My Shipping Label Got Wet — What Do I Do?

First: Assess the Damage

Take a moment and look at the label closely. You need to answer two questions: Can you read the barcode clearly? Can you read the full address?

If Both Are Legible

You're fine. Even if the label looks a bit wet or stained, if the barcode lines are sharp and the address is readable by human eyes, couriers can scan and deliver it without issue. The barcode scanner doesn't care if the label is damp or has water marks, it only cares that the lines are distinct enough to read.

If the Barcode Is Smudged or Unclear

You'll need to reprint. A smudged barcode can't be read by courier scanners, and they won't be able to track or route your parcel properly without it. This is the one time you do need a new label.

If the Address Is Illegible

Reprint as well. If couriers can't read the destination address because the ink has run, they won't know where to send it. A missing barcode can sometimes be worked around if the address is clear, but a missing address has no workaround.

How to Dry Out a Wet Label (If You're Keeping It)

If the label is still readable but just damp, here's what to do:

Step 1: Pat It Dry Gently

Use a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to pat the label dry. Don't rub it, as that can smudge the ink further. Just press gently to remove standing water.

Step 2: Air Dry at Room Temperature

Lay the parcel somewhere dry at room temperature (roughly 18-22 degrees Celsius) with the label facing up. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Don't use heat. A hair dryer, radiator, or oven might sound like a quick fix, but heat can actually damage the label further by making inks run or distorting the paper.

Step 3: Check for Smudging Before Shipping

Before you hand it over to a courier, make sure the barcode and address haven't become illegible during the drying process. If they're clear, you're good to go. If they've smudged further, reprint.

When You Definitely Need to Reprint

Your Barcode Is Damaged or Illegible

This is the main one. Without a readable barcode, couriers can't scan your parcel at sorting centres or for delivery. Your item could get delayed or sent to the wrong place.

Your Address Has Run or Become Unreadable

The courier needs to know where to deliver it. If water has damaged the address beyond recognition, a new label is the only solution.

The Label Has Started to Dissolve or Tear

If the paper itself is falling apart, the label won't stay attached to the parcel during transit. Reprint and apply a new one.

You're Unsure and Want to Be Safe

If you're in doubt, just reprint. It takes five minutes and costs nothing. The peace of mind is worth it, especially if you're shipping something valuable or time-sensitive.

How to Reprint Your Label

The process depends on which platform or courier you used originally. Here are the main ones:

Royal Mail Click & Drop

Go to your Royal Mail Click & Drop account, find the order in your history, and click "Print label again". You'll get a fresh copy immediately.

eBay or Etsy

Navigate to your order, find the print label button, and reprint. Both platforms store your labels so you can print them as many times as you need.

Shopify

Go to Orders, find your shipment, and click the print button next to the label. Shopify will regenerate it.

DPD, Evri, Yodel, or ParcelForce

Log into your account, find your shipment or order, and look for a "reprint" or "print label" button. Most couriers allow unlimited reprints as long as the shipment hasn't already been scanned in transit.

If You Can't Find a Reprint Option

Contact the courier directly. Most of them will reissue a label if the original has been damaged. Just explain that your label got wet and is unreadable.

How to Prevent This From Happening Again

Use Clear Tape for Protection

Apply a layer of clear, matte packing tape over the label once you've printed it. This creates a waterproof barrier without interfering with barcode scanning. It's the simplest preventative measure.

Consider a Thermal Printer

If you ship regularly, a thermal printer like a Rollo or Zebra produces labels that are naturally water-resistant. The barcode is printed directly onto the label material rather than being ink on top, so it's virtually smudge-proof and water-resistant by design. No tape needed.

Use Plastic Sleeves or Waterproof Label Stocks

Some carriers offer waterproof label paper, or you can buy plastic stick-on sleeves that hold the label. These are overkill for regular parcels but worth it if you're shipping internationally or through harsh conditions.

Keep Labels Away From Moisture While Printing

Make sure your printer isn't in a damp environment. If you print labels and then immediately pack a wet parcel, you're setting yourself up for this problem. Let the label dry fully before attaching it.

Store Pre-Printed Labels in a Dry Place

If you print labels in advance, keep them flat and dry until you're ready to use them. A humid environment (like near a window or in a basement) can damage them before they even ship.

The Bottom Line

If your label got wet but the barcode and address are still readable, use it. Couriers handle slightly damp labels all the time without issue. If the barcode or address is smudged or illegible, reprint, which takes just a few minutes. For the future, a layer of clear tape over the label is your best friend and costs almost nothing. If you ship frequently, investing in a thermal printer eliminates this problem entirely.