Glossary
/
delivery-note
Packing slip: definition, content, difference with invoice and label, Shopify printing and logistics best practices.
Updated on
June 4, 2026
The delivery slip, called a packing slip in English, is the document that accompanies a parcel and lists the shipped items. It generally indicates the order number, product references, quantities, delivery address, and sometimes practical information for returns or customer service.
Summary
Delivery note definition
The delivery slip, called packing slip in English, is the document that accompanies a package and summarizes the items shipped. It usually indicates the order number, product references, quantities, delivery address, and sometimes practical information for returns or customer service.
Its main role is to describe what is physically inside the package. Unlike the invoice, its primary function is not to justify the sale, VAT, or payment. Unlike the shipping label, it is not intended for the carrier but for the customer, the order picker, or the logistics department.
In e-commerce, the delivery slip serves as a link between the order placed online and the package received. It allows the customer to quickly verify that the correct items have been shipped. It also helps the internal team check the picking before closing the package and process a customer service request faster in the event of an error, return, or missing item.
Why the delivery note facilitates order management
A package may seem simple when it contains a single product, but the situation becomes more sensitive as soon as there are multiple variants, bundles, gifts, partial shipments, or B2B orders. The delivery note provides a legible and immediate record. The customer does not need to go back into their account to understand what they have received.
For customer service, this document reduces ambiguity. When a buyer reports an issue, they can cite the order number, SKU, or reference displayed on the slip. The team can then find the order faster in the back-office. For the warehouse, the slip also serves as a final check before shipping.
The delivery note also contributes to the brand experience. A clear, clean document featuring the logo, a short thank-you note, or a QR code linking to the returns page, leaves a professional impression. It should not be overloaded: its value comes primarily from its readability.
Recommended content of a delivery note
The content of a delivery note must remain practical. It must allow the order to be identified, the items to be verified, and what to do in case of a problem to be understood. In a gift order, prices can be hidden so as not to spoil the recipient's experience. In B2B, some companies prefer instead to see more detailed references or receipt information.
Information | Usefulness |
|---|---|
Order number | Quickly find the sale in the administration. |
SKU and variants | Precisely identify the items sent. |
Quantities shipped | Verify the contents of the package, especially in partial shipments. |
After-sales contact details | Facilitate a return, exchange, or claim. |
The note must reflect the package actually sent, and not the entire order if it is split. When an order is shipped in multiple installments, each package must have its own document, with only the items concerned.
Delivery note on Shopify
Shopify allows you to print a delivery slip, or packing slip, from an order. The merchant can use it on its own or alongside more advanced fulfillment tools. The document generally accompanies the package, while the invoice is sent separately by email or generated via a dedicated application.
Customizing the template allows you to add a logo, contact details, a message, or return instructions. For a store with few orders, manual printing may suffice. For a larger volume, the packing slip is often integrated into a workflow with a carrier label, product scanning, picking, and shipping notification.
Care must be taken not to confuse the packing slip with the invoice in internal processes. The former describes the shipped content; the latter has accounting value. This distinction prevents errors, particularly for gifts, business orders, or international shipments.
Best practices and common mistakes
Print one delivery note per package, even for small shipments (reduces disputes).
Align admin SKUs and warehouse labels to avoid picking discrepancies.
Hide prices if it is a gift or surprise order.
Add return URL / FAQ or a QR code to the customer service page.
Verify address on delivery note matches the carrier label.
Partial shipments: delivery note listing only items in the current package.
Classic mistakes:
Forgetting the delivery note (customer does not know what was ordered in a bundle).
Delivery note of another order slipped by mistake into the wrong package.
Prices displayed on a gift (spoils promo or amount).
Confusing invoice and delivery note in automated emails to the customer.
Generic SKUs unreadable for customer service ("Product 1").
No delivery note on international shipment when customs requires a detailed list.
In summary
The delivery note is a logistical document that lists the items contained in a package. It helps the customer check their order, facilitates the work of the after-sales service, and secures the preparation process. It is distinct from the invoice and the carrier label, even though it belongs to the same fulfillment chain.
Associated terms, FAQ, and useful resources
FAQ
Does the delivery note replace the invoice?
No. The delivery note describes the items shipped, while the invoice justifies the sale, price, and taxes.
Should prices be put on the delivery note?
It is not mandatory. Prices are often hidden for gifts or packages intended for a third party.
Is a delivery note useful for a small shop?
Yes, because it reduces preparation errors and gives the customer a clear reference upon receipt, even with a low volume of orders.
Go further
To go deeper, consult the related resources in the Qstomy glossary and the contents associated with the subject on the internal pages of the site.
Enzo
June 4, 2026
