A packing slip, sometimes known as a packing list, delivery note, shipping list, or waybill, is a document included within a shipment or sent along with goods being delivered. It provides details about the package's contents, allowing the recipient to verify the items received against items ordered. The packing slip does not typically include pricing information, making it different from an invoice.
Header: The name, logo, and contact details of the sender or the company shipping the goods.
Date: The date when the goods were shipped or the packing slip was generated.
Recipient Information: The name, address, and other contact details of the recipient or the party receiving the shipment.
Sender Information: The name, address, and other contact details of the sender or the party shipping the goods.
Order Number: The reference or order number associated with the purchase, which can help both the sender and recipient track and verify the transaction.
List of Items: A detailed breakdown of the goods included in the shipment, typically comprising:
Description of each item
Quantity
SKU or product code (if applicable)
Weight or dimensions (if relevant)
Special Instructions: Any handling or delivery instructions, such as "fragile," "keep upright," or "store in a cool place."
Notes or Comments: Any additional information or remarks related to the shipment, such as back-ordered items that are not included in the current shipment.
Total Counts: A summary or total of the number of items, boxes, or packages included in the shipment.
Signature or Stamp: Some packing slips might have a space for the sender's or packer's signature or company stamp, acknowledging the accuracy of the information provided.
Benefits of using a packing slip:
Verification: It allows the recipient to cross-check received items against the listed contents, ensuring the order's completeness.
Inventory Management: For businesses, packing slips help in tracking inventory and updating stock levels.
Issue Resolution: If there's a discrepancy between what was ordered and what was received, the packing slip serves as a reference, facilitating faster resolution.
Record Keeping: Both sellers and buyers can keep packing slips as a record of shipped and received items.
In the digital age, packing slips are often generated automatically by e-commerce platforms or inventory management systems, streamlining the shipping and order fulfillment processes.