Essential Items for Your E-Commerce Packing Table: Labels, Tape, Dispensers & More

Running a successful e-commerce operation doesn’t just depend on your website and marketing: it also depends on how efficiently you fulfill and ship orders. A streamlined packing station can significantly improve productivity, reduce errors, and create a better unboxing experience for your customers.

In this post, we’ll break down the essential tools and supplies you need on your e-commerce packing table, with a focus on labels, tape, dispensers, and more. Whether you’re running a small store or scaling up with a fulfillment team, these items are must-haves for fast, organized, and professional packing.

🧰 1. Shipping & Product Labels

Labels are the lifeblood of order fulfillment. They communicate crucial information, ensure accurate deliveries, and represent your brand.

Types of Labels You’ll Need:

• Shipping Labels – For carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx

• Return Address Labels – Pre-printed or custom

• Product/Barcode Labels – For SKU tracking and inventory

• Fragile/Handling Labels – “Fragile”, “This Side Up”, “Do Not Bend”

• Branded Stickers – Logo labels or thank-you stickers to enhance the customer experience

Label Essentials:

• Thermal Printer – Fast, ink-free printing (e.g., Rollo, Dymo, Zebra)

• Label Rolls or Sheets – Depending on your printer type

• Label Dispenser – For pre-printed labels, saves time by peeling and presenting labels for quick application

✅ Pro Tip: Use color-coded or custom-printed labels to quickly identify order types, shipping classes, or special handling instructions.

🔗 2. Packing Tape

Not all packing tapes are created equal. You’ll need reliable tape that holds strong during shipping, especially if your products are heavy or fragile.

Common Tape Types:

• Acrylic Packing Tape – Durable and resistant to temperature fluctuations

• Hot Melt Tape – Stronger adhesion for heavy boxes

• Water-Activated Tape (WAT) – Tamper-evident, eco-friendly, and professional-looking

• Double-Sided Tape – For internal packaging or branding inserts

✅ Pro Tip: Branded tape with your logo adds a touch of professionalism and strengthens brand recognition during delivery.

🌀 3. Tape Dispensers

A good tape dispenser is a game changer for speed and consistency. Choose one that suits your tape type and volume.

Types of Tape Dispensers:

• Handheld Dispensers (Gun Style) – Best for standard acrylic or hot melt tape

• Tabletop Dispensers – Ideal for repeated tasks like sealing smaller boxes or bags

• Water-Activated Tape Dispensers – Manual or electric dispensers designed specifically for gummed paper tape

✅ Pro Tip: Keep multiple dispensers ready with different tapes (e.g., clear tape, branded tape, fragile tape) for quick switching between tasks.

🏷️ 4. Label Printer & Supplies

A thermal label printer is a packing table essential for any growing e-commerce business. It prints fast, doesn’t require ink or toner, and works with most shipping platforms.

Key Features to Look For:

• 4x6” label compatibility for standard shipping labels

• USB or Wi-Fi connectivity

• Wide support for platforms like Shopify, Etsy, eBay, Amazon, etc.

✅ Top Picks:

• Rollo – Widely used, fast, reliable

• Zebra – Industrial-grade, long-lasting

• Dymo – Great for smaller setups or barcode printing

📦 5. Scissors, Box Cutters & Utility Tools

These may seem basic, but having quality cutting tools at your packing station helps prevent frustration and accidents.

Must-Have Tools:

• Box Cutters / Safety Knives – For breaking down or resizing boxes

• Scissors – For tape, labels, tags, and marketing inserts

• Measuring Tape or Ruler – For checking box sizes and dimensional weight

✅ Pro Tip: Keep extra blades on hand and replace regularly for smooth cuts.

🧴 6. Surface Cleaner & Anti-Static Cloth

Packaging needs a clean, dust-free surface—especially if you're using labels or branded stickers that need to stick properly.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents adhesive failures

• Keeps labels looking professional

• Ensures product cleanliness for customer satisfaction

✅ Pro Tip: Keep microfiber cloths and surface-safe spray near your workstation and clean regularly.

📥 7. Packing Materials & Storage Bins

Though not label- or tape-specific, your packing table isn't complete without:

• Void fill materials: Kraft paper, air pillows, biodegradable peanuts

• Bubble wrap for fragile items

• Storage bins or shelving for organizing SKUs, tape rolls, labels, and inserts

🎯 Bonus: Organizing Tips for Your Packing Table

• Use vertical space – Install wall-mounted holders for tape and labels

• Label everything – Including your tools and bins for fast access

• Keep high-traffic items in the “golden zone” (waist to eye level)

• Use color-coded bins for fast order sorting

🧾 Conclusion

A well-equipped packing table isn’t just a convenience, it’s a profit multiplier. By investing in the right tools like labels, tape, dispensers, and printers, you’ll ship faster, reduce waste, and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or scaling up with a warehouse team, these essentials will help you stay organized, consistent, and efficient with every order you ship.