In today's world, everything from buying stuff to getting receipts can be done online.
You might wonder, "What's the point of using packing slips?"
But hold on!
Packing slips are pretty useful, and they're not hard to deal with. They can save you time and money. Think of them as a backup plan to make sure you're sending out the right stuff.
In this article, we'll talk about what packing slips are, how you can make one, and why they're so important for shipping stuff.
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A packing slip, also known as a waybill, packing list, or shipping list, is a piece of paper that comes with a package. It has important stuff written on it, like the name and address of the person getting the package.
The slip also has other details, such as SKU numbers (like product codes), how heavy and big the package is, and how many items are in it.
When your shipping team is putting together a package, they look at the packing slip to see what stuff they need to pack and send. Then, they put the slip inside the package along with all the things that were ordered.
Once the package reaches the customer, they can check the packing slip to make sure everything is right. They can look at the order date, order number, and what's actually in the package to double-check.
Packing slips are handy because they show what should be in the package. They're super useful if something's broken or missing. This is even more important if you send one order in different boxes!
By looking at the packing slip, you can quickly figure out what's wrong and get a refund or replacement for any damaged stuff.
When you're shipping stuff across borders, like sending things internationally, the packing slip comes in handy. Instead of going inside the package, it goes in a special pouch stuck to the outside.
Customs usually like to see a commercial invoice, but they'll also take a look at the packing slip if it's there. It helps them figure out how much the stuff in the package is worth.
There are quite a few ways that a packing slip and a shipping label are different because they do different jobs.
First off, the shipping label goes on the outside of the box, but the packing slip hangs out inside the package. That's because the shipping label is mainly for the delivery folks.
The shipping label helps you keep tabs on and recognize the packages. It's got info about who's sending it and who's getting it, plus how heavy it is.
Usually, there's a barcode or QR code on the label to make tracking simple. And if there's anything special about how it should be delivered, like needing a signature, that gets written on there too.
If a recipient is receiving more than one box, they'll find a shipping label attached to each package. On the other hand, there is often only one packing slip for an entire order, even if you deliver it in multiple packages.
Although you'll employ them in distinct ways, both documents play a crucial role in ensuring that the shipment is transported, cleared by Customs, and delivered to the correct recipient.
The shipping label helps lower the odds of a package going missing or being treated badly. And the packing slip ensures the customer gets the stuff they bought in good shape.
An invoice is like a receipt for a business deal. When someone buys stuff from a business, the business sends them an invoice along with their order.
The invoice has a list and details of what was bought, how much it all costs, how to pay, and when it's due.
Usually, when you buy stuff, you get both a packing slip and an invoice. But sometimes, things might switch up.
For example, if you're buying a gift, you'll get the invoice because you're the one paying for it. But the person getting the gift will find the packing slip with it.
Creating a packing slip can be done in a few different ways. You can use ready-made templates in Excel or Google Sheets. Another option is to print them using a labeling service, or you can generate them through inventory management software.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure your packing slips are easy to understand, straightforward, and include all the important details. We'll cover what info you need in the next part.
Here are the most important details you need to include on a packing slip.
A packing slip isn’t legally required, like a receipt or a bill of lading, but it's extremely important for managing your inventory.
Having a packing slip helps you or your team make sure you're grabbing the right items before sending them out. This can prevent expensive mistakes during the packing and shipping process.
It also lets customers double-check that they got everything they ordered. It might seem minor, but it can really affect how satisfied customers are.
Getting orders to customers quickly is super important for a good shopping experience.
That's why it's smart to use all the tools you've got to make sure your customers get their stuff fast.
With the eLogii route optimization software, you can enhance customer experience by sending them timely email and text updates about their packages. You can also plan optimal routes for your drivers using the app.
In these routes, you can mark important tasks for priority delivery and provide precise delivery times for all other packages.
Even more so, you can personalize the text or email notifications for your customers.
Your delivery drivers can snap a photo using the app, which you can keep and send to customers as proof that their delivery was made.