I don’t run a warehouse.
I run a compact, desk-based UK resale operation handling:
- Clothing
- Prints
- Paper goods
- Occasional hard goods
My packing setup is built around three priorities:
- Speed
- Low ongoing cost
- Zero unnecessary complexity
This page explains exactly what I use, why I use it, and what I would rebuild if starting again.
Quick Recommendation Summary
If you ship regularly in the UK:
- Thermal label printer (Munbyn category)
- A4 self-seal document wallets
- Grey mailing bags (various sizes)
- Board-backed envelopes for prints
- A solid tape gun
- Digital scale
If I were rebuilding today, I would prioritise:
- Thermal labels first
- Standardised packaging sizes
- Eliminating packing friction before optimising aesthetics
If you’re deciding which thermal printer to use, I’ve compared them directly in my Munbyn vs Rollo guide for UK sellers.
Comparison Table – Core Packing Tools
| Item | Role | Why It Matters | Upgrade Needed? | Would I Buy Again? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munbyn Thermal Printer | Label printing | Removes ink cost & speeds dispatch | No | Yes |
| Digital Parcel Scale | Accurate postage | Prevents Royal Mail underpayment | No | Yes |
| Tape Gun + 48mm Tape | Box sealing | Speed & consistency | No | Yes |
| Grey Mailing Bags | Clothing dispatch | Cheap, lightweight | No | Yes |
| Board-Backed Envelopes | Print protection | Stops bending | No | Yes |
| HP/Epson Ink Printer | General docs | Backup only | Not for production | No (for scaling) |
My Reasons For Each Component
1. Thermal Label Printer
This removes:
- Ink cost
- Cartridge reordering
- Smudging risk
- Paper cutting
Labels print → peel → stick.
It shortens dispatch time significantly.
For UK sellers printing Royal Mail or Evri labels daily, thermal is mandatory.
Label quality affects reliability more than people expect, I break that down in my guide to the best 4×6 thermal labels for UK sellers.
2. Digital Parcel Scale
This is non-negotiable.
Underpay postage and you:
- Get surcharges
- Damage feedback
- Create admin
A basic 40kg digital scale is enough.
The key isn’t brand, it’s consistency and accuracy.
Friction note: Cheap scales can drift slightly over time. I periodically check calibration with known-weight items.
Would I buy again? Yes. Immediately.
3. Mailing Bags (Clothing & Soft Goods)
I standardise sizes.
This matters more than people realise.
Standard sizing means:
- No decision fatigue
- Faster packing
- Predictable postage bands
Grey poly mailers are:
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
I do not use branded packaging. It does not increase resale margin.
4. Board-Backed Envelopes (Prints)
For reproduction prints and paper goods:
Board-backed envelopes prevent:
- Bending
- Corner damage
- Refund requests
Margins disappear quickly if prints arrive damaged.
Friction note: Cheaper board envelopes can warp slightly in damp environments, store them flat and dry.
Paper weight and stock matter just as much as packaging, I cover that in my guide to the best paper for reproduction prints.
5. Tape Gun + Proper Tape
Do not hand-roll tape.
A proper tape dispenser:
- Reduces packing time
- Reduces waste
- Seals cleaner
This is a small tool that creates cumulative time savings.
6. Desk-Based Packing Layout
My packing flow:
Printer → Scale → Packaging → Tape → Label → Outbound pile
Everything is within arm’s reach.
The rule is simple: If I have to stand up mid-pack, something is wrong with layout.
Compact, repeatable motion beats a “nice looking” packing station.
Decision Framework
When building a packing setup, optimise in this order:
Step 1 – Remove Ink From Labels
Thermal first.
Step 2 – Standardise Packaging Sizes
Reduce cognitive load.
Step 3 – Protect Margin
Damage prevention > packaging aesthetics.
Step 4 – Improve Speed
Tape gun, layout, repeatability.
Most UK resellers over-optimise packaging visuals and under-optimise flow.
Flow is what protects margin.
My Recommendation
If you are running a UK resale operation shipping consistently:
Buy:
- Thermal label printer
- Digital scale
- Grey mailing bags (bulk)
- Board-backed envelopes
- Tape gun
Skip:
- Cartridge label printing
- Fancy branded packaging
- Over-complicated storage systems
The correct packing setup is boring, standardised, and frictionless.
That is the goal.
I explain my full hardware stack in detail in the printers I use to run my business.
