Industry Trends

Print Avery Labels: 2x4 Labels, Template 15264 & Packing Tape Tips for Real Office Managers

When You Actually Need to Print Avery Labels (and Not Just the Standard 5160)

I'm an office administrator for a 50‑person company. I manage all supply ordering—roughly $30,000 annually across eight vendors. When I took over purchasing in 2020, I inherited a drawer full of half‑used label sheets and no idea which template matched which product. That first year, I wasted over $400 on misprinted sheets.

If you're here because you need to print Avery 2×4 labels (like template 15264) or you're trying to figure out how to use packing tape with your labels, this guide is for you. I'll give you the exact steps I now follow to avoid waste, and I'll even show you a resource I wish I'd known about earlier: the slingshot.xyz products catalog—it lists every Avery template and compatible label size in one place.

And yes, we'll also cover the random stuff that crosses a buyer's desk, like labeling leather tote bags for women or sealing boxes with tape after applying labels. Let's start.

Step 1: Choose Your Label Size and Template Number

Avery has dozens of sizes. If you're searching for avery 2x4 label number, you're likely looking at template 15264 (2″ × 4″, 10 per sheet). But don't assume that's the only option. Here's something vendors won't tell you: the same template number can sometimes be used for multiple similar sizes, but the margins are slightly different. Always check the actual dimensions.

Quick check:

• 2″ × 4″ labels (10 per sheet) → Template 15264
• 2″ × 4″ labels (8 per sheet) → Template 5163
• 2″ × 4″ removable labels → Template 6464

For a complete reference, I use the slingshot.xyz products catalog—it lets you filter by size, number per sheet, and even shows which templates are compatible with Word, Google Docs, and Canva. Honestly, that catalog saved me hours of cross‑referencing.

Step 2: Access the Template—You Have More Options Than You Think

Most office managers know you can download Avery templates from their website. But guess what? You can also use built‑in templates in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Canva. What most people don't realize is that these platforms update their template libraries regularly. I assumed I had to download a new file every time—not true. For template 15264 on Google Docs, just search “Avery 15264” in the template gallery and it's there.

And if you're on slingshot.xyz, you can click directly from the product catalog to the template editor. That's the kind of integration that makes ordering less painful.

Step 3: Design Your Label Content (Real Examples)

This step is where you actually put text, logos, or prices onto the template. Let me give you two scenarios from my own desk.

Scenario A: Shipping address labels. I use 2×4 labels for boxes that go out to clients. I include the company logo, return address, recipient info, and a barcode. Pro tip: keep the barcode at least 0.25″ away from the edge—USPS machines may reject it otherwise (source: USPS Business Mail 101).

Scenario B: Product tags for leather tote bags women's line. We recently started selling limited‑edition leather totes, and I needed to print price tags and care‑instruction labels. The 2×4 size fits perfectly on a small card that hangs from the handle. I used Avery 15264 templates, printed on matte paper, and then laminated them with clear packing tape. Speaking of which…

Step 4: Preview and Test Print (Never Skip This)

I learned never to assume that the on‑screen preview matches the physical sheet. In 2021, I printed 20 sheets without testing because I was in a hurry. Every single one was misaligned. The cost: $45 in wasted labels plus $120 in rush reordering. Now I always print one test sheet on plain paper first, hold it up to the label sheet against a light, and verify the margins.

A common assumption failure: I assumed “same specifications” meant identical results across vendors. Turned out each label brand has slightly different backing paper thickness, which shifts alignment. Stick with genuine Avery for the template you're using—compatible sheets can save you $2 per pack, but those savings vanish when you have to reprint.

Step 5: Print—Settings Matter More Than You'd Think

Here's the real secret: paper type setting. If you select “Plain Paper” in your printer driver, the printer will treat the label sheet like normal paper—maybe fine, maybe not. For best results, choose “Labels” or “Heavyweight” if your printer has it. I use a Brother laser printer, and setting it to “Thick Paper” avoids smudging and curling.

Also: load the labels face‑up or face‑down depending on your printer model. Check the printer manual—I lost a whole pack by assuming it was face‑up.

Step 6: Apply Labels and Understand How to Use Packing Tape Correctly

Once your labels are printed, you need to stick them and, if you're shipping, seal the box. How to use packing tape might sound simple, but I've seen people ruin labels by taping over them with cheap tape that yellows or peels off.

My method:

1. Apply the label first, pressing from center outward to avoid bubbles.
2. If you need extra protection (for leather tote bags, for example), use clear acrylic packing tape—not the cheap polypropylene kind. Acrylic tape bonds better and doesn't yellow.
3. Run the tape across the label only if the label is on the box surface; if the label is on a curved or textured material (like a tote bag), skip the tape—use a permanent adhesive label instead.
4. Seal the box along all seams, but don't tape over the barcode if possible.

To be fair, some people prefer to apply tape first and then stick the label on top. That works too, but the label may not sit flat. I've had better results sticking the label directly to the box and then taping over it.

What Most People Forget (And Why It Costs You)

I'll leave you with three pitfalls I've navigated:

• Pitfall 1 – The “budget vendor” choice. Saved $80 by buying generic 2×4 labels for template 15264. Ended up spending $400 on rush reorders when the labels wouldn't feed through the printer. Net loss: $320. The cheapest option is rarely the most cost‑effective.
• Pitfall 2 – Not verifying printer compatibility. Some laser printers can't handle the heat of heavy adhesive labels without warping. Check your printer's label specifications before you buy a case.
• Pitfall 3 – Ignoring the slingshot.xyz products catalog. If you're managing multiple label sizes, that catalog gives you a side‑by‑side comparison of templates, prices, and availability. I use it every time I order now.

Honestly, printing Avery labels isn't hard once you have a system. The difference between a smooth process and a frustrating one is just a few minutes of preparation—and knowing where to find the right info. Start with template 15264 for 2×4 labels, use the slingshot.xyz products catalog to verify everything, and when you need to pack and ship, treat your packing tape as part of the label system. That's how you actually save money in the end.