What is a Packing List?

Packing lists provide a wealth of information to a variety of people. They provide important information to company officials, employees, and customers. Information related to the customer, product, and return information will typically be found on a packing list.

Company officials use packing lists for a variety of reasons. During inventory, packing lists can provide important evidence of the flow of goods into and out of the warehouse. Compilations of data provided on the packing list can provide those in sales and marketing with important information related to product movement. This can lead them to a better idea of where to focus marketing efforts or when to offer specials to move surplus product.

Employees on the ground floor of the warehouse use packing lists on a regular basis. Packing lists help them identify the product that needs to be placed in the box and allows them to verify order accuracy before shipping. These lists can also provide quality assurance specialists with a way to verify that boxes were packed properly.

Customers utilize packing lists as a form of customer receipt. They use them to ensure all products ordered are included in the package they receive. Customers can also use the packing list to verify the accuracy of pricing and shipping charges.

A variety of information can be found on the packing list, including detailed customer information. The customer’s name, address, and phone number is usually located on the packing slip. Any customer number useful for accounting and invoicing will also be listed.

Information related to the product can also be found on the packing list. This will include the product or item number and the quantity ordered. A description of the product will also be included. Depending on the way each business sets up the template for their packing lists, unit price and any additional expenses will also show up on the slip.

Other information may also be found on the list. This includes information related to the returns procedure, such as an address for returns and a contact phone number for customer service. A customer service representative will often need to be contacted to authorize a return and record any compliments or complaints related to the overall satisfaction of the product. Other information listed may include a corresponding invoice number, the physical address for the company, and the name or number related to the employee who packed the order.