Buying a Label Printer, Royal Mail Click & Drop + Sending packages abroad from the UK | ETSY HOW TO!

In this video we take a look at the struggles of sending postage abroad from the UK and we talk about ways to overcome these struggles to make life easier. We give a review of our eBay purchased label printer and an in-depth view of how to use Royal Mails free online service, Click & Drop. Including everything you need to know about the dreaded Customs Label!
The printer we use in this video can be found on the following link - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234084098893
The 6x4" labels we use are - tinyurl.com/yxgy65xc
Printer drivers can be downloaded here - drive.google.com/file/d/1JdL9...
#etsy #etsysellers #smallbusiness #postage #labelprinter #printer #royalmail
Fox & the Bear is the create duo of Kate and James. Both Kate and James are graduates from the Cambridge School of Art. Kate with a BA(Hons) in Illustration and James with a BA(Hons) in Graphic Design. Combined they have almost 10 years experience in the creative industry.
Fox & the Bear:
↟ ETSY STORE: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Foxandth...
↟ INSTAGRAM: / foxandthebear_
↟ SITE: www.foxandthebear.co.uk/
Index of the Video
Intro 0:00
Purchasing a Label Printer 1:51
In-depth Printer look & review 2:33
Royal Mails Click & Drop 2:52
Setting up Click & Drop 4:08
Applying Postage to an order 5:23
Printing your Labels 6:44
Setting up a new order for postage 7:21
Setting up your Customs Label Details 8:17
Outro 10:12

[@MusaOzilOfficial]

I was so confused, and I asked my wife for help and she showed me this video. Thank you so much. This is so beneficial and will make life easier for me now! Great works guys.

[@mahbadabdulla7711]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE UK. This is so detail and provides people who are new and just starting out with so much information. Thank you!

[@kainedodds2073]

Thank you so much for this! My wife and I started a company in the UK and we have been very successful in a short amount of time and now we spend a lot of our time stuffing around with postage and its been a nightmare! I wish you both the best with your business :)

[@matthewpearsall6192]

I cannot begin to explain how much this video helped me and my small business. Thank you!!!

[@warrenlindley757]

Thank you for making this video. Helps with knowledge and peace of mind knowing that it isn't as stressful as it could be. Ignore the ones that have given you a thumbs down, they clearly think they are a league above the rest... A big thumbs up from me! Thank you.

[@KimberlyHughes]

This is genuinely one of the most HELPFUL and informative videos on this subject that I've found. You've saved me so much time and I've just ordered the exact printer and labels you recommended! Haven't launched yet but feel much more prepared now - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! xx

[@FoxtheBear]

Oh my! Such kind words Kimberly. Thank you so much! We're really glad you found it helpful and hope you get to grips with it all easily AND best of luck when you launch! xx

[@jordanpearce3400]

I could not agree more.... Thank you guys!! Ordered mine today :)

[@rimakini9029]

This video makes things so clear. You have very articulately explained the entire process which I was completely frazzled about prior to watching this. Thank you clearing our confusion and making it easier on us. :)

[@beyouteeification]

Thank you so much for this video! I had a brother label printer which I hated as it only printed tiny labels. I was going to replace it with the famous Zebra printer which is quite expensive and because I have a Mac I'd have to pay an additional £100 to install the driver. Because of your video and honest review of the printer you have I bought it straight away, I've just set it up and I couldn't be happier, thank you so much!

[@aandthensome]

THANK YOU! I have been trying to figure this all out for ages and this was so clear and easy to understand.

[@laurenrobins2103]

Thank you so much for such an informative video! I'm starting a new business (not launched yet) and finding the whole postage thing VERY overwhelming. This has helped simplify it massively and I feel like I take a deep breath and tackle something else now!! Thanks again, best of luck to you and your business!

[@DJScoots71]

Thanks guys, I've just set up an Etsy shop and I was wondering the best way to print labels out. Your video made it super easy choosing a label printer and integrating click and drop with Etsy. I can't wait to get going. Thank you

[@reggieray3509]

Oh my gosh, I have been looking for a more affordable label printer for ages! Thank you for this, very informative.

