How do shipping companies keep track of all the items so perfectly? Why isn't any item missed or left behind? It is because of packaging slips.
Packaging slips are a receipt, packing list, shipping list, or complete list of products that are being shipped. It contains product names, numbers, sender details, receiver details, tracking numbers, and many more, making the shipping process a breeze.
Want to know more about packaging slips? Let us learn each and everything in detail in the well-detailed blogs.
What is a Packing Slip?
A document that includes the complete list of items included in a package is called a packaging slip. Packing slips consist of SKU numbers, weights, dimensions, packing lists, waybills, shipping lists, and the number of units. These slips are used by shipping departments to determine what inventory needs to be sent out to accurately complete an order. It acts more than just a paper due to its multifunctional qualities. All must-know details are mentioned on it as an essential tool for shipping teams to double-check and pack orders accurately.
On the other hand, these slips are also useful for the customers to serve as a checklist to ensure their order accuracy. It helps in sorting out the issues of damage and missing content. In international shipping, packing slips make custom clearance a breeze by working hand-in-hand with commercial invoices. Finally, the buyer or receiver of the order will check the received items against the packing slip to ensure all the ordered items arrive.
What Distinguish a Packing Slip from a Shipping Label
What is the difference between a packing slip and a shipping label? Packing slips are placed inside the package and shipping labels are stuck up outside the box. These both have different purposes. Slips indicate the number, and types of products inside the box. shipping labels are all about getting the package from one point to the other. These labels also refer to the package along the way while packing slips focus on what’s inside the box, ensuring the contents match what was ordered.
The other difference between them is that shipping labels contain information like sender and recipient info, weight, and tracking codes, whereas packing slips detail the specific items within. When it comes to usage, a single packing slip usually covers an entire order, even if it’s split across multiple boxes, whereas each box gets its shipping label.
- Location: Packing slips are placed inside the package while shipping labels are attached on the outside.
- Purpose: Shipping labels are useful in identifying and tracking the package, and packing slips indicate the content/product accuracy inside the box.
- Details: Shipping labels have information like sender/recipient info, weight, and tracking codes. Packing slips are imprinted with the list of items, number of items, amount, and other product details included in the package.
- Usage: Packing slips are usually single per order, even if shipped in multiple boxes; shipping labels are on each package.
Read Also: UPS Labels For Shipping: Printing and Purchasing
How a Packing Slip Differs from an Invoice
For smooth transactions, it has become crucial to understand the difference between packing slips and invoices.
An invoice serves as a receipt, detailing the costs and payment information. This piece of information on the slips ensures that the buyer has completed their purchase. a packing slip simply has the list of products in the package without mentioning any financial details. These slips are perfect for scenarios where the recipient shouldn’t see the price when sending a gift. In such cases, the receiver gets the packing slip while the buyer gets the invoice,
How to Create a Packing Slip
It is not difficult to create a packing slip. Making a packing slip is straightforward by just using the software. Templates, labeling services, and inventory management software are used in Excel or Google Sheets. All you have to consider is that the packing slip must be simple, easy to read, clear, legible, and carry all the essential details to be easily readable by the recipient to understand the contents of the package.
What Details to Include on a Packing Slip
- Sender Information includes the business name, address, contact details, and potentially a logo.
- Information for the recipient includes Name, shipping address (different from billing address), and contact information.
- Purchase Order Number: Ensures order verification.
- Order Date and Slip Number: Tracks orders and resolves issues.
- Itemized List of Products: Verifies all items ordered and shipped.
- Out-of-Stock Items: Notes any items not included and their shipping status.
- SKU/UPC Numbers: Aids in inventory tracking.
- Product Quantities: Ensures the correct number of items are shipped.
- Size and Weight Information: Optional, but can be included for each item.
Things Need To Be Consider To Have a Packing Slip?
Although not mandatory by law packing slips are essential. Packing slips act like a game changer for having a check and balance of the inventory, management, and customer satisfaction while getting their order. These basic paper slips are essential to avoid packing mistakes that guarantee the accuracy of each order and improve overall customer satisfaction. Have you ever wondered why packing slips are so important for eCommerce businesses?
These are the following top five compelling reasons:
- Accurate Shipment: Packing slips verify that all items ordered are included in the package, minimizing the risk of missing products.
- Track Order Items: They help in organizing orders that are spread across multiple shipments, making it easier to track items.
- Identify Damaged Items: When something arrives damaged, packing slips facilitate quicker processing for refunds or reshipments, streamlining customer service.
- Confirm Receipt of Items: Packing slips help customers confirm they’ve received everything they ordered, quickly identifying any missing pieces.
- Customs Use for Value Estimation: Especially in international shipping, customs use packing slips to estimate the value of the shipment, ensuring smooth border transit.
Considerations For Product Slip
A typical packing slip template includes crucial details like SKU/UPC, product descriptions, order quantity, and shipped quantity. It also notes if an item is out of stock, indicating it will be shipped later.
When it comes to packing slips, there are a few more considerations:
- Integrated Process: Using automated tools can significantly reduce errors and improve order fulfillment efficiency.
- Unique Customer Experience: A well-designed packing slip can add to the brand's visibility and enhance the unboxing experience.
- Environmental Impact: The debate continues whether physical packing slips are necessary or if electronic versions could be a more eco-friendly option to reduce waste.
Final Words
Packaging slip is a slip or document used inshpping proce hat contain lsit of the items, weight, and quantity. Without it, shipping proces cannot run smoother. Every retailer, shipping company, and business owner need packing slips to make thie shipment smoother.
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