To use Pirate Ship, you need the following two items:
A scale to weigh your package (plus a ruler or a tape measurer to measure your package)
A printer to print the shipping label
As long as you have a scale to weigh your packages and a printer for your labels, you'll be set to sail in no time Matey!
What type of scale & printer do I need?
You can use any kind of scale to weigh your packages. This includes kitchen scales, as long as they give accurate weight measurements to the nearest ounce 👍
As far as printers go, you can use any standard inkjet or laser desktop printer. If you use a desktop printer, you can use regular printer paper and simply tape it to the box, or you can get some half-sheet label sticker paper.
Note that we don't currently support Avery or other label templates, unless it's just 2 stickers that are exactly half-sheet size (8.5x5.5" each).
If you're looking to get more professional with your shipping, there are some great scales and printers that don't cost very much. We've tried everything, so we're happy to make the recommendations below!
Recommended shipping scales
Here are our recommendations for shipping scales:
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series: This is the cheapest, most versatile postal scale we've come across. It has a capacity of up to 50lb, and can also run on batteries so it's more portable.
Accuteck ShipPro 110lb: This is a great choice with a capacity of up to 110lb and is much more durable than its cheaper counterpart. If you're shipping big boxes, the external display makes it easier to see the weight.
USPS 25lb Postage Scale: If you're big fans of USPS like us, the official USPS postal scale is fun office decor 📬
Recommended 2x7" shipping label printer
Above all else, we have one recommendation for a 2x7" label printer:
Brother QL800: This powerful little USB printer works great on both Mac and Windows computers, as long as you're not shipping internationally or to military addresses (but you can just use your normal desktop printer for those!)
Why We Recommend the Brother QL800: We like this printer because it is super fast and prints high-quality images, which are perfect for shipping label barcodes. It also automatically cuts each label so you don't have to tear it off yourself.
Getting the Right Label Sizes: If you use this printer, make sure to get the 2" or 2.4" continuous-roll labels to go with it.
Configuring the Brother QL800: You'll need to configure the Brother QL800 based on your computer. Follow our Mac instructions (especially the CUPS section to set the quality right) or our Windows instructions to get set up.
Limitations for 2x7" labels
2x7" labels come with some key limitations to be aware of:
Customs forms: You can't print customs forms on 2x7" labels, so you can't use them for international shipments 😅 If you need to make an international label, switch back to the 4x6" label size in your Settings > General Settings and use a regular desktop printer or a 4x6" label printer.
UPS® labels: You can't print UPS postage on 2x7" labels, just USPS labels. To print UPS labels, you'll need either a desktop printer or a 4x6" label printer.
Recommended 4x6" shipping label printers
Here are two recommended printers for 4x6" labels:
Brother QL1110NWB If you're looking for the highest-quality printer that can handle any shipping situation, this Brother printer blows every other printer out of the water!
Versatile Connections: The Brother QL1110NWB printer offers every connection method possible, so you can hook it up to Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android via WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or USB.
Wireless Capability: Its wireless connection options are also great, so you can stick it in a corner and it doesn't have to be plugged into anything.
Brother QL1100: If you don't need the wireless connection options that the more expensive model has, the Brother QL1100 printer offers the same great functionality as the QL1110NWB for $100 less. Simply plug the USB cord into your computer and you're ready to print!
Any other printer will work with Pirate Ship, we just don't recommend them 😉
The labels Pirate Ship creates are PDF files that you can print with any printer that supports 4x6" or 2x7" (or larger) paper sizes. So, you can technically use ANY printer with Pirate Ship, but some printers aren't as good as others 😜
The printers we've listed above are our recommendations based on our experiences sailing the seven seas!
Get in touch with us if you need help
Do you have any questions? Email us at support@pirateship.com or use the chat on the bottom right to live chat with our Support Crew 💬 We're always happy to lend a hook!