Royal Mail’s decision to charge for thermal labels in 2026 has caught the attention of thousands of UK sellers. For years, many Online Business Account (OBA) users relied on Royal Mail supplies as part of their daily dispatch routine. Now that those labels come at a cost, sellers are asking an important question: should they continue buying labels through Royal Mail, or is it time to take control of label supply?
Royal Mail Charges £5.63 per roll (VAT included) for 4×6 thermal labels, and buying 12 rolls costs around £67.56 (VAT included). Mr Bags Charges £4.99 per roll (VAT included) for 4×6 thermal labels, and buying 12 rolls costs £59.99 (VAT included) for white 4×6 thermal labels, with 500 labels per roll. If you print labels daily, choosing Mr Bags can save you money over time.
Many sellers have also noticed Royal Mail has reduced the number of thermal label rolls you can order per request (for some accounts, this has dropped to 5 rolls per order, where it previously allowed 10). That kind of limit makes planning harder when you are shipping daily. Buying labels independently means you can order the quantity you actually need, without waiting or splitting orders.
This guide is written for UK eCommerce sellers who ship parcels every day. Whether you sell on eBay, Amazon, Etsy or your own website, thermal labels are not optional – they are a core part of your operation. This article explains what changed, why 4×6 is the industry standard, and how sellers can build a reliable, cost-controlled setup without relying on courier supplies.
Royal Mail Charging for Thermal Labels – What Changed in 2026?
In 2026, Royal Mail confirmed that thermal labels previously supplied to some business customers would now be chargeable. This includes standard 4×6 thermal label rolls ordered through Royal Mail’s online mail supplies system. The updated policy is outlined on Royal Mail’s official business site, which shows thermal labels listed as a paid supply rather than a complimentary item for OBA users. You can view Royal Mail’s current mail supplies information here: Royal Mail Online Mail Supplies – Thermal Labels.
For many OBA users, this change was unexpected. Thermal labels had become part of the background of daily operations – something that “just arrived” when ordered. With Royal Mail now charging per roll, label supply has shifted from a bundled convenience to a visible operating cost.
Royal Mail’s own guidance on mail supplies and label ordering can be found on their official site, and it makes clear that labels are no longer treated as a free business extra. This change affects how sellers plan, budget and manage dispatch.
Who This Change Affects Most in UK eCommerce
This change impacts several groups of sellers, but the effect is strongest for those shipping high volumes.
OBA account holders who dispatch parcels daily are the most directly affected. Labels are a consumable item, and any recurring cost quickly adds up over weeks and months.
eBay sellers using Royal Mail services often rely on thermal labels for speed and accuracy. Any disruption to label supply slows dispatch.
Amazon FBM sellers need consistent, scannable labels to meet dispatch and delivery standards.
Etsy sellers, many of whom run small but busy operations, depend on simple workflows and predictable costs.
Website and Shopify sellers often use multiple couriers and need labels that work across platforms, not just with one provider.
Why Relying on Free Courier Labels Was Always Risky
Courier-supplied labels were convenient, but they came with an unseen risk: dependency.
Limits on ordering are another operational risk. When supplies are capped per order, sellers are forced to place multiple requests, wait longer, or risk running short during busy weeks. If you dispatch every day, label supply should be predictable, not restricted.
When a business relies on a third party for essential consumables, it loses control. Policy changes, supply delays or service restrictions can disrupt dispatch overnight. The 2026 Royal Mail change highlights this risk clearly.
For sellers shipping dozens or hundreds of parcels per day, label availability is not a minor detail. Running out of labels means delayed orders, unhappy customers and lost time.
Owning Your Own Thermal Labels
Many UK sellers are now choosing to buy their own thermal labels rather than relying on courier supplies.
Owning your own labels means:
- Predictable costs
- Consistent quality
- No reliance on courier policy changes
- Labels that work across multiple platforms and couriers
Once a seller moves to independent supply, thermal labels become just another controlled stock item – ordered when needed, in the quantity required.
What Size Thermal Labels Do UK Sellers Actually Need?
Despite the number of label sizes available, UK eCommerce has settled on one clear standard: 4×6 inches. This size works across Royal Mail, eBay, Amazon, Etsy and most courier platforms. It fits parcel dimensions comfortably and allows address details and barcodes to scan cleanly.
Most sellers only need two sizes in total: 4×6 for general use, and 4×4 for specific courier services. See all sizes and colours here: Thermal Labels collection.
4×6 Thermal Labels – The UK Standard
4×6 thermal labels are the default choice for Royal Mail and marketplace sellers. They are compatible with common thermal printers and are accepted across major platforms.
Many UK sellers choose plain white labels because they are universally recognised and work with all couriers.
White 4×6 thermal labels are the most widely used option for everyday dispatch.
Why Choose These 4×6 Labels
- UK shipping standard size – widely supported across Royal Mail, eBay, Amazon, Etsy and courier platforms
- Load-and-print simplicity – direct thermal printing means no ink or toner
- Durable hot-melt adhesive – reliable sticking on parcels during handling
- Perforated for speed – clean separation, faster packing
- Cost-effective economy stock – ideal for high-volume daily dispatch
- UK stock and fast despatch – helps keep your fulfilment running smoothly
4×4 Thermal Labels – DPD & Courier Use
Some couriers, including DPD, use 4×4 labels for specific services. Sellers who ship with multiple couriers often keep a small stock of this size alongside their main 4×6 labels.
4×4 thermal labels are useful for these cases and help avoid resizing or reprinting issues.
