Avery Removable Labels Review: Reliable Stickers, Buggy Software
A verified Amazon buyer summed it up best: “They stick perfectly, stay put, and peel away without a trace.” That sentence captures why the Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels (1 x 1.5 Inches, White, 500 per Pack) have quietly become a staple in offices, classrooms, and craft rooms. With an average rating hovering around 4.6/5 across marketplaces, most users say the product delivers exactly what the name promises — clean adhesion with no residue. But deeper dives into Reddit threads and Trustpilot complaints about Avery’s software show that while the labels themselves earn praise, the design and printing workflow can frustrate even seasoned organizers.
Quick Verdict
| Verdict | Conditional YES — Ideal for everyday labeling if you print sparingly or handwrite your labels. |
|---|
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong adhesion without residue | Poor online design software experience |
| Easy peel and clean removal | Some confusion about printer compatibility |
| Matte surface suits Sharpies and pens | Weak customer support per Trustpilot |
| Cost-effective for bulk use | Software alignment issues reported |
| Works on multiple surfaces | Packaging sometimes inconsistent |
Claims vs Reality
Avery’s official description promises “labels that stick, stay, and remove cleanly without residue.” The marketing goes further, calling them “ideal for containers, boxes, shelves, and smooth surfaces.” Most users largely agree. A verified Amazon buyer mentioned that “the labels stay put for weeks even on plastic bins but come right off when I need to rearrange.” Similarly, on Reddit, one organizer wrote: “I used them on furniture, glass jars, and electronics — not one peeled off until I wanted it to.”
However, a subtle contradiction appears between the “print or write” claim and user behavior. While Avery promotes easy printing via its Design & Print software, Reddit and Trustpilot users almost unanimously avoid it. A Sitejabber review complained: “Printing Avery labels is now a complete pain... the online tool is buggy and wastes half a sheet every time.” This aligns with Amazon reviewers who bypass the issue by handwriting: “I just write on them with a Sharpie — prints too risky,” said one user.
Another official claim promotes compatibility with both inkjet and laser printers. While technically true, several buyers note that printer jams can occur without proper settings. As one teacher noted, “You need to tweak print margins — they tend to misalign unless adjusted manually.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised Features
The standout quality across platforms is adhesion balance. Reddit’s sentiment analysis report found that 73% praised strong adhesion, while 73% also celebrated easy removal. One Redditor noted: “Even after two weeks on appliances, they peel off without any residue.” That adhesive “sweet spot” makes them invaluable for users needing temporary labeling—teachers swapping classroom materials, office managers tracking files, or home crafters organizing pantry jars.
Durability gets similar love. “The sticker is durable and can be used with a Sharpie marker without smudging,” wrote a reviewer on BestViewsReviews. Many called the matte finish “perfect for writing,” unlike cheaper glossy alternatives that smear. Families using markers and pens to label homemade goods found them particularly reliable.
Size also draws near-universal approval. At 1" x 1.5", users consider them versatile yet unobtrusive. “Perfect for date labels or small storage bins,” a Reddit comment read. This “Goldilocks” sizing makes them adaptable for both professional inventory systems and personal projects.
Common Complaints
Where things unravel is software and customer service. Across Trustpilot and Sitejabber, Avery’s design software takes the brunt of user frustration. “Garbage software... I nearly broke my computer trying to align text boxes,” wrote one exasperated reviewer. Another said bluntly, “Avery is pretty bad — templates never align with real labels.” Many described the shift from Avery’s retired DesignPro 5.5 to its web-based Design & Print as a downgrade. “Why force everything online?” one reviewer lamented. This mismatch means that while the labels themselves earn consistent five-star ratings, the software ecosystem behind them languishes at one or two stars.
Some Amazon buyers noticed mild inconsistencies in adhesion between batches. One report mentioned: “My last pack was less sticky than before — maybe stored hot during shipping?” Although isolated, it suggests storage or production variability. Still, these complaints are overshadowed by reliability reports spanning months of use. On Reddit, a user confirmed: “They hold up well over time — no yellowing or random peeling even after months in storage.”
Divisive Features
Printer compatibility divides users into two camps: those who handwrite and those who insist on print precision. The former group reports no issues (“Sharpies write great, no bleed”), while the latter group battles alignment errors. Sitejabber’s Q&A section highlights confusion about Avery’s templates: “Why don’t your templates line up with real labels?” one user asked — a recurring frustration for anyone seeking pixel-perfect professional prints.
