I run a UK-based resale operation, selling on eBay, Etsy, Vinted & Depop, producing shipping labels and reproduction prints on a daily basis.
This is not a lab setup. It’s a working desk with limited space, real friction, and volume that fluctuates.
I currently use:
- Munbyn ITPP129 for shipping labels
- Epson ET-2720 as my primary reproduction print printer
- HP Photosmart 6520 as my backup colour printer and for black and white plain paper prints
This page explains what I use, why I use it, what I would buy again, and where each machine fits.
Quick Recommendation Summary
If you want the short version:
- For shipping labels: Buy a Munbyn thermal printer. It removes ink cost entirely and just works.
- For reproduction art prints (budget-conscious): Epson EcoTank range.
- For serious art reproduction: Skip HP-style cartridge printers entirely.
My primary recommendation for most UK resellers:
→ Munbyn for labels
→ Epson EcoTank (ET-2720 or similar) for print work up to A4 Size
If you’re deciding between brands, I’ve written a full breakdown in my Munbyn vs Rollo comparison for UK sellers.
Comparison Table
| Printer | Use Case | Ink System | Ongoing Cost | Reliability | Would I Buy Again? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munbyn ITPP129 | Shipping Labels | Thermal (no ink) | Very low | High | Yes |
| Epson ET-2720 | Reproduction Prints | EcoTank refill | Very low | High | Yes |
| HP Photosmart 6520 | General printing | Cartridge | High | Moderate | No |
Deep Analysis Per Product
Munbyn ITPP129 For My Shipping Labels
Role in my setup:
Daily eBay/Vinted postage labels.
Why thermal matters
Thermal printing means:
- No ink
- No toner
- No drying issues
- No clogged heads
For UK resellers printing Royal Mail or courier labels, this is non-negotiable. Ink printers for labels are friction machines.
Real-world observations
- It boots quickly.
- USB connection is stable.
- Label alignment took a couple of minutes to calibrate.
- Never jams unless labels are misloaded.
- Prints are consistently sharp.
The only friction:
- It is single-purpose.
- Thermal labels fade over very long timeframes (irrelevant for shipping).
Would I buy it again?
Yes. Immediately.
For anyone shipping more than 10 parcels per week, thermal is mandatory.
The printer is only half the equation, label quality matters, which I cover in my guide to the best thermal labels for UK sellers.
Epson ET-2720 For My Reproduction Prints
Role in my setup: Printing reproduction artwork and photo-based prints for sale.
The reason I use Epson EcoTank instead of cartridge printers:
- Ink cost per print collapses.
- Refilling tanks is simple.
- No constant cartridge anxiety.
Output Quality
- Strong colour consistency.
- Acceptable black depth for non-gallery work.
- Handles matte and semi-gloss well.
- Not archival fine-art grade, but strong for commercial prints.
For my reproduction prints (cost-conscious, margin-protected), it hits the correct balance between quality and cost control.
Paper choice affects perceived quality more than the printer itself, see my guide to the best paper for reproduction prints in the UK.
Friction notes
- Initial setup is messy (ink bottle fill).
- Print speed is not fast at high quality.
- Not built like a studio printer, this is a prosumer unit.
Would I buy it again?
Yes, for this tier of production.
If my print volume scaled significantly, I would move to a higher-end Epson photo model. But at my current output, this is optimal.
I go deeper into model tiers and when to upgrade in my Epson EcoTank buyer guide for reproduction prints.
HP Photosmart 6520 My Legacy Printer
This printer is still physically present in my setup.
It is not strategically important.
Cartridge printers are:
- Expensive long-term
- Inconsistent if unused
- Designed around recurring ink revenue
It works as a backup. I would not build a production system around it.
If you’re starting from zero: skip this category of printer entirely.
Equipment decisions only make sense when margin is clear. Before upgrading hardware, I model listing fees and net returns using the eBay Fees Calculator (UK).
Decision Framework
Here’s how I think about printer decisions as a UK reseller:
If you ship parcels:
Buy thermal. No debate.
If you print art or reproduction:
Choose based on:
- Volume
- Margin sensitivity
- Desired print longevity
- Paper type
If you’re under 50 prints per month:
EcoTank is enough.
If you’re scaling:
Move up the Epson photo line before you waste money on cartridges.
The key is aligning machine cost to margin profile and not chasing specs.
My Recommendation
If I were rebuilding my printer hardware today:
- Munbyn thermal printer non-negotiable.
- Epson EcoTank best cost-to-quality balance for reproduction.
- Avoid cartridge printers for production work.
That is the simplest, lowest-friction printer stack for a UK reseller printing postage labels and reproduction prints.
I explain how all of this fits into my workflow in my breakdown of my full packing setup as a UK reseller.
