How to Create a Packing Slip: Examples and Templates (Amazon, UPS)

Many sellers face the same problem: they need to print a packing slip but accidentally send the invoice instead. It sounds like a small slip-up, but it can trigger wrong orders, avoidable returns, and unnecessary support queries. One retailer shared that a single misprint caused multiple customers to receive the wrong items.

This guide explains what a packing slip is, why it matters for accurate fulfilment, and how to create one that reduces errors and keeps your dispatch process running smoothly. If you already use a freight platform to book shipments or print labels, your packing slips should follow the same structure for accuracy and consistency.

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What Is a Packing Slip?

A packing slip is a document that lists every item included in a shipment. It helps the sender, warehouse team, and customer confirm that the order matches what was purchased, reducing mistakes during packing and delivery. A clear packing slip also supports returns and record-keeping because it shows exactly what was sent.

How a packing slip differs from other documents:

• Invoice: Shows prices, tax, and payment details for billing.
• Shipping label: Includes the delivery address, sender information, and tracking number used by the courier.
• Packing slip: Lists the physical items inside the package only.

The purpose of a packing slip is to:

• Verify each product before dispatch and after delivery
• Prevent missing, duplicated, or incorrect items
• Provide transparency for customers
• Support accurate fulfilment in e-commerce and warehouse operations

If you use a shipping platform like Couriers & Freight, keeping your packing slip details consistent with the information you use to book shipments helps avoid errors and keeps your dispatch process organised.

What Should Be Included in a Packing Slip?

A packing slip should include the same key details that appear in your order and invoice so warehouse staff can verify every item quickly and accurately. The information must match what’s in your e-commerce or accounting system to avoid packing errors.

Packing slip checklist:

• Business name, logo, and contact information
• Order number and order date
• Customer name and delivery address
• Product SKUs and clear item descriptions
• Quantities ordered and shipped
• Notes for fragile, substituted, or backordered items
• Optional barcode or QR code for scanning
• Clear return or exchange instructions

Using a consistent template for all packing slips keeps your records aligned and reduces confusion for packing staff. Matching details across your invoice, order, and packing slip also prevents shipping mistakes and avoids unnecessary customer enquiries.

How to Create a Packing Slip (Step-by-Step)

Creating a clear packing slip helps reduce packing errors and keeps your fulfilment process organised.

Step 1: Collect the order details

Gather the customer’s name, delivery address, order number, and full item list from your e-commerce or fulfilment system. Accurate information at this stage prevents mistakes later.

Step 2: List all products clearly

Record the SKU, product name, description, and quantity for every item. Check that these details match what has been packed.

Step 3: Add customer and business information

Include your business name, address, and contact details so couriers and warehouse staff can identify the order quickly.

Step 4: Add notes or special instructions

Highlight items that are fragile, substituted, or on backorder. This gives packers and receivers the context they need.

Step 5: Format the packing slip for easy checking

Use columns, clear headings, and spacing that helps warehouse teams verify items at a glance.

Step 6: Review before printing

Confirm that each detail matches your invoice and order record. This final check catches errors before dispatch.

Step 7: Print and include the packing slip

Place it inside the box or in a clear sleeve on the outside so both warehouse staff and customers can access it easily.

Using Templates or Software

Many small businesses start by creating a packing slip in Word or Excel. This works for a small volume of orders, but as sales increase it becomes slow and prone to errors because every detail must be entered manually. Automated tools reduce these mistakes by pulling product data directly from your order or inventory system.

Platforms like Shopify and Xero can generate a packing slip automatically when you book a shipment, keeping item details and quantities consistent across your documents. This approach is also helpful for Amazon sellers or businesses sending parcels through carriers like UPS, where accurate packing slips support fulfilment and returns.

Shipping platforms such as Couriers & Freight also help centralise booking, labelling, and document generation, so your packing slips match the information used across every shipment.

Printing and Including It with the Order

Many sellers print packing slips separately from invoices so customers don’t receive pricing details with their order. Guides from Shopify and UPS recommend this approach because it keeps billing information private and helps staff stay organised.

When printing, use plain white paper so the details are easy for warehouse teams to scan and read. Place the packing slip on top of the items inside the box, or in a clear plastic sleeve on the outside, so it’s visible during checks at dispatch and on arrival. Avoid hiding it under packaging or mixing it with invoice documents.

Keep a digital copy for your records in case a customer needs help with a return or order confirmation.

