Avery Removable Labels Review: Strong Adhesion, Mixed Software
One Reddit user summed it up simply: “I used the stickers on various pieces of furniture, appliances, and household goods, and not one of them has fallen off even after two weeks.” That kind of adhesion — paired with clean removal — is rare and the reason Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels (1 x 1.5 inches) earn a solid 8.2/10 from aggregated user feedback.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Excellent for temporary labeling; avoid if you depend heavily on Avery’s design software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong adhesion yet easy to remove | Avery Design & Print online tool widely criticized |
| No sticky residue left behind | Misaligned printing reported by some users |
| Durable material resists smudging | Some buyers mention labels curling in heat |
| Versatile across paper, cardboard, glass, metal | Limited to smooth surfaces for best results |
| Affordable per-label cost (~$0.02) | Reputation for poor customer service |
| Compatible with inkjet & laser printers | Offline template support has been retired |
| Multiple size and shape options available | Some frustration with formatting on sheets |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials position these labels as sticking firmly to “smooth surfaces” — and indeed, verified buyers on Amazon back that up. One noted: “They stick, stay and remove cleanly without leaving a residue.” For office organizers and crafters, that’s a reliable promise.
However, while Avery claims “easy to customize using free templates,” multiple Trustpilot reviewers challenge the usability of that software. One frustrated customer wrote: “UI is a nightmare. Never works right. No ability to scale from center... increments of moving are too large of a jump.” This suggests that while the labels themselves meet expectations, the supporting customization tools often do not.
The brand also touts compatibility with both inkjet and laser printers. In practice, that’s generally true — a Reddit user described printing with a fine-tip Sharpie without smudging — though a few have reported misalignment issues. As one Sitejabber reviewer put it, “Crooked and misaligned, even the reprints are now misaligned. They use to be pretty reliable but that all changed.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Durability and clean removal stand out in positive reviews across platforms. On BestViewsReviews, 73% praised strong adhesion, with stories of labels lasting for weeks without peeling. One verified buyer shared: “The sticker is durable and can be used with a Sharpie marker without smudging. It also doesn’t leave any hassle or stickiness when removed.”
For kitchen users, Avery’s removable adhesive is particularly valuable. Twitter discussions highlighted its role in freezer labeling — sticking reliably in cold conditions yet peeling off without damage. This makes them ideal for short-term food storage tasks and seasonal labeling projects.
Organizers also benefit from the predictable size and shape. Reddit comments regularly mention the “perfect size” for small containers, file drawers, or craft bins, which reduces waste when printing or handwriting data.
Common Complaints
Despite praise for the physical product, Avery’s design ecosystem drew heavy criticism. Trustpilot reviews are filled with issues surrounding the retirement of their offline Design Pro 5.5 software. Users lament the shift to mandatory online interaction, which one person described as “totally a time waster... you don’t have near the flexibility or customization you did.”
Printing misalignment is another recurring frustration, mostly affecting those using Avery’s templates. Inaccurate preview-to-print matching resulted in wasted sheets. A Sitejabber user warned: “The only way to use their labels without wasting them is to handwrite in your addresses!”
Customer service reputation further dampens buyer confidence. Words like “ignored,” “garbage software,” and “epic fail” appear across multiple reviews, revealing a disconnect between product quality and support experience.
Divisive Features
The adhesive balance — strong yet removable — is viewed differently depending on use case. For temporary labeling, most are thrilled. But in warmer environments or when labels are left for extended periods, some complain about curling edges or diminished stick. A few eBay buyers noted they’re best kept off surfaces exposed to sunlight for long stretches.
Printer compatibility also divides users: while many enjoy perfect alignment with Sure Feed technology, others experience jams or offset prints depending on their hardware and operating system.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis reveals a split personality: the physical labels enjoy solid performance, but Avery’s reputation for technical and customer service reliability is weak. Long-time users cite the discontinuation of functional offline tools as the start of this decline.
On Reddit, long-term experiences with the labels themselves are almost unanimously positive. After months of use in varied environments, users report no degradation in print quality or adhesive performance. This suggests that trust in the product’s physical durability is well-founded, even if faith in the company’s digital ecosystem is wavering.
Alternatives
From Reddit rankings, Avery’s 1 x 1.5 inch pack placed at #17 among removable label favorites, suggesting both popularity and competition. Higher-ranked options include Avery removable 1 x 2 5/8 inch white ID labels (6460) and Houselabels HL-30334 removable adhesive products, which may offer more value for users needing larger sizes or more sheets per pack.
Those seeking reusable options might consider bulk chalkboard labels mentioned in community lists, which eliminate reliance on software altogether and avoid single-use adhesive concerns.
Price & Value
At an average Amazon price of $7.64 for 500 labels ($0.02 each), these Avery labels offer strong value. eBay sellers list similar packs around $8.75, showing minimal resale inflation. Bulk purchase or multi-pack deals can lower costs further, making them viable for high-volume, short-term projects.
Community buying tips repeatedly suggest avoiding direct reliance on Avery’s paid customization services; instead, download Word or Photoshop templates to bypass printing issues and save both time and money.
FAQ
Q: Do Avery removable labels leave residue?
A: No, the adhesive is formulated to peel away cleanly from smooth surfaces like paper, glass, and metal, as reported by multiple verified buyers.
Q: Can these labels be reused after removal?
A: Most removable labels, including Avery’s, are not designed for reuse. Adhesive strength typically decreases after first application.
Q: Will the labels work in cold environments like freezers?
A: Yes, users on Twitter/X note they hold well in freezer conditions yet remove easily when needed.
Q: Is Avery Design & Print necessary to use these labels?
A: No. While marketed alongside, many users bypass it by using third-party templates due to dissatisfaction with Avery’s software.
Q: What surfaces do these labels adhere to best?
A: Smooth finishes — paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, glass, and metal — yield the most reliable adhesion and removal performance.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need affordable, durable, temporary labels for smooth surfaces and are willing to handwrite or use third-party printing templates. Avoid if your labeling workflow depends heavily on Avery’s online software. Pro tip from community: Skip Avery's official design tool; download offline templates for better control and alignment.
