I purchased this printer for creating the FNSKU barcode labels for the items I send to the Amazon distribution centers for Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA). It is a great printer, and have been using it to print thermal labels for about a month so far. However I did have to spend a few hours figuring out the ideal the print job settings in order to print the FNSKU label's barcode/text in the right place (i.e. centered) on the label.
Having figured this out, now I can generate new labels for new labels for new products I sell pretty quickly. It is not rocket science, but if it will help you save you a little time, here are the steps I followed for initially setting up the printer, and how I adjust the print dialogue settings when I print the labels so that the barcode and text are centered on the printed label:
1. Set up and configure the printer, and install the drivers, following the standard instructions that come with the printer. NOTE: In my case, I am NOT using the ZebraDesigner2 software that is available on the CD. I may need it for more complex labels in the future, but for a basic FNSKU barcode label with the barcode/text content provided in the Amazon-generated pdf, I found I do not need the ZebraDesigner2 software. Just make sure you install the drivers, per the standard instructions. You might need to check the Zebra website for updated drivers, by the way, depending on your operating system (in my case I am still running Windows 7 on my ancient laptop).
2. I am using 1 x 2 5/8" thermal labels (roll). Other size thermal labels can be used, of course, but this one is just large enough to fit the barcode and text in the Amazon-generated pdf. Thermal versus non-thermal is a good option, because you won't need to print the additional thermal ribbon.
After putting the roll of labels in the printer, follow the standard instructions for enabling the printer to position the label so that it is ready to print.
3. During the shipment plan creation process, the Amazon system will enable you to generate a downloadable pdf file with the required barcode and text content. This can then be printed out to create your FNSKU sticker.
When generating the FNSKU barcode labels from the Amazon system shipping screens, I am selecting the "30 up - 1 x 2 5/8" Letter" option. HOWEVER when I go through the process to create the labels via the Amazon screen, I am editing the quantity to print only ONE label, for one item (SKU) at a time. The result is a downloadable pdf file with a single barcode in the upper-right corner, in the correct size/font. As an extra step, I usually like to save these off in a subdirectory on my hard disk, in case I end up needing to print an extra label.
The Amazon system provides the basic, minimal information that needed on the FNSKU sticker, including both the barcode itself, the corresponding FNSKU number (actually a combination of numbers and letters), either the full or abbreviated product title (plus color and/or size, if there is a variation), and the item condition (ex. "New").
4. With the pdf file open, you can print just the quantity of stickers you need. Again, this is because there is content for only one sticker, for one of your SKU items, on the pdf page. So, for example, if If you have 4 units of the item, and in turn need to print 4 stickers, then just change the print quantity to 4 in the print dialogue box.
It will be repetitive having to go back and generate another pdf for the next SKU item in your shipping plan, but this approach is easy to control, and helps avoid wasting labels trying to trouble shoot and fit a bunch of labels on a single pdf page, to print a bunch of barcodes as part of the same print job. I'm not sure if this is the most efficient way, but it seems to be working for me, and helps avoid wasting labels if I just need a few.
5. The next several steps are to get the barcode and text on the pdf to print in a centered manner on the sticker. In the Print window, under Page Sizing & Handling, I unchecked the box for:
"Choose paper source by PDF page size."
For some reason, this was rotating the image, and this seemed to correct it.
6. In the print Properties window make the following setting changes:
Size:
Width: 2.63
Height: 1.39
Unprintable area:
Top: 0.39
This adjusts the print area of the Amazon-generated pdf with the FNsku barcode label, for 1 x 2 5/8" labels, so that the text will be centered correctly. In other words it shifts the print area to match where the barcode (and associated information) is residing on the pdf document.
Do not resize (shrink) the label contents. It should be printing at 300 DPI.
7. Optionally, test the barcode with a handheld scanner, to make sure it is electronically legible.
Scanners are available for purchase from Amazon and other sources and are relatively inexpensive (i.e. around $20-$30). It is worth testing your printed bar codes to confirm that your barcode stickers will be scan-able by personnel in the Amazon warehouse. To scan, plug it into your USB port (if wired), open notepad, Word or something similar, and place the cursor. Then, scan the barcode, and confirm the resultant text matches the bar code FNSKU text. This extra step also provides peace of mind.
Again, there may be more efficient ways of going about this, and feel free to post additional comments if you have additional tips.
The printer can also be used to create the UPS shipping labels to send your FBA items to Amazon. The mailing center where I drop off my packages has this exact same printer, and they use it constantly for printing UPS labels on large stickers. I'm still using my standard inkjet printer to create these, but as my volume increases, I may switch to printing my UPS shipping labels with this Zebra thermal printer soon as well.
| Product Dimensions | 7.6"D x 10"W x 7.5"H |
|---|---|
| Printer Media Size Maximum | 3 x 5 inch |
| Print media | Labels |
| Scanner Type | Sheetfed |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Sheet Size | 2.6 |
| Duplex | Manual |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 |
| Manufacturer | ZEBRA |
| Item Weight | 4.6 pounds |
| Item model number | GX430t |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 2.6 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | GX43-102510-000 |