[@FoxtheBear]

You're very welcome! The struggle is real when trying to find one that doesn't break the bank and this particular one is a great starting point!

[@mrcjrowe]

If a person is unemployed and signing on, do they still need a business licence together with a re-sell licence BEFORE they sell anything on Shopify ?

[@mechaflowmaniac]

Thank you so much for taking the time to produce such a well thought out and explained guide. This is invaluable.

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you so much!

[@lornagregory9109]

thank you soooo much, was about to order a label printer because my my initial method of printing and cutting label was driving me crazy, and the printers are so expensive, watched a few videos on click and drop, still wasen't sure, your video put all the pieces in order for me. THANK YOU FOR SHARING, BLESSINGS TO BOTH OF YOU

[@rubypanterphotography4618]

thanks for this! Really great to get your insights. And thanks for sharing so that other small businesses can benefit. You rock!

[@corblimeyyoubeauty]

THANK YOU GUYS!! This is so helpful we have recently started selling online and its so confusing, this is awesome

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@sophialarkin]

Why would anyone thumbs down this awesome video?! So much useful information!!

[@ReevesFamilyAdventures]

Thank you for this. I’ve an Etsy shop and have been getting myself mixed up and sending wrong orders out so hoping printing labels individually will help 😊

[@theartofbilly]

I just want to say 'Thank you so much' for this great little explanation video and the links to the printer and labels. I have recently just started using 'Click & Drop' after using first for many, many years a local Post Office (queuing) and then 'Drop & Go' 📦 It was a 'Bit if a Nightmare' trying to suss out which 6x4 printer to get for 'Click & Drop' 🖨 but your video was a great help 🖥(and I have seen A LOAD! 🤪). I have just ordered a printer and a load of labels and looking forward to setting it all up with my Mac. Also your explanation of integrating external stores - just great. I have simply connected my eBay store. All this in one lovely clear and concise video 🎥🎬🍿😎 All the best to you both and thank you again 👍😊

[@pattersonpogo]

Good video, I’ve been trying to research affordable thermal label printers, and your video has been very helpful. Royal Mail click and drop is so easy to use after a little while and it’s also worth mentioning that you are saving money as it is slightly cheaper buying postage online as opposed to going direct to a post office. Also, IF you want proof of postage you still need to go to a post office for that.

[@chipbuttytime3396]

£2.95 for Royal Mail small parcel click and drop, do it through Hermes on ebay they collect it from your home less than half the price currently and that's before Royal Mail rip off merchants put their prices up again next year

[@mags2037]

You are Guys are awesome! Wishing you an abundant life and a very successful business! 🙏🏽👍

[@ZoeBarrie]

Thank you EVER so much for this (from one small business to another) xx

[@joturner7192]

Just starting out, printers, labels and forms are a nightmare for me. This was a handy video... thanks. I’ll probably watch it a few times though 😃

[@JAMCEEEE]

This is super helpful, thank you so much for demystifying the click & drop/ label printing process! About to move from drop & go to something more sophisticated!

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you so much, we're really glad you found it helpful!

[@alisonharvey7579]

Found his video from the listing on Ebay! Brilliant video, I've just launched my shop and need a label printer, and was getting bamboozled from all the options. Think I'll be going for this one - cheers!

[@krissawle198]

very well made video. thanks guys this has made it super clear!

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you very much Kris! We're really glad you liked it and hope you benefitted something from it :)

[@william1612]

Awesome video guys! Keep up the good work and best of luck with the store.

[@FoxtheBear]

William Woodhead Thank you so much William! We appreciate your kind words 🙏🏻

[@GrayCooperCoaching]

This has been a massive help - thank you

[@thatgirlnaomi2478]

Thank you so much .. I will be watching it as soon as it drops thanks 🙏

[@FoxtheBear]

No problem! We really hope it helps :)

[@FoxtheBear]

Sorry for the delay, it's now live :)

[@paintwithhannahlouise]

Really helpful video, informative which is appreciated 😊

[@lizziepoppy1311]

Thank you for making this video!

