How to Create & Print Return Address Labels

Return mailing labels make it easy for customers and clients to engage in written communication with businesses. In addition, return mail labels are easy to create and print. Keep in mind that if the envelope the return mailing labels are printed on includes a self-affixed first class postal stamp the value of the label increases significantly. Get the most out of your direct mail projects by using the right envelope, addressing your correspondence to clients using first and last names and, finally, by including professional return labels with your key mailings.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Computer
• Blank mailing labels

Instructions

Choose a Label Type

1. Review your options. There are several types of return labels you could create and print such as self-adhesive, pre-paid return labels with postal stamp bar codes and return labels that include your company logo. Keep in mind that self-adhesive labels eliminate the need to wet the back of the label before you apply it to an envelope.

   Office superstores like Staples and OfficeMax sell Avery return labels in various sizes packets of 50 to 20,000. Cost of these return address label packets run from approximately $10 to a little more than $70. For example, a pack of 1,000 standard sized return address labels cost about $10. A pack of standard sized return address labels cost about $70.

   Standard size return labels are approximately 1-inch by 2 5/8-inch. Because standard size labels are smaller, the number of labels printed on a single sheet is considerably more, sometimes twice as much, as return labels that are printed on larger sized return labels.

   White and clear or transparent return labels come in sizes from standard 1-inch by 2 5/8-inch to large 2-inch by 4-inch. Keep in mind that if the recipient of your correspondence attaches the clear return label to a dark colored envelope, your return address may be difficult for the postal carrier to see.

2. Create your computer settings. Go to "Tools" if you are using Microsoft Word or Macintosh, then click "Letters and Mailings." Next click "Envelopes and Labels." Select "Full Page" or "Single Label" (use single if you are only printing one return label and not several return labels). Next click "Labels", then "Options" (select the label type you are using in the drop-down box).

3. Input the return addresses. Type the address you want to print on the return labels. After you type the return address, click "New Document" and then copy and paste your return address down the entire page. Load your label paper in your printer and click the "Print" button.

   It's that simple. Macintosh may have a pop-up window where Microsoft uses a drop down box. Both systems are intuitive and similar in regards to creating return labels. Be sure to select the correct return label type you are using so that the margins line up correctly. If you want to print return labels in color, change the font color by clicking "Font" then "Color."

4. Address return mailing labels to a specific department or person at your company. For example, if you want clients to return a survey to your Markeing department, type: Jane Doe, Marketing Director, 123 Main Street, 37th Floor, City, State, Zip on your return address.

   The more personable you make your communications the better the return on your investment will be. Also, some studies have shown that return mailing labels used with blank envelopes (not window envelopes) generate the best response rates.