Glossary
What is a delivery note? E-commerce definition
June 4, 2026
The delivery note, called packing slip in English, is the document that accompanies a parcel and lists the items shipped. It generally indicates the order number, product references, quantities, delivery address, and sometimes practical information for returns or customer service.
Summary
Definition of the delivery note
The delivery slip, called packing slip in English, is the document that accompanies a package and summarizes the shipped items. It typically indicates the order number, product references, quantities, shipping address, and sometimes practical information for returns or customer service.
Its main role is to describe what is physically in 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 packer, or the logistics department.
In e-commerce, the delivery slip serves as the 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 resolve customer service requests faster in the event of an error, return, or missing item.
Why delivery notes make order management easier
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 to their account to understand what they have received.
For customer service, this document reduces ambiguity. When a buyer reports an issue, they can quote the order number, the SKU, or the 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 return page projects a professional image. It should not be cluttered: its value comes mainly 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 checked, and understand what to do in case of a problem. In a gift order, prices can be hidden so as not to spoil the recipient's experience. In B2B, some companies prefer to see more detailed references or receiving information instead.
Information | Usefulness |
|---|---|
Order number | Quickly find the sale in the administration. |
SKUs and variants | Precisely identify the shipped items. |
Shipped quantities | Verify the contents of the package, especially in partial shipments. |
After-sales service 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 parts, each package must have its own document, containing only the relevant items.
Delivery note on Shopify
Shopify allows you to print a delivery note, or packing slip, from an order. The merchant can use it on its own or alongside more advanced preparation tools. The document typically 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 delivery note is often integrated into a workflow that includes carrier labels, product scanning, picking, and shipping notifications.
Care must be taken not to confuse the delivery note with the invoice in internal processes. The former describes the shipped contents; the latter has accounting value. This distinction prevents errors, particularly for gifts, business orders, or international shipments.
In summary
The delivery slip is a logistical document that lists the items contained in a package. It helps the customer verify their order, facilitates the work of customer 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.
Related 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 delve deeper, consult the related resources in the Qstomy glossary and the content associated with the subject on the internal pages of the site.
Enzo
13 May 2026
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