[@Sooz3112]

Excellent video - thank you. It's great to see someone sharing these kinds of tips. I am looking to use the Post Office's drop and go system. I have a WooCommerce store and I'm looking to sell on Etsy too. I've heard that Royal Mail postage is cheaper if printing labels directly from Etsy. The Demo label printers are good - but they're quite expensive (especially for starting out) x

[@markkd]

Thank you for this. I have been thinking about a label printer and integration for a while.

[@TheeEmberzz]

Great video guys, very informative. Thank you.

[@Theinkrefillexperts]

Thanks guys, I think I might be your 1st subscriber?? I have an online business too, I was pulling my hair out trying to set up click and drop.

[@MrsSparkler]

Thank you this is sooo useful!!

[@vraik114]

Great video.... thank you for some great advice. all the best to you both.

[@Addsz17]

Thank you for this video!

[@IsabellaDemarko]

super helpful thanks x

[@covehithe9499]

That's what I like - straight to the point no whaffling!!! Well done. Just one thing - Last year I volunteered for a charity and we used a generic printer from ebay to ship 200-300 packages a week - the printer could not keep up and we also noticed, like you, poor quality of the print. In the end we invested in a good quality printer (Zebra about £270) and never had any trouble with printing. When the original printer packed up we were reduced to printing labels on A4 paper and cutting them up and sticking them on the packages. If you do any volume stick to a good printer.

[@FoxtheBear]

Haha thank you so much! Yes absolutely. We're currently not pumping out that much of it so are yet to experience it at a high rate of printing. But for the time being it's doing pretty damn well. If you're doing that level of printing, as you found out yourself, we'd always recommend invest in something a bit better in quality that can withstand the work! Thank you again for the kind words!

[@Fletchpets23]

Yes I agree I’m not a high volume postage last month did maybe over 100 orders so this printer sounds fab thank you I need something cheap atm. I have been printing on labels with 4 to A4 sheet this works ok but sharing it with homeschooling children means sometimes labels get printed on by mistake or I do it lol

[@ssgilluk]

thanks for your video mate thats really help me

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi David, really glad to hear it helped!

[@charlotte-rose]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm just setting up an Etsy store and trying to figure out shipping is so hard!

[@FoxtheBear]

You’re very welcome! We hope it was of some help to you and all the best for you and your Etsy story. What’s your store? 😊👍🏻

[@kurichan77]

Happy that you've managed to sort this all out, but for me it's a nightmare. I only post to Japan and have until now had a RM online business account. My online shop is a Japanese template and does not integrate with C&D as it's in Japanese. The address format in C&D is English whereas the Japanese address is completely different. The Japanese address cannot be translated. I have tried countless times to get help from RM but nobody is available. 45 min waiting time on the phone by which time they can't help. So it's great if you conform to all their conditions but if you don't fit into them, big problems.

[@storytimewithanne]

Great video thank you for sharing .

[@maverickcollector8129]

Really helpful, thank you

[@haider8676]

👏🏽 great video guys

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you!! 😁

[@katherineh7381]

Thanks for all this information, wish I had found it earlier. What proof of postage do you have if you don't go to the post office?.

[@MarkHardingLP]

Hi, Guys, Thank you for this video, keep up the great work, I have just bought this printer and find it was easy to set up and it's not as big as I thought it would be, the print quality seems OK, however, the only thing that bugs me is when I set up my return address details via click and drop the printer does not print this out clearly, in fact, it's very faint and can't be read. My question is do you have this trouble? Great work keep it up. Regards Mark

[@lauracarver6188]

Thank you, great video!

[@Nrg-sv2bn]

Fantastic Video, thank you. If my sale includes different parts to say, a kit of something, how do you add these items on the declaration?

[@odmods]

thanks for sharing , I’m also in the UK and this does help not having to wait in post office annoying waiting people while you fill out custom forms etc Do you still have to go into a post office and they scan the barcode label though ?

