You can generate QR codes for paperless labels if you don't have a printer
No printer? No problem! Instead of printing a shipping label at home, Pirate Ship can create a QR code that a carrier clerk can scan and print for you - at no additional cost.
Turn on QR codes in your Settings
Enabling paperless labels with QR codes: To generate QR codes for paperless labels, navigate to Settings > General Settings. Once there, toggle on the button next to Q-ARRrrr codes (if you don't have a printer) 👍
Here's how that looks:
Create shipments normally: Once enabled, you can create shipments the same way you normally would. Pirate Ship will generate a QR code instead of a printable shipping label.
Find your QR code: After purchasing the label, click Show QR Code from your Ship page, or the Shipment details page.
To print labels with QR codes, visit your carrier's retail location
Bring your package and QR code: Drop off your package and show the QR code on your device at any Post Office or UPS location.
Show the code to a clerk: A postal employee will scan the code and print the label for you, at no additional cost.
Tracking updates after scanning: Once the clerk scans your QR code, tracking will update to "In Transit".
How QR shipment statuses work
QR labels move through a slightly different status flow than printed labels.
Show QR Code: After purchasing the label, a Show QR Code button appears on your Ship page.
Ready to Show: Once you've viewed the QR code, the shipment status will display Ready to Show until the carrier scans it.
In Transit: When the carrier scans the code and prints the label, tracking will quickly update to In Transit.
No updates yet? Until the QR code is scanned, tracking will show the shipment as not yet received by the carrier, which is normal.
Important limitations
International shipments and military addresses are NOT supported: QR labels currently work only for domestic shipments that do not require customs forms.
Labels cannot be converted: QR labels and regular printable labels are treated as two different label types. If you created the wrong label, you'll need to request a refund and create a new shipment with the correct label type enabled.
Pickups are not recommended: QR labels work best when you drop off packages at a a carrier location. Postal workers collecting parcels on their routes typically do not have printing equipment, and may decline packages that do not already have labels attached.
SCAN Forms are not available: QR shipments are scanned individually when the carrier prints the label. Tracking will then update to "In Transit", removing the need for an acceptance scan that a SCAN Form would normally provide.
Have feedback? Let us know!
Tell us what you think: QR labels are still charting their course, and we're always eager to hear how they're working for real-world shippers like you!
If you have ideas, questions, or suggestions about QR labels, feel free to reach out and let our crew know.