In the world of ecommerce, efficient fulfillment can make or break your customer experience. One of the unsung heroes of this process is the humble packing list. Whether you’re shipping ten orders a week or thousands, getting your packing list right is essential for accuracy, speed, and customer satisfaction.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about packing lists: what they are, why they matter, how to create them, and how to use them to streamline your ecommerce fulfillment.
What is a packing list?
A packing list (sometimes called a packing slip or packing note) is a document that details the items included in a shipment. It’s typically included inside the package and serves as a checklist for both the packer and the recipient.
Key elements of a packing list include:
- Order number: Unique identifier for the order.
- Customer information: Name, shipping address, and sometimes contact details.
- Itemized list: Each product’s name, SKU, quantity, and sometimes description.
- Special instructions: Notes about fragile items, gift wrapping, or custom requests.
- Company information: Your business name, logo, and contact details.
Why are packing lists important in ecommerce fulfillment?
Accuracy and error reduction
Packing lists are your first line of defense against shipping mistakes. They help your team verify that every item ordered is in the box, reducing costly errors and returns.
Professionalism and branding
A well-designed packing list signals professionalism and attention to detail. It reassures customers that you care about their order and gives you a chance to reinforce your brand.
Customer satisfaction
Customers use packing lists to check their delivery. If something’s missing, the packing list makes it easier for them to report the issue-and for you to resolve it quickly.
Streamlined operations
Packing lists help your fulfillment team work faster and more efficiently. They provide a clear, standardized way to check off items and keep orders moving.
What is the anatomy of a perfect packing list?
Let’s break down what makes a great packing list. Here’s what you should include:
1. Header
- Your logo: For brand recognition.
- Company name & contact info: So customers know who to reach if there’s an issue.
2. Order information
- Order number: Essential for tracking and reference.
- Order date: Helps with record-keeping and customer inquiries.
3. Customer information
- Name and shipping address: Double-check for accuracy.
- Contact information: Optional, but helpful for delivery issues.
4. Itemized list
For each product:
- Product Name
- SKU or Product Code
- Quantity Ordered
- Quantity Shipped (if partial shipments are possible)
- Brief Description (optional)
5. Special notes
- Gift messages
- Handling instructions
- Discounts or promotions applied
6. Footer
- Thank you note: A little appreciation goes a long way.
- Return/exchange policy: Briefly mention or direct to your website.
- Customer service info: Email or phone number for support.
How to create a packing list
There are several ways to create packing lists, ranging from manual to fully automated. Here’s how to get started.
1. Manual packing lists
For small businesses just starting out, you can create packing lists using spreadsheet software (like Excel or Google Sheets). This method is simple and cost-effective.
Steps:
- Create a template with all the key sections.
- Fill in order details for each shipment.
- Print and include in each package.
2. Ecommerce platform packing lists
Most ecommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, etc.) offer built-in packing slip templates. You can usually print these directly from your order management dashboard.
Benefits:
- Saves time.
- Reduces manual errors.
- Often customizable with your branding.
3. Fulfillment software and automation
As your business grows, consider using dedicated fulfillment software or warehouse management systems (WMS). These tools can automatically generate packing lists for each order, integrate with your inventory, and even support barcode scanning.
Popular tools:
- ShipStation
- ShipBob
- EasyShip
Advantages:
- Scalable for high order volumes.
- Integrates with multiple sales channels.
- Supports advanced features like batch picking.
Packing list templates (example)
Here’s a simple packing list template you can adapt for your business:
[Your logo here]
Order number: 12345
Order date: 2025-05-12
Ship to:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
| Item name | SKU | Qty Ordered | Qty Shipped |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blue t-shirt |
TS-001 |
2 |
2 |
|
Red mug |
MG-002 |
1 |
1 |
Special notes:
Gift wrap included.
Thank you for your order!
Questions? Contact us at support@yourstore.com
Packing lists vs. Invoices: What's the difference?
It’s easy to confuse packing lists with invoices, but they serve different purposes:
- Packing list: Details what’s in the box. No pricing information. For the warehouse and the customer.
- Invoice: Details what was purchased and how much was paid. Used for accounting and payment.
Some customers prefer not to see prices (especially for gifts), so always use packing lists for shipments.
Summary
A packing list in ecommerce is a document that details all the items included in a shipment, listing their descriptions and quantities to ensure accurate and efficient order packing and delivery.