[@tomshaw7535]

Thanks for the video... really useful. Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere - do you have another printer that you use to print invoices/packing slips with your items. I'm currently looking for a label printer - but not sure if I can cover off both tasks from the same device.

[@turnigyrc3339]

Hi! I have this same printer but am struggling to set it up since I do not have a disc drive. Any advice on how to set it up without the disc. many thanks

[@gamedivisionuk]

i bought this printer after watching your videos but how do you print the labels generated with customs, as its trying to print the whole thing on one label rather than 2 separate labels thanks

[@karensylvester3458]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you both for taking the time to make it and share your research. I have just ordered this printer and labels on the back of your recommendation. I hope yours is still working well and that you still endorse it. Have you opened a business account with Royal Mail yet? I am looking into that next. I am assuming it will work similar to the click and drop?

[@bubblebakingbunny3258]

Thank you so much 😁 Do you know if it’s compatible with phone bluetooth so we can print straight from our smartphones?

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

thanks for this video, very helpful. but I wasn't clear, is the customs declaration a separate label and is that something that can be batch printed as well? and is there some reason you guys didn't use an A4 print label process?

[@bethwelbourne5413]

Hi, I’ve just started my own small business and was wondering if you have any problems with just sending your items by second class? Or do you recommend using signed for instead? Thank you x

[@123gazs]

So heres the Question printing label of at home does the post office worker need to scan it , i take mine to post office after i print it they scan - it say on the 1st i check it on ebay and says its delivered on 1st at 9pm , confused

[@fawziyamusa2081]

A quick question, if I don't have a label printer can I use the click & drop service from home then print my labels at the post office?

[@ragtagmisfits]

Thank-you so much for this vid, so informative, printing my labels is driving me mad as I have to keep changing the settings, I've just bought the recommended one so looking forward to receiving it ❤

[@FoxtheBear]

Ah thank you so much for your kind words! Printing labels can be a pain but our printer is still going strong. Let us know how you get on with yours! ❤

[@ragtagmisfits]

I've ordered one and the print is hardly visible, also it is only printing small, I've contacted seller but no reply 😔

[@FoxtheBear]

@@ragtagmisfits Oh that's not good! As you say, certainly contact the seller! However, have you tried playing with the printer features in the printer dialog when printing? You can set print darkness and speed and this may help!

[@zdeneklanik9594]

Love it thank you all also wanted to ask will it work with other sites

[@delboy9617]

Hi, do you know how to get the SKU custom label you add to ebay listing on to postage label (which makes it easier to pick item). I have tried buying the label directly from ebay (Royal mail label) but there is no option to have SKU added to bottom of label. I have also tried to buy directly from Royal Mail and it's the same.

[@preparethebull]

Hi! Hope you can help, Ive spent a week trying to find the answer to this. I didn't see it covered on here When filling in the customs declaration. What are you putting in the VAT box "If applicable, VAT reg number:". Im worried when sending to the USA, that if I don't have a sales tax number (their VAT) in that box, then it will get stuck at customs and the customer will be charged to release it from customs. Any help appreciated

[@1107861214ali]

I have concerns about printer software that might needed updating occasionally, since unknown brand, how will that work?

[@MrsSparkler]

I have a question regarding proof of postage. As you are sending large quantities, is there a specific way you are getting proof of postage. I've heard some businesses being told be their post office that they won't give the proof of postage since the post office aren't getting comission for Click and drop orders. I was gonna start moving to click and drop, but I'm worried regarding the proof of postage, currently I'm using the bulk manifest proof of posting pdf on RM and getting that stamped by the post office whenever I send all my items. Hope this makes sense, Thank you!

[@sabinarajput786]

Do I have to download the Royal Mail app on my Shopify’s store to calculate the shipping ??? Pls help

[@thestinyy]

Great video :) thanks a lot

[@ahms8689]

Hi, have you found since Brexit has happened that anyone has had to pay tax of anything upon arrival of your items in Europe? You mentioned filling out a CN22 form and has there been any issues with this? Many thanks

[@GeoffreyUrch]

Thanks Great Advice

[@nc0849]

is there any link to the software and the instructions? the booklet is tiny and impossible to read and the software is on a CD

[@aliciajacobsen4408]

Thank you for this information.... Very helpful and well explained. Best wishes! :-)

[@FoxtheBear]

You're very welcome!

