Packing Slips and Invoices (a little rant)

[#1]

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.

[TerraRhapsody]

I usually include a small invoice that I print out in advance depending on the type of item bought and hand write the details of the transaction. That way I can inform the customer about care instructions for the item, what it was they bought and how much it cost. It also makes me a bit happier to do that as I'm printing out 4 or 6 small invoices per page, rather than an entire page for each item. Any bits of scrap paper from cutting the paper with a guillotine goes into the recycling

[Former_Member]

I always include the receipt printed off from my sold order, on which I add a little hand written note (because I like receiving hand written notes myself!)

If customers ask me not to include the receipt, I will send a different form letter that I have for gifts (no price info, etc).

[Former_Member]

I always include a packing slip and package my items in a zip locked tote to insure that items remain clean.

In the past I have had packages become damaged and the only way the post office knew where to send it was because of the packing slip enclosed. If I know that the item is meant for a gift I only include a slip of paper with the address of the recipient for the same reason stated above and mail or email the packing slip to the buyer.

[KthysKreations]

I print out a copy of the order for my records and include a copy with my item. I've received packages with invoices and without and I favor an invoice enclosed :)

[MythOfTheWild]

I actually hate sending invoices, and I also hate receiving them on Etsy. It always feels a little impersonal to me, and the invoice is just a printed version of what is on both the buyer and the seller's Etsy account. You have to log into Etsy to leave feedback anyway, so I don't much see the point.

I realise not everyone leaves feedback right away, but I do, so it's never been something I've thought about, but invoices always remind me of ebay, and I like to try to put as much distance between Etsy and Ebay as possible, because they are two very different websites, with very different people.

[Former_Member]

If an invoice isn't included, I have to take extra time to go back to my purchases and print it out myself - not a big deal, but I believe it should come with the service of my purchase. Plus they are needed at the end of the year for tax purposes and inventory that I do each month.

But I always include them in my orders unless the customer specifically says it's a gift.

[Beaderbeads]

Put on bad list, huh I guess that means that persons own list.

Any who's when I first started Etsy I didn't put anything in with the order to save on ink & paper. But I heard complaints in the forum so now I always put in a receipt with the order unless I am told other wise. Next I'll add my business card with the receipt.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

Julia B from CardsbyJeweleighaB says
I don't include them and throw them straight in the garbage when I receive them. It's all online - i don't need or want anything else to store! I'm not bothered if people send me one, but it is a waste of their time and ink.

____________________________________

It's no more a waste of my time than printing the shipping label. It's literally three clicks of the mouse to print the order receipt. I plan to continue sending a printed receipt, which is what I consider a packing slip. I feel safer knowing that both mine and the buyer's mailing info are on the outside AND the inside of the package.

[kijsa]

I generally don't include one, and have never had anyone ask me for one, but several, several have asked me NOT to include one for various reasons. I send an online shipping notification separate from etsy with receipt info when I ship, and then tuck in a nice handwritten tag for the recipient. I think either way is professional- I tend to want to keep all my info online to make it easier for me, and find using that type of communication as professional and up to date as others. I have noticed several big box stores asking if you want your receipt printed or emailed- one is better for some, and others would prefer the latter.

[WindDancerStudios]

I include them. If it's a gift I will ask if they prefer I don't.

Paperless is wonderful until your computer dies and takes all your info. Ask me how much fun finding all those no invoice receipts are while manually preparing my taxes this year is. Online isn't much of a help without a computer.

Obviously a scarf isn't the same as 20k in diesel receipts - but with no computer that invoice may be the one thing that reminds me I forgot to enter the expense.

Personally I look at it as a courtesy and I do appreciate it from someone I purchase from as well.

[StitchnJEmbroidery]

I always include an invoice with all of my shipments.
I think it is a little excessive that you had someone add you to their 'bad' list though.

[Former_Member]

I don't expect invoices or packaging slips. I know what I bought and I know where I can get the record. When I get items with slips, it gets trashed/recycled and I don't give it a passing thought. But a handwritten note or a thank you card on the other hand.... those are awesome.

I never send slips or invoices. I associate that business practice with places like Office Depot and the like, and it doesn't make sense for an "Upcycler" to waste unnecessary paper.

Maybe I'll add a line in my policies or anyone that wants one. Although I've never gotten that request, I see that some of you folks are into it & why.

[Former_Member]

I include an invoice with a note and I put in a little invitation envelope. I like a paper trail. When I buy something from someone else, I like to receive a receipt of some kind even if I do just throw it away in the end. It makes me feel like there's a tangible record , not just a virtual one.

[Former_Member]

I believe it is a waste of paper and ink that I could be using on my labels. I have always thrown mine away when I receive them. There are plenty of options for me to obtain one myself if I needed it for my records but I never do. As far as feedback, I do feedback as I receive the items or after I have used the item for some time. I never forget what to leave as my feedback nor do I do them in bulk. Just try to print them yourself if you need them because you just may be one person that needs them whereas many of their other customers may not. You don't want to lose a business relationship with a perfectly good seller just because of something YOU think should be included in packaging...because we all do business differently though there is no wrong or right in this case.

[Former_Member]

I don't include an invoice for one reason only, it's a complete waste of paper. Most people just throw it away/recycle it (I know I do). If you want an invoice, the buyer can easily print it themselves. I haven't had a single person complain.