Packing Slip Importance: Why Every Order Needs One
Understand the critical role of packing slips in order accuracy, customer experience, and returns processing.
4 min read32 views
Packing Slip Importance: Why Every Order Needs One
Packing slips are more than formality—they're essential for accuracy, customer experience, and operations. Here's why every order needs one.
What Is a Packing Slip?
Definition
A packing slip is a document that:
Lists items in the package
Confirms order details
Facilitates verification
Aids returns processing
vs. Invoice
Packing Slip
Invoice
No prices
Includes prices
Goes in package
Sent separately (often email)
Item verification
Payment record
For recipient
For accounting
Why Packing Slips Matter
Benefits
Benefit
Description
Order accuracy
Pick/pack verification
Customer experience
Contents confirmation
Returns
Required for processing
Disputes
Documentation
Without Packing Slips
Risk
Consequence
Wrong items shipped
Returns, refunds
Customer confusion
Support inquiries
Returns difficulty
Processing delays
Order disputes
No documentation
Packing Slip Contents
Standard Information
Field
Purpose
Order number
Reference
Customer name
Verification
Ship address
Confirmation
Item names
Content list
Quantities
Accuracy check
SKUs
Internal reference
Optional Information
Field
When to Include
Item images
Visual verification
Order date
Context
Special instructions
Personalization
Return policy
Customer reference
QR code
Digital access
Packing Slip Workflow
Integration Points
Order created
↓
Packing slip generated
↓
Included in pick process
↓
Verified during pack
↓
Placed in package
↓
Label applied
↓
Ship
Generation Methods
Method
Best For
With pick ticket
Warehouse operations
With shipping label
Single document flow
Separately
Custom workflows
Design Best Practices
Layout
Element
Placement
Logo
Top, branded
Order number
Prominent
Items
Clear list
Totals
Bottom (if included)
Readability
Clear fonts
Adequate size
Logical grouping
Sufficient contrast
Returns Integration
Packing Slip for Returns
Include:
Return policy summary
Return authorization process
Return address
Reason code options
Making Returns Easy
Element
Purpose
Return label
Pre-printed or instructions
Return form
Reason selection
Instructions
Step-by-step
Digital vs. Paper
Paper Packing Slips
Pros
Cons
Always visible
Paper/printing cost
No tech needed
Environmental impact
Traditional
Can be lost
Digital Alternatives
Option
Implementation
QR code
Links to digital slip
Email only
No paper needed
App access
Order history
International Considerations
Commercial Invoice
For international, packing slip often becomes or accompanies:
Commercial invoice
Customs declaration
Value declaration
Requirements
Field
Required For
Item descriptions
Customs
Values
Duties calculation
HS codes
Classification
Country of origin
Compliance
atoship Packing Slips
Generate professional packing slips:
Automatic generation: With labels
Customizable template: Your branding
Batch printing: Multiple orders
Include return info: Policy, instructions
Best Practices
Always Include
Order number
Complete item list
Quantities
Return information
Quality Checks
Check
Method
Printed correctly
Visual
Matches order
Verification
Readable
Quality check
In package
Confirmation
Conclusion
Packing slips are essential for order accuracy, customer experience, and returns processing. Include them in every package with complete order information and return instructions. atoship generates professional packing slips alongside your shipping labels.
Share this article:
Ready to save on shipping?
Get started with Atoship for free and access discounted USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates. No monthly fees, no contracts.