[@LouisOrr27]

Exteeemly helpful.

[@FoxtheBear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonychadwick3200]

Hey there as video is now a year old, just wondered how is the printer doing a year on? Thanks

[@handmadedorset]

Thank you!

[@gbstent]

Thanks for this but my printer has been glitching since the 2nd month of use, such a nightmare! Constantly prints blank labels

[@Momoreq_14]

Hello guys , I would like to ask you something regarding selling on eBay . Basically I place some selling items on eBay but doesn’t show on eBay at all . Please could you tell me how I can fix this issue ? Thank you 😊

[@andrewl8199]

Well done 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@FoxtheBear]

Thank you Andrew! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@timeabreban9205]

Can you print DPD labels also with this printer? Thank you in advance

[@michaeltowers1594]

Hey guys, Have you ever had issues with this printer? I just ordered the printer and paper from the links on your video, but am having some major issues with print quality. The labels are coming out really faint. Is this something that is expected with the printer or did I just get unlucky? :(

[@1107861214ali]

Great video, thank you

[@laviniawilson4146]

HI Guys, this was a great video and I was enthused to get it set up. But I am struggling. It seemed to have installed the app in Shopify but then there is no reference to it anywhere in Shopify. I don't know how to select it. Do I have to set up shipping rates, and if I do, Royal Mail isn't there to choose from. I'd have to do it myself. I'd love to be able to privately chat with you to understand how it looks on your shop? I can't seem to get help from Shopify since it's a third party app, and Royal Mail don't seem to offer support

[@DarkDevilIMVU]

Wish me luck I just invested in the printer and I am hoping it makes things easier!

[@FoxtheBear]

Wait for the enlightenment to arrive!

[@TheUmairkhan3000]

Hi. We just got the printer.. but we are using Windows operating system.. and its asking for port selection.. can you please help...

[@BudgetingDoll]

Does anyone know if this could be used with an ipad mini or mobile phone or does it need to be laptop /pc only? X

[@onna79]

🙏 thank you

[@rnchowdhury6792]

Hi James & Kate, thank you for making and sharing this useful video. I’ve got the same label printer and it is working very well for my small part time business. Currently I’m using Royal Mail click & drop service as you’ve shown on your video but buying the label direct from click and drop doesn’t provide any tracking number ( unless I buy the “sing for” option ). Where if I buy the same label direct from the eBay, I could get a tracking number straight away. But I couldn’t find any option to print the label from the same 4x6 label printer. Kindly share, If you have any tips. Thank you Rofi

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi Rofi, We’re glad you find the video useful and are also having a good experience with the same printer. It’s great isn’t it! As for tracking numbers, like you say we believe this is only available for certain postage types (like signed for) we have not yet used a tracked service so can’t give much guidance on this. If we come across this we will be sure to let you know!

[@ryanwelsh1864]

Hey guys great video. Just starting my small business. Has much changed for you guys with customs and extra charges since leaving the eu?

[@mahbadabdulla7711]

Hi there, PLEASE OH PLEASE can u make a video on how to ship items now that Brexit had happened!!! I’m so confused as the what happens when I ship items to Europe

[@ahms8689]

I'm trying to find a CN22 form which prints the postage also rather than printing 2 labels as it'll be quicker and cheaper. I've noticed that a lot of Chinese packages have that format. Do we have that here in the UK? Thanks

[@malicahamilton]

You can get a roll of that form for free from your local post office. If you ask nicely they should give you one ☺️ you just have to hand write it out though xx

[@askmeforitnow]

Thanks for suggesting the printer. I got it ceaper actully eighty nine something plus free shipping on ebay

[@Napknicker99]

On your printer there are two guides where the labels should go through and I notice you were not using them, might improve print quality.