There’s also debate around value. At roughly $7.64 per pack on Amazon (about two cents per label), bulk users call it “cheap and convenient.” But a few Etsy sellers and small business owners found cheaper generic alternatives that “worked just as well for product labeling.” Despite that, Avery’s consistency and brand familiarity seem to sustain loyalty.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data paints a complex picture. While Avery’s physical products receive consistently high ratings, its official site averages just 1.4 stars out of 5, mostly due to “horrible customer service” and “unusable software.” One verified buyer vented, “They act like they care, have you send pictures of bad labels, and then ghost you.” Another lamented, “They retired the offline software that used to print perfectly—now everything misaligns.”
Yet within product performance, dependability is clear. Reddit users emphasized long-term durability: “Six months later and no ghost adhesive or fading,” said one review. The removable glue formula performs consistently across temperatures and materials. An Amazon buyer praised its resilience in humid workplaces: “Even on metal drawers, they peel cleanly after weeks.” So while the company’s digital operations falter, the tangible label rolls themselves remain steady and trustworthy.
Alternatives
Within Reddit’s ranking of removable labels, the Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels (1 x 1.5 inches) sat at #17 overall, competing with various sizes under the same brand. The top positions were occupied by Avery’s larger 1 x 2 5/8 inch (6460) and 3-1/3 x 4 inch (6464) models, both rated higher for professional ID labeling. For users prioritizing flexibility or price, labels like HouseLabels HL-30334-R or Daymark MoveMark 2x3” were often mentioned as budget alternatives.
However, those alternatives generally target industrial or restaurant labeling. Office users repeatedly return to Avery for its template library and reliable adhesive formulation. One Redditor summarized the tradeoff: “You can go cheaper, but at least with Avery, I know what I’m getting — good paper, clean peel, legit sizing every time.”
Price & Value
At most major retailers, the pack of 500 labels fluctuates between $7 and $8.50, translating to an ultra-low cost of roughly $0.02 per label. eBay listings confirm competitive resale interest, with 88 units sold by one verified seller holding a 99.9% positive feedback rating. For small businesses ordering in bulk, this makes Avery’s offering economically solid.
Users focused on value frequently note longevity. “Still using the same pack I bought last year,” wrote one Amazon customer. Teachers and office administrators highlight the savings compared to reprinting entire sheets or dealing with residue cleanup. A few buyers warn of inflated shipping fees outside the US — “Amazon added nearly $10 to ship overseas,” one international reviewer flagged.
Buying Tip: Reddit communities suggest buying from established office supply distributors like GarnerSupply, which sells identical packs for as low as $5.55. “Avoid third-party resellers who mix old and new stock,” one buyer cautioned, noting slight differences in adhesive tackiness between production years.
FAQ
Q: Do these labels really come off cleanly from all surfaces?
A: Yes, most users report residue-free removal on glass, metal, plastic, and wood. One Reddit user confirmed testing “on multiple appliances — zero leftover glue.” Only rare complaints cite minor peeling issues when exposed to heat or sunlight.
Q: Can these be used with both inkjet and laser printers?
A: They are officially dual-compatible, but user success varies. Several buyers report “minor alignment frustration” with certain printers unless margin settings are adjusted manually.
Q: How do they perform when written on by hand?
A: Exceptionally well. “Works perfectly with Sharpies and gel pens,” said one home crafter. The matte paper absorbs ink cleanly without smudging or feathering.
Q: Does Avery’s online design software work properly for these?
A: Most users say no. Reviews on Sitejabber call it “glitchy” and “frustrating.” Many prefer downloading templates and designing through Word or Photoshop instead of using Avery’s online platform.
Q: Will the labels damage delicate surfaces or photos?
A: Rarely. The adhesive is removable, designed for temporary use. However, users caution against long-term application in direct sun, as it may harden slightly over weeks.
Final Verdict
Buy the Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels (1 x 1.5 Inches, White) if you’re a teacher, small business owner, or home organizer seeking reliable temporary labeling with an easy peel. Avoid if your workflow depends heavily on Avery’s online design software—it’s widely hated and buggy.
The pro tip from the community: design offline, print once, and let these labels do what they do best — stick firmly and disappear when you’re done.
Score: 8.3/10 — Excellent everyday reliability, marred only by Avery’s digital missteps.
Slug: avery-self-adhesive-removable-labels-1x1-5-review
