Packing Slip Templates

When and Why to Include a Packing Slip

While some smaller businesses choose to leave out a packing slip, this is a mistake. Packing slips serve many valuable purposes and can help save you a lot of time, energy and money in the long run.Help identify lost cargoWhen packages for delivery get lost, the Postal Service’s Dead Letter Office employees have to do a little bit of detective work to find them. Sometimes a package will get wet or scuffed, making it impossible to read the address label on the front of the box. If this is the case the employee will have to open the box in hopes there will be enough information inside to get the package delivered to the right person. So when the address on the front of the box becomes illegible for any reason, having a packing slip inside the box or in a protected plastic pouch will make their job easier, and ensure the package reaches your customer. The packing slip should have both your address and the buyer’s address for this reason.Inform about the contents of a packageThe packing slip helps to inform the customer of what they ordered, when they ordered it, and from where. Since a lot of people order many products online, it can become a hassle to remember what they ordered and from which organization. The packing slip helps shoppers to stay on top of what they’ve received and what they need to keep an eye out for. They can simply cross-reference the items they have ordered with the packing slip to check off the items they’ve received.Permit inspection by customsIn many countries, packing slips are suggested for international shipments because it makes it easier when travelling through customs. The packing slip is a way to inform government agencies of the contents of the package, as well as the weight and price. This is especially helpful during transport through customs and can help ensure your package is cleared of government checks and procedures in a timely fashion and without any problems. In this instance, a packing slip that is kept in a clear, plastic pouch on the outside of the package makes their job much easier, as they won’t have to open the parcel up to find the packing slip.

What Should Be Included on a Packing Slip

Not every template for a packing list will be right for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all in this case because what you decide to include will vary greatly depending on your business and the products you offer. However, there are some things that every packing slip template should include:

• Order date
• Order number
• Sending information
• Products included
• Quantity of products
• Return address

Some additional things you might want to have on your packing list include:

• Pricing information
• Weight of content
• Personalized message
• Your company logo

Free Packing Slip Templates

Below you will find our collection of packing slip templates for both Word and Excel. They are all available online for free download. Why not use one in the next parcel your business sends out?