Avery Easy Peel 5162 Review: Strong Adhesion, Fast Use
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the Avery Easy Peel Address Labels, 1-1/3" x 4", White, 1400 Blank (5162) emerge as a surprisingly consistent performer in the world of bulk mailing and organizational labels. Across platforms, the product sits at an impressive average score of 9.5/10, with recurring praise for its adhesion, print quality, and the time-saving Easy Peel design. While officially marketed as optimized for laser printers with “jam-free” and “smudge-free” guarantees, real-world experiences reinforce most of these claims—though some small caveats around environmental conditions and storage do surface.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Highly recommended for high-volume mailing, office organization, and event labeling.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong permanent adhesion on multiple surfaces | Not waterproof — unsuitable for outdoor use |
| Easy Peel Pop-up Edge speeds application | Non acid-free — may yellow over time |
| Sure Feed technology minimizes printer jams | Permanent adhesive means no repositioning |
| Crisp, smudge-free print quality on laser printers | Matte white only — no color options |
| Wide compatibility with major printer brands | Requires dry, cool storage to maintain quality |
| Versatile uses beyond mailing (gifts, jars, favors) | Limited durability in high-humidity settings |
Claims vs Reality
Avery’s marketing highlights three core promises: jam-free printing, smudge-free results, and ultrahold permanent adhesion. Digging deeper into user reports, most customers agree these claims largely hold up.
For jam-free performance, the proprietary Sure Feed technology is touted to prevent misalignments. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I’ve run hundreds of sheets through my HP LaserJet without a single misfeed. That’s unheard of.” Reddit user OfficePro*** backed this up, saying: “I used to waste 3–4 labels per batch with older brands. This design eliminated that frustration entirely.”
On smudge-free printing, Avery specifies laser optimization. A Staples reviewer observed: “Text comes out crisp, even with small fonts. Graphics are razor-sharp too.” However, a minority of users reported slight ink lift when handling labels immediately after printing in humid environments, suggesting the “smudge-free” claim is conditional.
Permanent adhesion is universally praised. A Trustpilot reviewer stated: “These stick to cardboard, glass, and even textured plastic without peeling up.” Yet, the permanence means mistakes are costly—once applied, removal often damages the surface.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Staples, Office Depot, and Trustpilot, users rave about the Easy Peel Pop-up Edge feature. For bulk mailers, this is a game-changer. A verified buyer on Amazon explained: “Bending the sheet to pop up the edge saves me minutes per page. Over 500 envelopes, that’s hours saved.” Event planners also find value, with one Office Depot reviewer noting: “When labeling 300 wedding favors, the fast peel kept the assembly line moving without hiccups.”
The print clarity is another standout. Office users consistently report that “black, blue, and colored text stands out against the bright white background,” improving legibility for mailing addresses. Teachers and small business owners use them for classroom organization and product packaging, citing the crisp print as vital for professionalism.
Sure Feed technology is not just a marketing term—users across Reddit and Trustpilot confirm fewer printer jams. Reddit user LabelKing*** shared: “I’ve tried off-brand labels that curled or jammed. With these, my Canon printer feeds perfectly every time.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent limitation is lack of water resistance. Outdoor vendors and gardeners note that rain or condensation can ruin the labels. A Staples reviewer warned: “If your packages might get wet, these will smear or peel.” Similarly, Avery admits in its specs that the labels are “not waterproof.”
Another drawback is the non-repositionable adhesive. For perfectionists or those labeling irregular surfaces, this can be frustrating. Amazon reviewer feedback includes: “One wrong placement and you can’t peel it off without tearing.”
Some users also mention the non acid-free paper, which could cause yellowing over extreme long-term storage. This matters less for short-term mailing but can impact archival uses.
Divisive Features
The matte white finish splits opinion. Professional mailers appreciate the clean, subdued look. However, craft users and marketers sometimes prefer glossy or colored labels. A Reddit craft community member said: “Great for office, but I wish Avery offered this Easy Peel in metallic or transparent finishes.”
Another point of division is laser-only optimization. While Avery produces inkjet-compatible variants, this particular model (5162) is laser-focused. Some inkjet users report acceptable results, but Avery does not guarantee performance, leading to mixed expectations.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reviews and Reddit threads suggest Avery maintains consistent quality control. Bulk buyers—those ordering thousands of labels annually—report uniform sheet cuts and alignment. A Trustpilot reviewer mentioned: “Six months later, every sheet still feeds perfectly. No curling, no edge lift.”
The FSC certification and “Leadership Forestry” sourcing earn goodwill among eco-conscious buyers, though this is secondary to performance in most discussions.
Long-term durability stories are telling. Reddit user MailRoomMaven*** shared: “We labeled archive boxes three years ago—still stuck, still legible.” Conversely, humid storage environments can degrade adhesion over time, reinforcing the importance of dry conditions.
Alternatives
While no direct competitors are extensively discussed in the provided data, users occasionally reference off-brand labels from office supply chains. The consensus is that cheaper options often lack Sure Feed reliability and strong adhesion. One Staples reviewer compared: “The discount brand saved me $10 but cost me in wasted sheets and reprints.”
Price & Value
Prices range from $32.99 (Amazon sale) to $59.99 (Staples Canada). Bulk buyers on eBay report per-label costs as low as $0.03 when purchasing multi-packs. Community tips suggest buying during seasonal office supply sales to maximize savings, especially for large events or mailing campaigns.
Resale value is negligible—these are consumables—but unopened boxes maintain full retail value in secondary markets.
FAQ
Q: Can these labels be used with inkjet printers?
A: Officially, model 5162 is optimized for laser printers. While some inkjet users report decent results, Avery does not guarantee smudge-free performance outside laser printing.
Q: Will the labels stick to plastic surfaces?
A: Yes, users confirm adhesion to plastic, glass, cardboard, and metal. However, smooth plastics may require firm pressure during application.
Q: Are these labels recyclable?
A: Made from paper, they can be recycled, but the adhesive may limit acceptance in some programs. Check local recycling guidelines.
Q: Do they work with Avery’s online templates?
A: Absolutely. Multiple users praise the ease of importing data from Excel or Outlook into Avery’s free Design & Print software.
Q: How should they be stored for longevity?
A: Keep in a cool, dry place. Humid storage can cause curling or reduced adhesion over time.
Final Verdict: Buy if you handle high-volume mailing, require professional-grade print quality, or value speed in application. Avoid if you need waterproof or repositionable labels. Pro tip from the community: bend the sheet gently to activate the Pop-up Edge—it saves significant time when labeling hundreds of items.
