New Zealand Shipping Label Printing Guide (Zappy, GoSweet & eShip)
In New Zealand eCommerce and warehouse logistics, platforms such as Zappy, GoSweet, and eShip are widely used to generate courier shipping labels. These systems integrate with major carriers like NZ Post and CouriersPlease, enabling fast and automated fulfillment workflows.
1. Overview of Shipping Label Systems in New Zealand
Zappy
Zappy is commonly used for automated order processing and shipping label generation. It supports PDF and thermal formats (ZPL), making it compatible with Zebra and other thermal printers.
GoSweet
GoSweet is a multi-carrier shipping platform used in NZ eCommerce. It generates A4 PDF labels or 100x150mm thermal labels depending on workflow setup.
eShip
eShip integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce and supports both PDF and thermal label printing, offering flexible shipping automation for retailers.
2. Thermal Printer vs Laser Printer Comparison
| Feature | Thermal Printer | Laser / Inkjet Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Cost | Low (no ink or toner required) | High (toner or ink required) |
| Consumables | Thermal label rolls only | Toner + paper or adhesive sheets |
| Speed | Very fast (ideal for bulk shipping) | Slower |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Higher maintenance (toner, jams, cleaning) |
| Durability | Medium (can fade over time) | High print stability |
| Best Use Case | Ecommerce warehouses, courier labels | Office or low-volume printing |
3. Why Thermal Printers Are Preferred for eCommerce
- Eliminates ink and toner costs
- High-speed batch printing for daily orders
- Supports standard 102x175mm shipping labels
- Compatible with Zebra, TSC, Brother printers
- Seamless integration with Zappy, GoSweet, and eShip
4. Common Issues with Laser Printing Shipping Labels
- High ongoing toner and ink costs
- Manual cutting required for adhesive labels
- Paper jams and maintenance issues
- Slower fulfillment workflow
5. Recommended Setup for New Zealand eCommerce Sellers
For efficient shipping operations in NZ, the recommended setup is:
- ✔ Thermal printer (Zebra / TSC / Brother)
- ✔ 102x175mm thermal shipping labels
- ✔ Zappy / GoSweet / eShip integration
- ✔ Direct PDF or ZPL label output
6. Summary
Thermal printing has become the industry standard for New Zealand eCommerce logistics. Compared to laser printers, thermal solutions provide lower cost, faster processing, and better scalability for growing online businesses.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best printer for shipping labels in New Zealand?
A thermal label printer such as Zebra or TSC is the most efficient solution for printing courier labels in NZ.
Can I use a laser printer for shipping labels?
Yes, but it is not recommended for high-volume shipping due to higher costs and slower processing speed.
What size are courier labels in NZ?
The most common size is 102x175mm thermal labels, widely supported by NZ Post and courier platforms.
Do Zappy, GoSweet, and eShip support thermal printers?
Yes, all three platforms support thermal label output formats such as PDF and ZPL.
