What is a Packing Slip, How to Make Your Own, and Should You Put Them in Orders?

In the world of logistics, e-commerce, and fulfillment services, the humble packing slip plays a critical role in ensuring orders are accurate, efficient, and customer-friendly. Whether you’re an online retailer shipping direct-to-consumer (DTC) orders or a business looking to streamline B2B fulfillment, understanding packing slips is essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What is a packing slip?
• How to create one (including a packing slip template and tools like Word).
• Why packing slips matter and whether you should include them in your orders.
• Bonus insights on using packing slips efficiently with a 3PL fulfillment partner or service.

‍

What is a Packing Slip?

A packing slip is a document that accompanies a shipment and lists the items included in a package. It serves as a physical or digital record of what’s inside the box, ensuring both the sender and receiver can confirm the order's accuracy.

Key Information on a Packing Slip

• Sender and recipient details
• Order number
• Itemized list of products (including SKU, description, and quantity)
• Weight or dimensions (optional, helpful for dim weight calculations)
• Special instructions (if any, e.g., handling notes)

Why Packing Slips are Important

• Order Verification: Ensures customers receive the correct items.
• Inventory Management: Helps businesses keep track of outgoing stock.
• Customer Trust: Shows professionalism and transparency.
• B2B Fulfillment: Crucial for larger shipments where accuracy is non-negotiable.

In the logistics industry, packing slips are especially valuable for businesses partnering with 3PL fulfillment companies like Atomix Logistics or those using fulfillment services for Kickstarter projects.

‍

How to Make a Packing Slip

Creating a packing slip doesn’t have to be complicated. There are various tools and methods to design a professional-looking slip.

1. Packing Slip Template in Word

Using a packing slip template Word format is a quick and easy solution. Microsoft Word offers customizable templates that you can adapt to your brand.

Steps to Create a Packing Slip in Word

1. Open Word and search for a packing slip template.
2. Customize fields like company logo, order details, and itemized lists.
3. Save the template for reuse with future orders.

You can also find free packing slip templates online that are compatible with Excel, Google Docs, or PDF formats.

2. Custom Packing Slips for E-commerce Fulfillment

For online businesses, using packing slips integrated with your e-commerce platform simplifies the process. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon allow you to auto-generate packing slips for each order.

3. Use Software and 3PL Services

Businesses with higher shipping volumes can benefit from automated solutions. A 3PL fulfillment partner like Atomix Logistics can streamline packing slip creation through integrated systems.

Atomix Logistics’ unique pod model ensures efficient order processing, making it ideal for businesses looking for an affordable 3PL option.

‍

Should You Include Packing Slips in Your Orders?

The short answer: Yes, in most cases, you should include packing slips. Here’s why:

Benefits of Including Packing Slips

• Improved Customer Experience: Packing slips allow customers to cross-check items received against what was ordered.
• Reduced Disputes: Packing slips act as proof that the correct products were shipped.
• Simplified Returns: If an item needs to be returned, a packing slip makes the process smoother.

When Not to Include Packing Slips

While packing slips are usually beneficial, there are a few exceptions:

• Environmentally Conscious Brands: Some companies opt for digital slips to reduce paper usage.
• Gift Orders: Packing slips without pricing are preferable for gift shipments.

If your business is scaling up and working with a 3PL fulfillment service, you can customize your packing slip approach to suit your needs.

‍

Using Packing Slips with 3PL Fulfillment Partners

When partnering with a 3PL fulfillment partner like Atomix Logistics, packing slips become even more important. Whether you're shipping DTC, managing Kickstarter fulfillment, or handling B2B fulfillment, a 3PL helps standardize and optimize your packing slip process.

Benefits of a 3PL for Packing Slip Management

1. Automation: Automatically generates packing slips for every order.
2. Accuracy: Reduces errors and ensures items match the packing slip.
3. Customization: Tailors packing slips to include branding or special notes.
4. Efficiency: Streamlines shipping workflows with integrated software.

For businesses looking for fulfillment services for Kickstarter campaigns, partnering with the best 3PL Wisconsin providers like Atomix ensures every order comes with the correct documentation.

‍

Tips for Efficient Packing Slip Management

1. Automate Where Possible

Use software or systems that integrate packing slip generation with your order management. Many 3PL fulfillment companies offer tools to automate this process.

2. Include Accurate DIM Weight

DIM weight (dimensional weight) is used to calculate shipping costs based on the size of the package. Including DIM weight on packing slips helps businesses track shipping expenses and optimize packaging.

3. Use Branded Packing Slips

A branded packing slip with your logo and business information adds a professional touch, building customer trust and loyalty.

4. Integrate with Your Fulfillment Service

Partnering with a 3PL fulfillment service like Atomix Logistics ensures packing slips are handled seamlessly. Their pod warehouse model is especially effective for high-volume shipments and DTC orders.

‍

Sample Packing Slip

Below is a sample packing slip template for reference:

‍Thank you for your order!

Using a structured template like this ensures clarity and professionalism.

‍

Why Atomix Logistics is the Best 3PL for Packing Slip Optimization

When choosing a 3PL fulfillment partner, businesses need to prioritize efficiency, affordability, and accuracy. Atomix Logistics stands out due to its:

• Unique Pod Model: Ensures quick and accurate order fulfillment.
• Customizable Packing Slips: Supports branding and tailored customer experiences.
• Affordable 3PL Solutions: Cost-effective pricing for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Advanced Software: Integrates DIM weight calculations and inventory tracking.

For businesses looking for the best 3PL Wisconsin has to offer or fulfillment services for DTC and Kickstarter projects, Atomix Logistics provides an all-in-one solution.

‍

Final Thoughts

Understanding what is a packing slip and how to create one is vital for any business handling shipments. Packing slips improve accuracy, enhance the customer experience, and simplify fulfillment workflows.

Whether you’re a growing e-commerce store or managing large-scale B2B fulfillment, packing slips are indispensable. Using tools like a packing slip template Word or partnering with a reliable 3PL fulfillment company such as Atomix Logistics ensures your packing slip process is seamless.

By including accurate and professional packing slips in your orders, you’ll not only reduce errors but also build a stronger, more trustworthy relationship with your customers.

‍

FAQ Section: What is a Packing Slip, How to Make Your Own, and Should You Put Them in Orders?

What is a packing slip, and why is it important?

A packing slip is a document included with a shipment that lists the items in a package. It ensures order accuracy, helps with inventory tracking, and improves the customer experience by allowing recipients to verify their order contents.

‍

How can I create my own packing slip?

You can create a packing slip easily using a packing slip template in Word, Excel, or Google Docs. Many e-commerce platforms also auto-generate packing slips, while businesses with higher shipping volumes can automate the process using 3PL fulfillment services like Atomix Logistics.

‍

Should I include packing slips in my orders?

Yes, including a packing slip is recommended in most cases. It provides a clear record of shipped items, reduces disputes, and simplifies returns. However, for gift orders or eco-conscious brands, digital packing slips may be a better alternative.

‍

What details should be on a packing slip?

A standard packing slip includes:

• Sender and recipient information
• Order number and shipping date
• An itemized list with SKU, description, and quantity
• Optional details like weight or DIM weight for shipping cost calculations

‍

How do 3PL fulfillment companies handle packing slips?

3PL fulfillment companies like Atomix Logistics streamline packing slip creation and inclusion. Using automated systems, they ensure accurate, professional packing slips are included in every shipment, helping businesses save time and reduce errors.