Event Information

Join us for this Timer Tip Tuesday where we’ll dive into RunSignup’s enhanced label printing feature in the RaceDay CheckIn app! This quick-hit session is designed to get timers up to speed with the latest updates that make label printing faster and easier—especially for Apple devices.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• A short demo video showing label printing in action
• How to set up and use native printing with supported devices
• Why Bluetooth printing is the preferred method
• Tips for choosing the right printer for race day

Whether you’re printing bib labels, name tags, or gear check stickers, this session will help streamline your race day operations with smooth, speedy label printing.

View Slides

Summary of Webinar 

Overview

This Timer Tip Tuesday session provides a practical, hands-on walkthrough of label printing in the RaceDay Check-In App, with a focus on real race-day workflows. The webinar explains why label printing is gaining traction, how to select and configure supported printers, and how setup differs between Android and iOS devices. It also covers best practices for reliability and speed, plus creative use cases—such as late registrant bib labeling, results labels, medal engraving verification, and swag fulfillment tracking—that help timers scale operations while delivering a premium participant experience.

Why Use Label Printing?

Label printing adds flexibility and polish to race-day operations, especially when combined with dynamic bib assignment.

Key benefits include:

• Supports dynamic bib assignment while still personalizing packets

• Provides a premium experience with participant names on bibs or packets

• Reduces bib swaps among families and groups

• Improves swag and add-on fulfillment accuracy

• Helps meet race director expectations or RFP requirements

• Encourages races to keep registration open longer

Label printing is increasingly requested by race directors and is becoming a differentiator for timing services.

Supported Printers

RunSignup supports Brother label printers that work with native printing.

Recommended models:

• Brother QL-810W

• Brother QL-810WC

• Brother QL-820NWB (recommended)

Why the QL-820NWB:

• Built-in screen for troubleshooting

• Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet

• Most reliable option for race-day environments

Bluetooth printing is strongly recommended to reduce network-related issues.

Android Setup Overview

For Android devices:

• Install the Brother Print Service from the Google Play Store

• Select and configure the printer in the Brother app

• Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (Bluetooth preferred)

• Printer selection is handled at the OS level, not in the Check-In App

Check-In App Settings

• Enable label printing at either:

  • Configuration level, or

  • Device level

• Turn on Auto Print After Review to streamline check-in

• Train volunteers carefully so they understand:

  • Printing does not equal check-in completion

  • The final “Check In” step is still required

iOS Setup Overview

iOS devices support native printing, which offers the best performance.

Requirements:

• iOS 13.4 or later

• Brother printer paired via Bluetooth

Setup steps:

1. Go to Configuration → Label Printing

2. Open Label Print Settings

3. Select a Native Printer (Bluetooth preferred)

4. Pair the printer in iOS Bluetooth settings

Important notes:

• Native print is one device per printer

• Bluetooth is more reliable than AirPrint

• Avoid connecting too many devices to a single printer

Label Printing During Check-In

Recommended workflow:

• Enable Auto Print After Review

• Complete check-in → label prints automatically

• Use the printer icon to:

  • Reprint labels

  • Access print settings (long press)

Always test:

• Every device

• Every printer

• The actual network or hotspot being used at packet pickup

Best Practices

• Use Bluetooth whenever possible

• Limit printers to one device (Bluetooth) or two devices (Wi-Fi max)

• Label and rename printers clearly (e.g., “RSU-Printer-1”)

• Test on-site network conditions, not just at home

• Train volunteers with real test check-ins

• Have a backup plan in case printing needs to be limited or paused

Label printing has been proven at scale, including events checking in 17,000+ participants in a single day.

Creative Use Cases

Late Registrant Bib Labeling

• Keep registration open until race day

• Print labels on-site for late registrants

• Deliver the same experience as pre-registered participants

Results Labels & Medal Engraving

• Print finish time labels post-race

• Verify results for medal engraving stations

• Apply labels to bibs, medals, or posters

• Use internal questions and scoring sync for accurate data

Name-Only Bib Labels

• Print large, bold name labels for dynamic bibs

• Remove unnecessary fields

• Adjust font size and style for visibility

• Test long names to ensure proper fit

Swag & Add-On Fulfillment Tracking

• Use custom questions to track item pickup

• Update participant records during check-in

• Print fulfillment status on labels

• Reduce confusion for post-race or delayed pickups

Additional Tips from Support Experience

• Learn how to reset and forget Bluetooth devices

• Be precise with label media size and type

• Test monochrome vs. color labels

• Consider travel routers for consistent network control

• Used equipment can be a cost-effective way to pilot label printing

Key Takeaways

• Label printing is a scalable, race-ready solution

• Bluetooth + native printing delivers the best performance

• Auto-print dramatically speeds up check-in flow

• Thoughtful setup and testing prevent race-day issues

• Creative label uses can unlock new value for timers and races