It is 9 AM. You have seventy-three orders from yesterday. You click into the first order, print the shipping label, print the packing slip. You click into the next order, print the label, print the packing slip. By 11:30 AM, you are only halfway through, and your back hurts from standing at the printer.
There is a better way.
Merchants who scale past six figures do not work harder. They work in batches. This guide walks you through a proven bulk printing workflow that can significantly reduce fulfillment time while also lowering the risk of shipping errors.
Why Individual Order Processing Is Slowing You Down
Every time you switch from one task to another, your brain needs time to refocus. When you bounce between printing labels, printing packing slips, picking items, and packing boxes, your attention constantly resets.
The result is slower fulfillment, more fatigue, and a higher chance of sending the wrong item to the wrong customer. The solution is batch processing. This means grouping identical tasks together so your focus stays on one action at a time and your printer is always working efficiently.
The Batch Processing Advantage
In manufacturing, batching is a core efficiency principle. Toyota does not build one car from start to finish before starting the next. Instead, engines are installed in batches, followed by transmissions for those same vehicles. Your fulfillment process should follow the same logic.
The Traditional Workflow:
Open order → print label → print packing slip → pick items → pack box → repeat.
The Batch Workflow:
- Filter a group of ready orders.
- Bulk print all shipping labels.
- Bulk print all packing slips.
- Pick items using a consolidated list.
- Pack boxes in an assembly line flow.
Step 1: Smart Order Filtering
Before printing anything, organize your orders in Shopify Admin:
- Filter by status: Set to "Unfulfilled" to see only active orders.
- Filter by shipping method: Separate Express, Standard, and Local Pickup orders to prevent delays.
- Filter by product: Batching identical items reduces repeated inventory trips.
- Filter by tags: Use tags like "Gift Order" or "Wholesale" for special handling.
Step 2: Bulk Printing Shipping Labels in Shopify
Shopify includes a native tool for bulk printing shipping labels. Start by selecting your filtered orders (up to 50 at a time). Click Create shipping labels, review weights and services, then click Buy shipping labels.
If you ship high volume, a thermal label printer (like Rollo or DYMO 4XL) is highly recommended. These use 4x6 labels and require no ink or toner.
Step 3: Bulk Printing Packing Slips with Order Printer Pro
While Shopify supports bulk slips, Order Printer Pro enables fully customizable, branded templates that scale with your business.
With your orders selected, click More actions and choose Print with Order Printer Pro. The app generates a single continuous PDF containing all packing slips, ordered to match your shipping labels. Bulk printing dozens of slips this way typically takes under a minute.
Step 4: Assembly Line Packing
At this stage, you have one stack of labels and one stack of slips in the same sequence. To reduce errors, ensure the order number is clearly visible on both.
Set up your station: Packing slips on one side, empty boxes in front, and labels on the other. Take the top slip, pick the items, place them in the box, apply the matching label, and move to the next.
Step 5: Automated Customer Notifications
When you buy labels in bulk, Shopify can automatically mark orders as fulfilled and send tracking emails. Pro tip: If shipping late in the day, consider delaying notifications until the next morning to avoid customer confusion before the carrier scans the package.
Why This Workflow Works
Batch printing reduces errors by allowing you to verify item counts before packing begins. Consistent templates ensure every package looks professional, and the defined start and end points make performance easier to measure.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid printing massive batches before testing your workflow.
- Always verify weights before purchasing labels.
- Do not mix wholesale and international orders in the same batch.
The Bottom Line
Bulk printing is about building a system that scales. Start by batching your labels, add Order Printer Pro for your packing slips, and introduce consolidated pick lists as your volume grows. Your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bulk print packing slips for dozens of orders at once?
Yes. Order Printer Pro allows you to select multiple orders and generate a single PDF with all packing slips in the correct order.
Do I need a special printer for bulk shipping labels?
While any printer works, thermal printers like Rollo or DYMO 4XL are faster, print on standard 4x6 labels, and reduce jams or reprints.
Can I customize the design of my packing slips?
Absolutely. Order Printer Pro supports fully customizable templates so you can include branding, logos, and order details in your preferred layout.
Will Shopify notify customers automatically after bulk printing labels?
Yes. When purchasing shipping labels in bulk, you can enable fulfillment confirmation, and Shopify will send tracking emails and update inventory automatically.
How can I reduce picking errors when handling large orders?
Use a consolidated pick list with Order Printer Pro. It shows total quantities for each product across multiple orders, allowing you to pick inventory efficiently and accurately.
