Packing Slips and Invoices (a little rant)

[rhodyart]

I'm wondering if you all include packing slips, invoices, or whatever in with your shipments. I do, but I'm noticing an increasing number of sellers here and on other venues who don't. And it annoys me tremendously.

When I do a lot of buying in spurts from different sellers I like to put away the items, once received, and put packing slips in a pile to do feedback all at once. That way I remember who sold me what (my memory isn't always good). But in the last week I've received about 15 items and only 1/3 to 1/2 included a packing slip. I pointed that out to a seller elsewhere and she put me on her 'bad' list (I can't buy from her anymore) which kills me because her items are perfect for my purposes.

anyway, I implore you to please include packing slips with your items. It helps your buyers--really.

[WallCakes]

Why not just go to your purchases and print the receipt from there?

Many sellers don't include receipts with domestic order because so many just throw them out.

[SageNThymeDesigns]

Many of my customers have requested that I NOT include packing slips in the purchase as the items are often gifts.

If I'm buying supplies online its nice to have the packing slips included so I can verify that everything I ordered was included in the shipment. For custom orders my experience is that people often do not want that included.

[Former_Member]

Or request one in your 'note to seller'? I don't automatically put them in because as WallCakes suggested I assume most people throw them out.

[rusticcraftdesign]

I always include the slip just in case....but if it's a gift then i omit the slip and add a little note card =)

[WintergreenDesign]

I always include a receipt but about 95% of my sales are international and thus they are legally required by customs (even for gifts... but then I put them in a sealed envelope marked receipt.... that being said I don't think I've ever recieved an Etsy purchase that didn't have one.

[rockriverstitches]

I believe its just a waste of paper. Most people just throw it away. I know I do

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I always include a packing slip. I don't care if it gets thrown out at the other end or not. My main reason is that if, heaven forbid, the package is damaged in someway and the shipping label becomes illegible, the packing slip has all the info the post office needs to get it where it needs to go. If a packing slip isn't included it'll end up going to the dead letter office.

[CurlicueCreations]

I include one in all my orders. I wouldn't want to receive something in the mail with no receipt for my records. Plus, it gives the customer a reminder of who you are and how to contact you. I include a little thank you note at the bottom and show how to connect with me via my blog and my Facebook page, too. I would feel unprofessional if I did not include a slip with my product.

[Former_Member]

I always include an invoice as well for the same reasons listed above. My items aren't used for gifts so I'm not worried about that. But the invoice provides my shop and contact info and would seem a little unprofessional to me just to enclose a sample in an envelope with nothing else. Plus I write a little hand-written "Thank You" on it.

[Former_Member]

We stopped including them around the holidays, and never started again. Everything is online and easily available to anyone who needs a receipts, and a picture of the item is next to feedback. We include a note and our business card, but no longer include receipts.

[thegardenstudio]

I do include a packing slip primarily because I make the assumption people may be making multiple purchases and potentially for similar items and thus would want to know who is sending what and from where. I am happy to not include it but have never had someone ask me not to.

[Former_Member]

I used to include them up until last week. I started to feel like it was a huge waste of paper and ink. I include a card and thank you message... Hmm I don't know if I should re-start including them now...

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

This thread makes me think of all the lost package threads I read about here on the forums. I wonder if some of those lost packages could be avoided by simply including a print out of the receipt in the package.

[CurlicueCreations]

Good point. I've only had one package lost, and that was b/c I did not have the buyer's correct address. Since then, I always verify addresses before mailing anything. You never know, the buyer may have just moved a week ago and never thought to change their address here or with PayPal. Also, I've been including my business card along with the shipping ticket. Some people do keep these. Some throw them out. But those who keep them are more likely to return to visit my shop on another occasion.

[CreationsByCarrieD]

I had at one point included an invoice when I mailed any packages out but someone had pointed out that it was a waste of paper when all the information is available online. I could see that it could be considered redundant and thought I was making a good decision to cut back on paper for the environment and such.

I do put clear tape over both my address and the recipients address to ensure that it doesn't become smudged or damaged in a way that impedes delivery but what if....has me thinking I should start including them again.

I will most likely start including them again.

[Former_Member]

I agree that its not necessary for me to include an invoice. If a buyer wants a copy for their records, they can print it out at the time of purchase. I add my business card and tag with a personal thank you, but it would add an extra step for me and I just don't think it's important.

[Former_Member]

I include an invoice with a hand written note on it. I'm just still part of a paper world. I also like getting an invoice when I purchase on line. Many of my on-line purchases are supplies and I can keep track of my expenses more easily when the invoice is included with the order.

[Former_Member]

Nah. Etsy has all the records I need.

[AdamRabbit]

I do not include them. When I get them I usually don't even glance it, just throw it out.

[Former_Member]

I don't inlcude an invoice or packing slip, but I don't find it necessary for a piece of jewelry. HOWEVER, if I buy supplies, I like a packing slip. If I buy a candle or bar of soap, save your paper.

[TheAmethystDragonfly]

My note to buyer says I don't include them, but feel free to request one. Most people don't want them

[dalystudios]

I just think inclusion of a packing slip/invoice is a professional BUSINESS practice. I have ordered merchandise from various sources for eons and I have always received one in the shipment. If I receive anything without one, it sends a message to me about the party at the other end of the transaction. Mind you, it will not deter me from purchasing from them again in the future, but it definitely shapes my perception of the business. I suspect it could be a generational thing.

[Former_Member]

I would only include a packing slip for a wholesale order or an order with lots of items in it, otherwise they are reminded of where to find all their receipts via the shipping notification I send out.

So you know what feedback to send, go to: Your Account/ Feedback. All the feedback that has not been completed is under the "Items awaiting feedback" tab. So much easier than a stack of paper!

Packing slips used to be professional business practice because we didn't used to have online access to our accounts and purchases. It's a new day. Not sure why people can't embrace the paperless office.

[seemomster]

I include a packing slip, unless the seller tells me it's a gift.