Looking for an alternative to Shopify's Retail Barcode Labels app?
Shopify's own Retail Barcode Labels app is free and works for simple needs. Merchants usually start looking elsewhere when they hit one of the limits below. Here is a checklist to compare any replacement, and how Tagwise handles each point.
Common reasons merchants switch
These come up again and again in public App Store reviews and on the Shopify Community forum:
- Every product gets a label by default, so printing a single label means clearing the whole list first.
- The label size or sheet you use isn't available, or a custom size can't be entered.
- Text you need (SKU on small Avery labels, several lines, a custom field) can't be added.
- No way to print labels for a purchase order or incoming stock, especially since Stocky was retired.
- Products without a barcode, or duplicate barcodes that confuse the POS scanner.
A checklist for any replacement
| Question to ask | How Tagwise answers it |
|---|---|
| Does it support my exact label? | 46 ready-made sizes (Dymo, Zebra/Rollo, Brother QL, Avery US and A4) plus any custom size. |
| What is selected by default? | Nothing. Quantities start at zero; one click sets "1 each" or "match stock". |
| Can I choose the text? | Name, variant, price, compare-at price, SKU, vendor, custom text, barcode or QR code, with a live preview. |
| Can I print incoming stock? | Yes, from a Shopify inventory transfer, with quantities pre-filled. |
| What about products with no barcode? | Generates unique in-store EAN-13 or UPC-A codes, never duplicated. |
| Will I need to talk to someone first? | No. Install, pick products, print. Support by email within one business day. |
| Does it touch my theme? | No. Nothing is added to your storefront, and uninstalling leaves nothing behind. |
Switching takes five minutes
- Install the new app; your barcodes stay in Shopify, so nothing needs to be moved.
- Pick your label size and set up one template.
- Print a test page on plain paper and hold it against a label sheet or roll.
- Print a few real labels and scan them at your POS.
Tagwise has a free plan (50 labels a month, every feature) and a Pro plan at $6.99 a month for unlimited labels.
Install Tagwise free
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