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Label tapes and supplies

Stock the tape your machine takes, a strong-adhesive cassette for tough surfaces and, if you ship, 4x6 thermal labels. When you buy labels online, match the system name exactly: TZe, Btag, D1, LetraTag or 4x6 direct thermal.

Price-check the Brother P-touch PT-D220 on AmazonSee the machines

Updated 11-01-2026 by Imogen Pratt

Questions this page answers

How much does the tape cost, and am I locked in?

Most label makers only take their own brand's cartridges, so the tape decides your long-term cost. Brother TZe is laminated and costs more per foot; DYMO LetraTag paper costs less and lasts less.

Source: maker cassette specs.

Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white

Will a 4x6 printer work with USPS and UPS labels, including Etsy orders?

A 4x6 direct thermal printer prints the labels those services generate. Check the maker's supported platforms before buying.

Source: maker setup pages.

Our pick for this: Rollo USB Shipping Label PrinterFix: 4x6 direct thermal shipping labels

Will labels peel off jars or freezer bins?

Textured and cold surfaces need stronger adhesive. Brother's extra-strength TZe tape exists for that.

Source: maker tape descriptions.

Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape

Machines for this

3D render of the Brother P-touch PT-D220, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Brother P-touch PT-D220

Best overall for home and office

The tapes on this page fit it directly.

Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per 2.5-inch label on genuine 12 mm TZe tape.

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3D render of the Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer

Best 4x6 shipping label printer

Takes any brand of 4x6 thermal labels.

Cost per label: Roughly 3¢ to 6¢ per 4x6 label.

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Before you pick one

Match the system

TZe and Btag cassettes do not swap with D1 or LetraTag ones, or with each other. The system name is printed on your machine and in its listing.

Extra-strength adhesive

For textured, curved or cold surfaces, extra-strength tape such as Brother TZe-S231 holds better.

Shipping supplies

Fanfold 4x6 labels, a roll holder and a scale cover most small shops.

Everything to stock

Tape and labels to stock

3D render of the Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white

The standard tape for most Brother keyboard models.

Check: Check your model supports 12 mm.

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3D render of the DYMO LetraTag refill tapes, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

DYMO LetraTag refill tapes

Paper and plastic options for the LetraTag.

Check: Match LetraTag, not D1.

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3D render of the 4x6 direct thermal shipping labels, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

4x6 direct thermal shipping labels

Fanfold stacks feed cleanly into most 4x6 printers.

Check: Direct thermal, not thermal transfer.

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Handy extras

3D render of the Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape

Stronger adhesive for textured bins and outdoor use.

Check: Same width as your usual tape.

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3D render of the Heat-shrink tube labels, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Heat-shrink tube labels

For wire labels that slide on before termination.

Check: Check your printer supports them.

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3D render of the Clear pantry containers, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Clear pantry containers

Labels look best on flat, clear fronts.

Check: Square containers waste less shelf space.

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3D render of the Bin clip label holders, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Bin clip label holders

Swap labels without peeling.

Check: Measure the bin lip.

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3D render of the Adhesive remover, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Adhesive remover

Clears old label residue before relabeling.

Check: Test on a hidden spot first.

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3D render of the Thermal label roll holder, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Thermal label roll holder

Keeps rolls feeding straight.

Check: Fits roll and fanfold.

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Goes with labeling

3D render of the Digital shipping scale, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Digital shipping scale

Weigh packages before buying postage.

Check: Pick one that reads ounces and pounds.

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3D render of the Clear storage bins with lids, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Clear storage bins with lids

Labels plus clear bins finish an organized closet.

Check: Stackable lids save space.

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3D render of the Packing tape dispenser, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Packing tape dispenser

Faster boxes on shipping days.

Check: Pick one with a blade guard.

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Quick questions

  1. How many cassettes should I keep?

    One spare per system you use.

  2. Do label tapes expire?

    The adhesive ages; store tape cool and dry and use it within a few years.

  3. Are generic tapes OK?

    Quality varies; buy a single cassette to test before a multipack.

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