Product Labeling Tips for Etsy & Shopify Sellers: International Compliance & Trust

Your online store is set up, your products are ready, and you're preparing for shipping. But what about the label? Where should it go, what should it say, which language should it use, and is it legally compliant abroad?

For producers selling on Etsy and Shopify, the label is more than just aesthetics; it ensures legal compliance, builds brand trust, and facilitates logistics. This article provides simple, actionable tips on product labeling for boutique brands selling both domestically and internationally.

 

Your Label Must Be Internationally Readable

When selling on Etsy and Shopify, your customers may be outside of Turkey. Therefore, it's crucial that the text on your label is in English or, at minimum, uses dual language. Content information like "100% Cotton," the phrase "Made in Türkiye," and care warnings such as "Handmade" or "Do not bleach" must contain universal, easily understood terms.

 

A Logo Isn't Enough—Information is Key

A label containing only your logo may be insufficient. Especially for textile products, consider adding the following details:

Material content (e.g., 100% cotton, 95% viscose / 5% elastane).

Country of origin (Made in Turkey).

Washing and care instructions (Wash cold, hang dry).

Size information (S / M / L, if applicable).

If you deliver this information via a separate care card rather than the label itself, the label can remain minimal. However, because online customers cannot physically inspect the product, they require much more information.

 

Folded Labels = The Ideal Format

In online sales, it’s a major advantage if the label carries both the brand and the necessary information when the product is unboxed. Folded labels are the best solution, as they allow you to feature the logo on one face and the descriptive information on the other. This creates an immediate perception of trust for international buyers: "This brand knows what they are doing."

 

Simple But Trustworthy Presentation Wins

The first impression of a product shipped internationally hinges on the label and packaging. A label that is thoughtful, tidy, and professionally prepared—not overly complex—suggests you are a brand that delivers products with "perfect stitching and seamless delivery." Particularly if you sell in the handmade category on Etsy, the presentation is expected to reflect the craftsmanship of the product. Details like label stitching quality, print clarity, and placement are therefore critical.

 

Legal Compliance & Customs Sensitivity

If you are shipping textile products to Europe or the US, certain basic information must legally accompany the product. Some countries may flag or deem products incomplete if they arrive without the following:

Product content

Country of origin (Turkey)

Usage instructions

The phrase "handmade" (if not for wholesale)

This information can be on the label or on a small information card attached to the packaging.

 

Conclusion: Your Label is Your Brand's Global Business Card

When an online customer receives their product, they look at the label first. The details there build trust in both the product's quality and the brand itself. If you want to stand out on platforms like Etsy and Shopify, your label must speak volumes.

The right label means more trust, more shares, and higher customer satisfaction (fewer returns). Labelish offers multilingual, low-volume, and professional label solutions suitable for producers selling both domestically and internationally.