How to Use the Packing List
Including a packing slip when shipping makes things easier for you and your customers. Learn how to use a packing slip below.
Fast and efficient shipping is essential for e-commerce stores. One simple way to improve your packaging process and enhance customer service is to add a packing slip to each order.
Creating a packing slip only takes a few minutes, but it saves time and effort by ensuring your products are shipped properly. Learn more about when to include a packing slip and get started creating your own.
What is a packing list?
A packing slip is a document that contains detailed information about the products included in a package. Packing slips are useful for both sellers and customers. Customers can quickly check the products they have ordered through the packing slip, while sellers can use it to quickly identify the products they have ordered. It can streamline the shipping process .
A packing slip serves two main purposes. First, it serves as a checklist for those packing orders to ensure the customer has received all the items ordered. Second, after the order is shipped, the customer can use the packing slip to check for missing items and request a return or exchange if any are missing.
What is a digital packaging list?
Some companies are opting for digital packing slips to reduce paper waste. Digital packing slips contain the same information as printed packing slips, but are sent via email or link.
Sustainable Packaging Company Britt Martin, Arka 's Head of Partnerships, says digital packing slips "not only minimize waste, but also enhance customers' ability to access and manage their transaction records." Sending a digital packing slip allows you to easily retrieve all shipping orders and their contents later.
What is the difference between a packing slip and a shipping label?
Both help streamline the shipping process, but packing slips and Shipping Label There are some key differences between them.
First, the packing slip goes inside the package, while the shipping label is attached to the outside. While the packing slip is useful for both sellers and customers, the shipping label is primarily used for the convenience of the carrier. The carrier uses it to transport the package from one location to another.
Both a packing slip and a shipping label contain information like shipping and receiving addresses, but a packing slip also contains information about the contents of the package, information you won't typically find on a shipping label.
Shipping labels usually have a barcode so the carrier can quickly check information about the package.
Is the packing slip a receipt?
A packing slip is different from a receipt, but it contains some of the same information. A receipt is like a legal document confirming that a customer has paid for and received a product or service.
Because the packing slip is created by the seller before shipping, it does not confirm that the customer has received the package.
Who sends the packing list?
E-commerce companies selling physical products send packing slips as part of their order processing process. For example, companies with high return rates, such as e-commerce fashion retailers, or those handling large wholesale orders, are more likely to send packing slips.
Companies that sell products from multiple warehouses or involve multiple parties in order fulfillment are more likely to send packing lists than those that handle all operations in-house. However, all e-commerce businesses can benefit from using packing lists for shipping and fulfillment.
Not all packages require a packing slip. A packing slip should only be used if it makes the shipping and returns process easier for both the customer and the seller. There are instances where a packing slip is particularly useful, such as when multiple items are shipped separately.
Benefits of Using a Packaging List
Most packages don't require a packing slip, so why should you use one? There are several clear advantages.
Reduce packaging errors
The primary reason e-commerce businesses use packing lists is to reduce packaging and shipping errors. Printed packing lists serve as a checklist when packing an order, and are particularly useful for orders that include products from multiple warehouses or are shipped in multiple shipments.
When packing multiple orders at once, you can easily match the packages to the shipping labels using the packing slip, as it includes the customer's address.
Simplify returns
A packing slip helps customers easily process returns and exchanges. It includes all the information they need to return an item, such as the SKU or item number. While customers can always check their order confirmation, a printed packing slip makes it easier to reach them, especially if they receive a large number of packages or accidentally delete the order confirmation email.
💡Learn more: How to Write a Return Policy
Improve customer service
A packing slip is an additional service you can offer your customers, allowing them to quickly and easily check all the products they ordered. It can also be personalized, branded, or handwritten. This is an opportunity to add small elements like thank you notes .
“Even small elements like packaging labels provide opportunities to reinforce brand identity,” says Britt.
Safe delivery guaranteed
If the shipping label is damaged, a packing slip can be useful. If the carrier can't read the label, they can open the package to verify the customer's address, return address, and contact information for both parties.
What to include on your packing list
All packing slips must include:
- Order number and order date
- An itemized list of all products included in the order, along with their quantities, SKU numbers, UPC numbers, and/or product numbers.
- Customer contact information: Customer name, shipping address, billing address, phone number, and/or email address.
- Seller's contact information: company name, return address, website, phone number, and/or email address.
- Shipping company and shipping method
Depending on your order, it may include:
- Brief product description
- Location of each product within the warehouse
- Weight and volume of each package and total shipping weight
- Number of packages or pallets included in the order
- Instructions on how to return a product and what to do if there is a problem with your order.
- Customer requests: Gift wrapping, reduced packaging
How do I create a packing list?
If you use Shopify, in your Shopify admin order Packing list on page You can create a packing list . Even if you don't use Shopify, creating a packing list isn't that difficult. Here are some tips to help you create your own.
1. Select a template
The easiest way to create a packing slip is to start with a free packing slip template that includes all the necessary fields. Finding and downloading a packing slip template eliminates the need to start from scratch. Instructions are included, allowing you to customize it to suit your business needs.
2. Customize the template
Customize the template by adding your logo, brand colors, company name, and any information you want to keep consistent across all orders (such as a return address or thank-you message). Now you have a custom template ready to use for all future orders.
3. Create a template
Now that your custom template is ready, simply enter the details of each order. Include the order number, shipping address, and product list.
4. Print the packing list
Use the printed packing list as a checklist when packing your order and include it in the package for your customer's reference.
Packing List FAQs
Why do I need a packing list?
A packing list allows you to track all the products included in your order, ensuring it arrives at the right location. It also provides a useful reference for your customers.
What is the difference between a packing list and a purchase order?
A purchase order may look like a packing slip, but they are different. A purchase order is a legal document, while a packing slip is not. Furthermore, a packing slip is created by the seller, while a purchase order is created by the buyer. A purchase order includes payment details, while a packing slip does not.
What information can I find on the packing slip?
At a minimum, your packing slip will need to list each product in your order, along with its quantity (to ensure the products are packaged correctly), and your shipping address (to match the package to the shipping label).
What is the difference between a packing list and an invoice?
An invoice is sent to the person or company who paid for the purchase, while a packing slip is sent to the shipping address (sometimes these two addresses are the same). Invoices are typically sent before payment is requested and serve as financial records for both the buyer and seller. Invoices are more commonly used in wholesale sales or service provision, while packing slips are found on both wholesale and direct-to-consumer packages.
Do I need a packing slip for international shipping?
For international shipments, you must complete a customs declaration form, also known as a commercial invoice. The customs declaration form contains much of the same information as the packing list, so it's best to complete it at the same time. The difference between the customs declaration form and the packing list is that the customs declaration form is attached to the outside of the package. That is, it contains HTS code .