Example of a Packing Slip Format

Here’s a simple packing slip layout that small businesses can use as a template. A clear, well-structured slip helps warehouse staff check items quickly and reduces packing mistakes.

Generic Packing Slip Template

Packing slip templates usually follow this structure, but formats can vary depending on the software or marketplace you use.

Amazon Packing Slip Example

Amazon packing slips list the buyer’s details, order number, and a full itemised list, but never show pricing because billing is handled separately. Sellers can print these slips directly from Seller Central or from integrated fulfilment software. Each slip includes a return address and basic return instructions to support quick refunds or exchanges.

Amazon Packing Slip – Example Format

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Date: 19 March 2020 Ship To: Sarah Johnson 28 King Street Newtown NSW 2042 Australia Email: sarah.johnson@example.com

Tracking: TBA123456789012 Return Address: Amazon Fulfilment Centre 1 Fulfilment Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia Order: 123-4567890-1234567

Qty	SKU	Description	Price	Ext. Price
1	AMZ-TSHIRT-BLU	Women’s Classic T-Shirt, Blue, Size M	AUD 24.00	AUD 24.00
1	AMZ-MUG-WHT	Ceramic Coffee Mug, White 350ml	AUD 12.00	AUD 12.00

Sub Total AUD 36.00

Shipping Cost AUD 6.00

Total AUD 42.00

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Notes from the Seller:	Thank you for shopping on Amazon. Your items were packed with care.
Returns & Refunds:	To arrange a return, go to Your Orders in your Amazon account and follow the steps for this shipment.

UPS Packing Slip Example

A UPS packing slip is generated automatically when you create a shipment in the UPS portal. It includes sender and receiver information, a tracking barcode, and a summary of the items inside. This helps match each parcel to its record and prevents errors during delivery or customs checks.

UPS Packing Slip – Example Format

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Date: 22 March 2020 Ship To: Michael Turner 17 Oakridge Drive Parramatta NSW 2150 Australia Email: michael.turner@example.com

Tracking: 1Z87X3W90456712345 Return Address: UPS Customer Center 46–62 Cook Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Australia Order: UPS-ORD-99821

Qty	SKU	Description	Price	Ext. Price
2	UPS-BAG-001	Recycled Mailing Satchel – Large	AUD 3.50	AUD 7.00
1	UPS-BOX-M02	UPS Medium Shipping Box	AUD 4.00	AUD 4.00

Sub Total AUD 11.00

Shipping Cost AUD 9.95

Total AUD 20.95

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Notes from the Sender:	Packed securely using UPS-approved materials. Thank you for your order.
Delivery Notes:	If you need to arrange a return, visit the UPS tracking page and select the return option for this shipment.

No matter which platform you use, Amazon, UPS, or a freight tool like Couriers & Freight, the goal is the same. A clear packing slip that helps staff verify what’s inside the box and ensures customers receive the correct order.

Benefits of Using a Proper Packing Slip

A well-prepared packing slip does more than confirm what’s inside a box. It reduces packing errors, cuts down on customer enquiries, and keeps your fulfilment process organised.

Benefits include:

1. Fewer mistakes: Staff can verify each item before sealing the package, which prevents incorrect or missing products, especially when packing multiple similar SKUs.
2. Faster packing: A clear list helps warehouse teams work efficiently during busy periods such as end-of-month dispatch or seasonal peaks.
3. Easier returns: Customers can see exactly what was shipped, making returns or exchanges faster and less confusing.
4. Better customer experience: Accurate documentation shows attention to detail and reduces the need for follow-up messages about missing or incorrect items.
5. Improved tracking and record-keeping: Consistent slips make it easier to identify recurring packing issues and maintain clean fulfilment records.

Recent e-commerce fulfilment studies show that many order errors stem from incomplete or inconsistent documentation. A clear, accurate packing slip helps prevent these issues by giving staff and customers a reliable reference for every shipment.

How Couriers & Freight Helps Simplify Packing and Shipping

Couriers & Freight brings your shipping tasks into one dashboard so your booking details, labels, and packing slips all come from the same source. This helps reduce manual data entry and keeps your order information consistent across every shipment.

The platform connects directly with major carriers, allowing businesses to manage local and international deliveries without switching between systems. Warehouse teams can print labels, generate packing slips, and prepare documents using the same order data.

To see how it works, visit the Freight Shipping page and learn how the platform can simplify your packing and delivery process.

Create Accurate Packing Slips Every Time

Keep your orders organised with reliable freight booking and document tools from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now