Avery TrueBlock Shipping Labels Review: Conditional Buy
Digging into community feedback, Avery White Shipping Labels for Laser Printers, 3 1/3 x 4 Inch, Box of 600 earn an impressive consensus score of 9.1/10, but not without caveats. While most users praise their TrueBlock coverage and jam-free feeding, a notable subset report problematic adhesive performance, particularly in transit.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| TrueBlock technology ensures full coverage for reusing boxes | Some users report labels peeling during shipping |
| Jam-free, smudge-free printing across major laser printers | Not waterproof; unsuitable for damp environments |
| Free templates allow quick customization | Adhesive performance can vary between batches |
| UltraHold adhesive sticks to varied surfaces | Recyclable backing not available, limiting eco claims |
| Professional, bright white finish | Pricier than generic alternatives |
| Sure Feed technology reduces alignment errors |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing copy leans heavily on Avery’s TrueBlock technology, promising to “completely cover old shipping labels.” In practice, user stories confirm this claim. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “TrueBlock completely hides whatever was underneath, even bold black text from an old label.” For small businesses reusing packaging, this feature is genuinely game-changing.
The brand also touts “UltraHold permanent adhesive sticks and stays securely on cardboard, envelopes, paper, glass or metal.” While many agree, Trustpilot feedback paints a mixed picture. One long-term buyer complained: “Over the past year or so… these labels are peeling off in transit. Extremely disappointing.” This adhesive weakness appears infrequently but consistently in negative reports, suggesting possible inconsistencies in adhesive batches rather than outright failure of the product line.
Avery claims “Jam-free and smudge-free printing is guaranteed,” with compatibility across HP, Canon, Epson laser printers. Reddit user feedback aligns here: “Images are crisp and clean. We haven’t had any problems feeding them through our copier.” Across Amazon and Staples reviews, print quality is cited as “vivid” and “sharp,” with the bright white finish enhancing professional presentation.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
TrueBlock coverage emerges as the most consistent win across platforms. Users in logistics and e-commerce lean on this for efficiency. On Reddit, one user explained: “Staff doesn’t have to peel old labels off — saves time and lets us reuse boxes instantly.” This saves both labor and material costs in high-volume operations.
Jam-free printing is another recurring highlight. Staples reviewers often mention flawless feeding, with Avery’s Sure Feed technology credited for preventing misalignments. A verified Staples buyer remarked: “Printers automatically adjust so they print perfectly each time. I have never had to waste one single label.” For small office teams without time for reprints, this reliability adds measurable workflow value.
Customization via Avery’s free templates also earns praise. Craft vendors and small businesses appreciate the ability to “upload from a database” and print hundreds of labels fast. Community reports from Etsy sellers confirm integration with popular e-commerce shipping tools, making these labels versatile beyond just mailing.
Common Complaints
Adhesive performance remains the most common issue among detractors. Trustpilot features multiple complaints about peeling labels arriving undelivered. One buyer bluntly stated: “Mail had not been received... found that the labels are peeling off in transit.” While marketed as permanent, field use under handling stress or certain materials seems to expose limitations.
Lack of waterproofing is another weakness. Staples notes explicitly “not waterproof,” meaning rain exposure can damage the label. This notably affects outdoor shipments or warehouse use where condensation is present. Users shipping perishables or liquids often seek vinyl or film alternatives for durability.
A small but notable gripe relates to eco-conscious claims. While FSC-certified paper earns praise, several sustainable packaging advocates note the non-recyclable backing paper diminishes the green appeal. One Trustpilot reviewer celebrated recycled content but added: “If you don’t buy recycled goods there is no market… but the backing still ends up in the trash.”
Divisive Features
The bright white finish pleases branding-focused buyers but draws mixed reactions from those needing subtler aesthetics. Craft sellers occasionally prefer kraft or matte brown finishes for a rustic presentation, viewing the white as overly clinical.
Repositionability — or rather the lack thereof — divides users. The permanent adhesive is a strength for shipment security, but those in retail product labeling sometimes wish for a repositionable option to correct alignment. For them, Avery’s repositionable line offers alternatives but at higher costs.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability sits in a bifurcated zone. Many Reddit users report consistent performance “sheet after perfect sheet” even after months of storage. Amazon buyers similarly note no yellowing or curling over time.
Conversely, adhesive complaints cluster in recent years, raising slight red flags about manufacturing consistency. A Trustpilot reviewer recounted multiple incidents over “the past year or so,” with Avery customer service offering little remediation beyond assurances their product was fine. These reports are rare relative to total sales but notable for buyers in mission-critical shipping contexts.
Alternatives
Within Avery’s own range, repositionable labels (model 55164) trade adhesive permanence for flexibility, suiting lower-risk shipment or retail use. Office Depot’s half-sheet format (95900) appeals to larger item labeling, offering similar TrueBlock coverage. Generic shipping labels cost less but lose out on jam-free feeding and customization support — as noted in Quill.com listings, per-sheet cost drops but so does user satisfaction in print quality.
Price & Value
Prices cluster around $39.39–$50.99 for 600 labels ($0.07–$0.09 each), per Staples and Quill data. eBay resale trends suggest relatively stable value, with modest markdowns for bulk buyers. Community advice warns against over-purchasing without storage planning, as humidity can affect adhesive over long periods.
For high-volume shippers, the per-label cost is justified by print reliability and TrueBlock coverage. For occasional home sending, cheaper generic labels may suffice unless brand presentation is a priority.
FAQ
Q: Do these Avery labels work with inkjet printers?
A: No, they are optimized for laser printers. Inkjet users should opt for Avery’s inkjet-compatible TrueBlock series to ensure adhesion and print clarity.
Q: Will these labels stick to plastic or glass?
A: Yes, the UltraHold adhesive is designed for cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, tin, and metal surfaces. However, reports suggest adhesive strength may diminish on slick or oily surfaces.
Q: Can they be removed without damaging the box?
A: No, they are permanent adhesive labels. Attempts to remove them usually tear the label or mar the surface underneath.
Q: Is the paper backing recyclable?
A: No, while the labels themselves are FSC-certified, the backing paper cannot be recycled in standard municipal systems.
Q: What’s the maximum size logo or design I can fit?
A: At 3 1/3” x 4”, large logos, return addresses, and barcode scanning areas fit comfortably alongside shipment details.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a high-volume shipper needing reliable, professional-looking labels with full coverage for reused boxes. Avoid if waterproofing or repositionability is essential to your process. Pro tip from the community: store label sheets flat in a cool, dry place to maintain adhesive performance for months.
