work for international shipping?
A: Yes, but without water resistance, they should be protected from moisture to prevent damage during transit.
Q: Is the adhesive removable?
A: No. The permanent adhesive is designed to stay in place once applied, making relabeling without reprinting impossible.
Q: Can the labels be cut to custom sizes?
A: Users have cut them manually, but Avery templates are optimized for full-size use, so cutting may affect feed reliability.
Q: Are they suitable for branding products?
A: Yes. Many small business owners use them for logo and product labels, citing crisp print quality and full coverage.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a high-volume shipper, small business owner, or organizer relying on laser printers and indoor storage. Avoid if you need water-resistant, repositionable, or glossy labels. Pro tip from community: For large operations, consider the Avery 5164 bulk pack to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
