Include invoice in order?

[Former_Member]

Hey, do you all print out a copy of the invoice and include it when you pack an order to ship? I'm still trying to work out the details of the paperwork side of this adventure, and was puzzling about an easy way to generate a packing list. I printed and included a copy of the invoice in my latest order, with a handwritten "thank you" on the bottom

How do you all handle this?

[Former_Member]

I used to include an invoice with each order, but I noticed with the packages I received from most larger sellers that they didn't include one. Now I just include a handwritten thank you note. It's easier for me and saves paper, too.

[Former_Member]

I don't include an invoice. It's all available on Etsy. I also include a handwritten note.

[Former_Member]

I include a packing slip from Paypal.

In the event that the shipping label gets ripped, obliterated or otherwise unreadable, a package shipped USPS will end up at the dead letter office. With a packing slip, or other shipping information inside, they'll be able to get it to the customer, or returned to the shipper.

[Former_Member]

I've only included an invoice once, when someone ordered 7 items.

Other times I write a thank you note on a business card.

[Former_Member]

never, I think it is a waste of paper
if they're using paypal they already have a record of the transaction
no one has complained (if anyone asks for it, you can email it, right?)

[Former_Member]

might make sense for sellers of supplies to include- list/invoice if someone buys a bunch of different stuff
just not how my shop works

[Former_Member]

I always include in invoice with my orders. All of the orders I have placed online always have one. I also like to physically thank the people who ordered from me with a hand written note.
Keeps it personal.

[sibstudio]

InnocentWitch
I do the same as you - print out the invoice and write a thank you on it.
I also follow up with a quick email after I mail the item that includes a delivery confirmation number and an another thank you. I know that PayPal sends an email too, but I think a personal touch makes it a better shopping experience for the customer.

[Former_Member]

Probably goes without saying, but make sure if you do have a habit of including the invoice, make sure the seller isn't having the item shipped to a third party as a gift. How embarrassing to have the invoice in there if it is! This, IMO, cuts against including an invoice, though if you get a lot of orders every day, printing invoices can be a way of ensuring the right items get into the right packages.

[crochetedbycharlene]

I include a packing slip that I print from PayPal and write a thank you note on the bottom. Like Jinxxy said - it's always possible for something to happen to the address on the package.

[RebeccasSoapDeli]

I always include the packing slip from paypal. A quick glance tells them their order is correct without them having to look it up, plus they automatically know who the order is from.

[Former_Member]

I used to but I haven't for months. Now I send and email when I ship with thanks and a coupon code to encourage repeat sales.

[Zehland]

I always include a PayPal packing slip with my orders. This is a reminder for people of what they ordered while they are unpacking their item. If I get a package and there is not packing slip, I find it to be annoying!
I use the other half of the paper that the label is printed on so it's not a waste of paper. Then I write a little note right on the packing slip to thank them.

[IndigoPaisleyDesigns]

I do make a habit of including an invoice..along with a handwritten card:-)

[BirdNerdDesigns]

I do include an invoice with a hand written thank you on the bottom. I then put this invoice into a hand written thank you card with my business cards. One for the buyer and one to give away. This is of course they are not sending it as a gift. I also send a thank you email with the package tracking number. It sounds like a lot but, I feel like it makes it more personal in my opinion.
Happy Sales Amanda at Whimsey Wabbit

[Former_Member]

Great responses, thank you! I think the more you do in the way of personal service, the better. You've all given me some great ideas.

[Former_Member]

I always include and invoice and I believe on international orders it use usually required for customs reasons

[Former_Member]

I dont print it. I include some of my business cards with a thanks you written on it.

[Former_Member]

I don't. However, I always include a written Thank you, discount code and send a convo. In the convo I let my buyer know that I don't provide a printed receipt. However, if they'd like a copy I'd be happy to provide a printed copy. Most don't ask for a printed copy.

[SweetEttaRose]

I sell and buy on ebay and etsy and always include an invoice. I then write my thank you on the bottom of the invoice so I don't waste paper. I print out the packing slip from paypal as it is much shorter than the invoice from etsy. I follow up with an email to let the buyer know the item has shipped. This is the buyer's receipt and as such should be included with every purchase just like any store with a physical presence would include it. As a buyer I always appreciate an invoice because these are the receipts for my records.

[Zehland]

newhopebeading, that is correct. An invoice is usually needed for customs, so on international sales you want to include one. Otherwise, you are giving your buyer needless headaches!

[Former_Member]

I always include an invoice! I just follow what other online stores do when I purchase something from their store, and so far, they always include an invoice. I try to keep it as professional as possible so they will take me seriously as a real seller. But of course, I don't include an invoice when it's a gift!

[Former_Member]

I always include a packing list or an invoice, it is easier for me when packaging orders.

[thedots]

I print out the Etsy invoice on one side of paper, and the Paypal invoice on the other side, before shipping anything off. I've always thought that when I've ordered something, and there's no paperwork, it looks unprofessional, like the seller just threw my order in the box or envelope, and forgot my receipt! To me, the inclusion of a receipt completes the order.