How to Print Shipping Labels on eBay (Step-by-Step)

Printing shipping labels on eBay is straightforward once your settings are configured correctly. From choosing the right label format to printing on desktop or mobile devices, this step-by-step guide explains exactly how to print eBay shipping labels accurately and avoid common sizing or scaling issues.

Step 1: Buy Your eBay Shipping Label and Set the 4×6 Label Format

Printing crisp 4×6 thermal shipping labels for USPS, UPS, and FedEx starts with setting the correct format during the purchase process. This ensures your eBay labels generate at the industry-standard size (100×150mm) that thermal shipping label printers expect.

1. Log in to your eBay account and go to your Orders. Find the item you sold.

2. Click Purchase Shipping Label.

3. Click "Show More" or "Advanced Settings" → Print Format

4. Select PDF – 4×6 inches → Save (becomes default for all future labels)

5. Enter the weight and dimensions of your package (accuracy matters—they affect postage cost).

6. Choose your carrier service (e.g., USPS Priority, UPS Ground).

7. Review the total cost and click Purchase Shipping Label.

After payment, eBay will generate a printable label file—usually in PDF format—that you can save or open.

Tip: If you're also printing in bulk later, double-check that the format stays at 4×6 before printing multiple labels.

Step 2: Print Perfect 4×6 Labels on Thermal Printers

Now that you have the label file, it's time to print it using your thermal label printer:

1. Open the label file (PDF) that eBay generated.

2. Make sure your printer is selected in the print dialog.

3. Ensure page scaling or “fit to page” is turned off so the label prints at exactly 4×6 inches.

4. Press Print.

Dedicated 4×6 shipping label printers produce crisp, carrier-ready labels without the need for cutting or taping.

Common print settings to check:

• Set the label size in your system printer preferences to 4×6 (100 × 150 mm).

• Turn off “fit to page” or auto-scale to avoid resized labels.

eBay Label Printing from Mobile Devices

If you create or manage labels on the go, many thermal printers support printing from a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet:

1. Pair your Bluetooth-enabled thermal printer with your phone (e.g., iOS or Android).

2. Open the eBay app and complete the label purchase as usual.

3. When the label downloads, open it in a compatible PDF viewer or printing app.

4. Choose your Bluetooth printer as the output device and print.

Keep in mind that some thermal printers may require a companion app to print PDFs directly from mobile.

Recommended reading: Best Shipping Label Printers in 2026

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the right steps, you might run into issues sometimes. Here are solutions to common problems:

❌ Label Keeps Printing as 8.5×11 PDF

If your label preview still opens as 8.5×11:

• Verify your label format was saved correctly in eBay before purchase.

• In the print dialog, make sure PDF scaling is set to Actual Size (not Fit to Page).

❌ Printer Doesn't Appear in Print Dialog

• Close your browser and reopen it. Chrome or Firefox is often more reliable than other browsers for printing labels.

• Make sure you have installed the printer driver and selected the correct printer in your system or print app.

❌ Labels Print Off-Center or Cut Off

• Double-check that the printer page size is set to 4×6 both in the eBay print preferences and in your printer settings.

• Avoid automatic scaling options in the PDF viewer.

Best Practices for Great Results

• Run a test print first: Before printing a full batch, test one label to confirm settings are correct.

• Keep label rolls clean and dry: Moisture or dust can cause misprints or jams.

• Store extra labels properly: Extreme temperatures can curl thermal paper and affect print quality.

• Always double-check addresses: Accuracy reduces delivery delays and returns.

Conclusion

Printing shipping labels on eBay doesn't have to be complicated. By setting the label format to 4×6, purchasing the label within your eBay seller dashboard, and using a thermal printer with the correct settings, you can create crisp, carrier-ready labels every time.

Whether you're on desktop or mobile, following these steps helps streamline your shipping workflow so you can focus more on selling and less on printer headaches.