Key Features
- Size: 4×6″ (100×150 mm) – UK standard for courier labels
- Paper type: Direct Thermal Economy – no ribbon needed
- Perforation: Between each label for clean tear and quick handling
- Adhesive: Hot-melt adhesive for a strong bond on cardboard, films and plastics
- Print quality: Sharp output for barcodes and tracking codes
- Use case: Designed for short-term shipping, picking and returns labels
- Compatibility: Works with common 4″ thermal printers (see below)
- Colour options: White, red, blue, yellow and orange
Printer Compatibility (4″ Thermal Printers)
These 4×6 thermal labels are compatible with most 4″ direct thermal label printers used by UK sellers. They work well with popular models such as Zebra GK420, Citizen CL-S and TSC DA/TE series, as well as other standard 4″ thermal printers used for shipping labels.
If you already print Royal Mail or marketplace labels on a 4″ printer, 4×6 rolls are normally the easiest switch because they match the standard label format most platforms are built around.
Colour-Coded Thermal Labels: A Hidden Efficiency Trick
Most sellers focus on size, but colour can also improve workflow.
Colour-coded labels are often used in higher-volume operations to separate orders, channels or parcel types at a glance. This reduces packing mistakes and speeds up dispatch.
Using Colour for Smarter Packing
Different colours can be used for different purposes:
- Orange labels for priority or express orders
- Blue labels for Amazon or marketplace orders
- Yellow labels for internal tracking or returns
- Red labels for flagged or special handling parcels
Colour does not affect scanning when used correctly, but it can significantly reduce human error during packing.
Thermal Labels for eBay, Amazon, Etsy & Website Sellers
Across platforms, thermal labels serve the same role: fast, clean and reliable parcel identification.
eBay and Etsy sellers value quick printing and simple workflows. Amazon FBM sellers rely on accurate scanning to meet performance metrics. Website sellers often use several couriers and need labels that work everywhere.
Using standard 4×6 thermal labels allows sellers to move between platforms without changing equipment or processes.
How Much Can UK Sellers Save by Using Their Own Labels?
| Label type | Pack size | Price (VAT included) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| White 4×6 thermal labels (500 per roll) | 12 rolls | £59.99 | View white 4×6 |
| Coloured 4×6 thermal labels (500 per roll) | 12 rolls | £79.99 | View coloured options |
Royal Mail’s current pricing means sellers pay per roll for thermal labels. When purchased regularly, this becomes a visible monthly cost. Buying labels independently allows sellers to reduce that cost and avoid future increases. For example, buying thermal labels in boxes rather than individual rolls keeps pricing predictable and easier to manage. Over time, even modest savings per box add up for sellers who dispatch daily.
Bulk, Trade and High-Volume Supply
If you ship daily, label supply needs to be boring and predictable. Many OBA users, warehouse teams and trade sellers reorder labels regularly, so buying in boxed quantities helps avoid last-minute shortages.
Our 4×6 rolls are supplied in consistent packs and held in UK stock, which helps businesses keep dispatch running during busy periods. If you need ongoing supply for a growing operation, we can support regular ordering patterns and higher-volume requirements.
Many trade and wholesale sellers choose to standardise on one label size and supplier, so dispatch teams work with the same materials every day. This reduces packing errors, speeds up fulfilment and removes reliance on courier-supplied consumables.
Why Labels and Mailing Bags Should Be Bought Together
Thermal labels are only one part of a dispatch setup. Mailing bags complete the process.
Most UK sellers pack clothing, textiles and soft goods in mailing bags. Buying labels and mailing bags from the same supplier simplifies ordering and ensures compatibility.
Mailing bags are designed to work with thermal labels, providing a smooth surface for scanning and handling.
Most Popular Mailing Bags Used by UK Sellers
Grey mailing bags are the most common choice for everyday dispatch due to their neutral appearance and privacy.
Popular sizes include:
- 9×12 for small items
- 10×14 for light clothing
- 12×16 for hoodies and jumpers
- 13×19 for bulkier orders
When Coloured Mailing Bags Make Sense
Some sellers use coloured mailing bags for branding or order separation.
Options such as blue, green, pink and purple are often used for marketing or internal sorting.
Best Setup for Growing UK eCommerce Sellers
A simple, scalable setup usually includes:
- A reliable thermal printer
- 4×6 thermal labels as the main size
- 4×4 labels if using DPD
- Mailing bags in a small range of sizes
- Packaging tape for heavier parcels
This setup supports growth without adding unnecessary complexity.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make with Labels & Dispatch
- Relying on courier-supplied labels only
- Running out of labels during busy periods
- Using mixed label sizes without planning
- Overpacking or under packing parcels
Most of these issues are avoided by standardising supplies and ordering in advance.
Final Advice for OBA & Online Sellers in 2026
Thermal labels are a small item with a big impact. The 2026 Royal Mail change has made this clear.
UK sellers who take control of their label supply gain stability, predictability and flexibility. Using standard 4×6 thermal labels, keeping backup sizes on hand, and pairing labels with the right mailing bags creates a dispatch process that works regardless of courier policy changes.
For sellers shipping daily, independence in essentials like labels is no longer optional – it is part of running a resilient eCommerce business.
Our Customer Support and Contact Info
We support UK sellers who ship daily, so if you need help choosing the right label size or setting up a simple dispatch routine, our team responds quickly and clearly.
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Address: 10A Locket Street, Manchester, M8 8EE, United Kingdom
Phone/WhatsApp: +44 7450 981838
Email: info@mrbags.co.uk
Contact page: mrbags.co.uk/pages/contact-us
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