[@tgill444]

Great Video, really informative and helpful, thanks so much! I'm thinking about moving from Drop & Go to Click & Drop but just wondering, how do you go about processing multiple orders if they are different weights? Does C&D batch orders that are the same weight together? Thanks in advance 😁

[@malicahamilton]

I’m thinking of doing this too and all the research is killing my brain lol. Sorry if this is no help but I know you can process each label individually ☺️

[@olimpiudan641]

Hey guys, I've bought this thermal printer that you recommend. I have an Windows 10 PRO on my computer and after I've downloaded the software from your link its saying that is not working on my device . Can you help me out? How could I make it run on my computer? Did I just waste my money ?

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi Dan, Sadly we have not used this printer on Windows, only Mac. We do not work on behalf of the printer company so can't really help you I'm afraid. This was a purchase we made that we wanted to share.

[@NeonPinkClouds]

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU TWO! and hey i have the exact same printer 😊 i have a question 🙋🏼‍♀️ when im creating shipping labels on click & drop for international orders outside the UK, it gives me the “optional” customs form which i don’t actually know if im supposed to fill out and print too? no matter what country i enter (USA, canada, australia etc), it always says “optional”? so what if i send a package to america without the customs form, it wont be sent, right? because of course you need a customs form when sending to USA. now my question is how do i know when i actually need to attach the customs form and fill it out? considering it always says “optional”, confuses me. also ive asked people that work in the post office and they say you only need to fill it out if you’re sending outside the EU, so for example, for germany i wouldnt require one BUTTTTT i sent off a package today that was going to switzerland and they made me fill one out?! im so confused honestly why cant they just make everything so much simpler and actually TELL ME when its REQUIRED that i fill one out. sorry for the rant, its been bothering me for almost a year now and everytime i go post office, the people get so frustrated when you ask questions, its like BUT ITS YOUR JOB?! why are you getting frustrated with me.. urgh. anyways i wish i could just sit down with someone who works for royal mail and talk to for hours, asking so many questions that ive had for a year now haha 💜 anyways thanks for the video!

[@FoxtheBear]

You're so kind, thank you! Amazing, how are you finding the printer. Have you owned it for long? There are certain countries that certainly DO need a customs form filled in. These countries are countries that are, like you mention, outside of the EU. Although it says optional you must fill it out for those. The reason you will have had to fill one out for Switzerland is because sadly Switzerland isn't in the EU. Hope that helps! And feel free to rant away :)

[@nicolashorter7817]

This video is great for me thank you for making it. When putting an item on Etsy how do you price the postage before items are brought?

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi Nicola, hope the video helped! When it comes to pricing postage on etsy, you can either box up a package to get the final weight of it all and then go to the Royal Mail website and go to 'Send mail' and put in your location/weight to get a price. Or if like us you sell lots of the same product we set a one of price with the above method that is then linked to all similar product sizes.

[@Prettysunshine982]

it keeps saying printer offline - i've had the printer for 4 months now - i turned it off and on and pressed re print and just prints page 1

[@geraldinefox7640]

Thank you for the information ...can you tell me where you buy the ink from please and how much approx is it ? thank you so much

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi Geraldine, thankfully there is no ink in this printer as it is a Thermal printer, meaning it burns the image. Therefore there are no extra ink costs 😊

[@abbycrossland7887]

Hello! I have just purchased this label printer. However I’m not sure how to set up with the labels, there isn’t any instruction on how to insert the labels! Hope you are able to help me! Thank you in advance!

[@FoxtheBear]

Hi Abby, If you open up the lid of the printer you'll see two bits inside that will slot into the spool of your roll of labels. If you move these apart and insert your roll you can then close them in on each end to hold it in place. Hope that helps!

[@AS-lh9jt]

Hi guys, great video. So im new to click and drop and when i add a order i actually don't see prices ?

[@FoxtheBear]

Hello! Thank you so much, it means the world. When you say you add an order and don't see the prices, how do you mean? To see the prices for shipping your item you need to select 'Apply Postage' to the order. If this does't make sense just comment back and will see if we can help further :)