Avery 8464 Shipping Labels Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
"They stick, they feed perfectly, and they cover up everything underneath," one verified buyer declared, rating the Avery Printable Shipping Labels, 3-1/3" x 4", White, 600 Blank (8464) a solid 9/10. Durable printing and the TrueBlock® technology win praise across platforms—although adhesive performance is a polarizing point."
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed smudge-free and jam-free printing | Reports of weak adhesive in some batches |
| TrueBlock® completely hides old labels/markings | Not water-resistant or weatherproof |
| Sure Feed® technology prevents misalignments | Requires non-recyclable disposal of backing |
| FSC-certified paper for eco-conscious buyers | Higher price than generic labels |
| Crisp text and image reproduction | May peel during postal transit |
| Works with free Avery templates/designs | Adhesive performance inconsistent between users |
Claims vs Reality
Avery markets these labels as smudge-free, jam-free, and optimized for inkjet printers. Multiple Amazon buyers back this up. One noted: "Images are crisp and clean. We haven't had any problems with feeding them through our copier. Very happy with Avery labels." The Sure Feed sheets seem to deliver—as Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly mentioned smooth printing without wasting a single label.
The second major claim is TrueBlock® technology, meant to completely cover anything underneath. Users confirm the marketing here matches reality. A verified buyer on Staples wrote: "TrueBlock technology prevents any writing underneath the label from showing through, so you can reuse packaging." For businesses reusing boxes, this is a tangible cost and waste saver.
Avery also suggests the permanent adhesive “sticks and stays to most smooth surfaces.” Here, reality shows cracks. Reddit user reviews cite failures in transit: "These labels are peeling off in transit… complaining to Avery is like talking to a doorknob." While many never report adhesive issues, for high-volume shippers, this inconsistency matters.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The highlight across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Staples reviews is print quality and reliability in feeding through printers. One long-term Staples customer explained: "Printers automatically adjust so they print perfectly each time. I have never had to waste one single label." For small business owners printing dozens of shipping labels daily, this consistency keeps operations smooth.
TrueBlock® coverage is another widely shared applause point. From Office Depot to Reddit threads, users emphasize the clean appearance after covering old markings. "We reuse boxes… these cover up everything underneath for a polished, professional appearance," said an eco-conscious buyer. For those in art shipping or retail resale, it enhances presentation without buying new packaging.
Eco credentials—FSC certification, chlorine-free processing, and recyclable packaging—earn approval, especially among buyers who purposefully choose recycled materials. One reviewer wrote: "If you don't buy recycled goods, there is no market for them… we use these every single day." For non-profits and environmentally conscious offices, this aligns with procurement policies.
Common Complaints
The most persistent complaint is adhesive performance. While described as “permanent,” multiple users recount instances of labels peeling mid-shipment, leading to lost mail. This frustrates heavy mailers, as one Reddit customer noted: "Extremely disappointing… mail had not been received and I found the labels were peeling off in transit." No other major defect triggers such consistent frustration.
Another limitation: weather resistance. Official specs spell out “not water-resistant, not weatherproof.” Outdoor or long-haul shippers relying on these labels without protective sleeves risk smudging or damage. Buyers sending international parcels also point to environmental exposure as a concern.
Divisive Features
The eco-friendly angle splits opinions. Some buyers appreciate recycled content despite the backing sheet not being recyclable, praising the environmental effort. Others feel the label’s sustainability profile is overstated—especially given the inconsistencies in adhesive performance which lead to waste if labels fail.
Template compatibility gets mixed reception. On one hand, Avery’s free online design tools are loved, with pre-set compatibility for multiple templates. On the other, one Staples reviewer had to "make my own table… on Microsoft Word to create the text and images I wanted," suggesting the software isn’t seamless for all workflows.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback shows strong satisfaction scores—4.9 out of 5 stars from hundreds of Office Depot buyers—with recurrent praise for consistent feed and print quality even after months of use. "We have used many of these shipping labels and have never had an issue with them. I would recommend this shipping label," said one repeat buyer.
However, Reddit’s adhesive complaint pattern casts some shadow. The “peeling in transit” issue isn’t a majority case, but for those affected, it leads to real losses. This suggests either manufacturing variability over time or surface compatibility issues—important for buyers shipping on non-standard materials like plastic or glossy envelopes.
Long-term reports generally show the labels maintain print legibility without fading, but adhesive reliability seems tied to environmental conditions and handling. Users in controlled indoor conditions report flawless results; those shipping across climates note occasional failures.
Alternatives
Where adhesive confidence is paramount—such as for outdoor shipping—users sometimes switch to Avery 5164 Laser Shipping Labels, which share dimensions but are optimized for laser printers and claim stronger Ultrahold adhesive. Others opt for generic budget labels like Spartan Industrial, trading brand support for volume pricing but accepting potential print feed issues.
For eco-focused buyers, Avery Eco Friendly Recycled Shipping Labels (48464) offer similar size and TrueBlock coverage, with 100% post-consumer content, but reviews indicate similar adhesive debates.
Price & Value
Current prices vary: around $48–$55 per box of 600 labels at major suppliers, equating to $0.08–$0.09 per label. Cheaper generics dip to $0.02 per label, but feedback consistently points to lower print quality and feed reliability in those options. On resale platforms like eBay, unopened boxes can fetch about $20–$30 if supply outpaces demand, making bulk buying feasible for resale.
Community buying tips include pairing Office Depot coupons with bulk orders, and watching for Staples’ seasonal promotions which can drop prices below $45.
FAQ
Q: Do the Avery 8464 labels work with both inkjet and laser printers?
A: Although optimized for inkjet, many users report successful results with laser printers, but Avery’s official specs list inkjet as the primary compatibility.
Q: Can these labels withstand outdoor weather during shipping?
A: No—buyers confirm they are not weatherproof or water-resistant. Protective sleeves or tape overlays are suggested for outdoor exposure.
Q: Are backing sheets recyclable?
A: No, the label backing is not curbside recyclable, even though the label paper and packaging are FSC-certified and recyclable.
Q: Will the adhesive stick securely to plastic or metal surfaces?
A: Mixed results—some buyers report strong bonding to smooth surfaces like glass and metal, while others note peeling in transit on certain materials.
Q: Are Avery’s online templates reliable?
A: Generally yes, but some users prefer creating custom layouts in Word or other software for tighter control over print alignment.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a small business or office using standard cardboard or paper surfaces under controlled conditions—the print quality and TrueBlock coverage are outstanding. Avoid if you ship across extreme climates or rely on adhesion to slick materials without extra reinforcement. Pro tip from community: For maximum reliability, test one sheet on your typical packaging surface before committing to bulk use.
