How many sellers include a packing list with the shipment?

[ryry-jj]

Just curious as to how many sellers include a packing list, or invoice, with the their shipment?  I have always included a a packing slip, but today with the invoice and information all available within the buyers "my eBay" is it necessary?  I don't remember if back in the early 2000 all that info was right there for the buyer or not...remember back then buyers would mail us a check payment and we would then click "paid".

A big reason I'm thinking of no longer including a packing list is I'd like to pre-package completely all my items, and then just print out the shipping/postage label and place on the box.  Right now, items are packed in the box but not sealed up, making storing a bit sloppy, cuz i'm waiting to include the packing list.

[ebooksdiva]

I used to, but decided it's a waste of paper and ink. 

[kensgiftshop]

I don't do packing slips, but do print out a small thank you note with the buyers name and address and directions to get in contact with me in case of any problems.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

I always do. Always have whenever I sold anything which was not sold in person.

I suspect those of us who do do so because that was always viewed as expected of a professional mail order supplier.

Certainly, the Internet lowered the standards for professional mail order suppliers, with Amazon leading the way down.

No point in arguing the merits of including a packing slip, the arguments pro are obvious, and not adequate to change the minds of those inclined the other way.

[a_c_green]

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@ryry-jj wrote:

Just curious as to how many sellers include a packing list, or invoice, with the their shipment?

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I do. Always have; always will. It serves as a useful doublecheck that all the items are going in, and to the buyer, tells him what's in that shipment and who sent it.

From a shipping standpoint, it also acts as a backup address record if the outside label gets damaged or obliterated (though I do tape over the address on the outside).

I print the compact form of Packing Slip from my Sold Items page (choosing "gift" format to eliminate all the pricing lines), which takes less than half of a standard 8½"x11" sheet, and snip it off that end of the paper. I then seal up the package, put the remaining portion of the paper back in the printer tray (my workhorse printer is an HP Deskjet 5650 that doesn't care if the paper it's using is shorter than full depth), and print out my shipping label. Minimal waste from one sheet per shipment. All good. 🙂

[fbusoni]

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@ebooksdiva wrote:

I used to, but decided it's a waste of paper and ink. 

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Ditto.  When I get something in the mail I open the package and take out the item.   I know what I've ordered and don't need to be told whats in the package.   I assume most people do the same.

And I have never received a single complaint from a buyer for having failed to include a packing slip.

As the OP suggests, computers and apps on phones now keep records of things and provide us the requisite situational awareness.  Paper is not really necessary. 

[meekamaye]

I alway put a packing slip in because should a machine damage the package or another mishap, both the buyer's address and mine are in the package. I ship everything in plastic bags, inside the outer package. That way, the paper should stay with the merchandise. (I know, some of you will think I go overboard but that's just me)

[nyr134]

Like some of the other respondents, I always have included a packing slip.  Years ago before I started selling, I attended a one-day eBay class at a local college and the instructor suggested doing so.  He said you’re less likely to get negative feedback if there’s a friendly message in the package.  So far in my case (11 years), he’s been right.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@ryry-jj wrote:

Just curious as to how many sellers include a packing list, or invoice, with the their shipment? 

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I never do unless a drop shipper requests not to have one included. 😂

[dirk12955]

100% of my buyers for nearly 50,000 sales on ebay have received a copy of 

the sales record (Invoice)

Unless they ask for it to be left out.  

[inhawaii]

I don't use them as a seller.

As a buyer they get tossed straight in the trash.

[wastingtime101]

I include full blown packing slips with packages going to the eBay International Shipping hub, because they require it in their terms and conditions.

I include a duplicate copy of the shipping label with orders above $300 in case something happens during shipping so the package can still be forwarded.

Other than that, I include a thank you card with a link back to my store, but I don't include packing slips.

I do not prepack anything. I suggest others don't prepack either - especially if using bubble wrap. Bubble can deflate over time and packing paper can settle. Now if you're selling t-shirts, sure that's different, but then again, storing t-shirts without prepacking would be easier. And what about when buyers purchase multiples? Then you have to unpack and repack?

[12345jamesstamps]

'packing list'...if you are Amazon or Target or Walmart.

I don't do it....Imagine how much paper we throw out.

Big sellers do a packing list.

I have had a few requests  and send it with item.

Some just want a sale number # on envelope of what was sold sometimes.

I guess you had someone ask for one...

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@dirk12955 wrote:

100% of my buyers for nearly 50,000 sales on ebay have received a copy of 

the sales record (Invoice)

Unless they ask for it to be left out.  

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If you are selling many items i could see why you may want to consider including but most of the time if you are selling an item or two, i don't see the need to waste the paper.  IMHO

A bill of sale is a little different and typically i just mail them separately with a business card. (envelope- For higher value items like guitars) If it is a guitar pedal they get nothing and like it. 😀

I purchase many things online and have never wondered "where is the packing list" but i can see if sellers use it to verify (many different items) what is being shipped (shipping checklist) to be included as a way to document the shipment.

[yuzuha]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

I do not prepack anything. I suggest others don't prepack either - especially if using bubble wrap. Bubble can deflate over time and packing paper can settle. Now if you're selling t-shirts, sure that's different, but then again, storing t-shirts without prepacking would be easier. And what about when buyers purchase multiples? Then you have to unpack and repack?

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Yep. Prepacking is generally not a good idea unless you either have very few items or a huge amount of storage space available, as a prepacked item takes up WAY more storage space than one that isn't packed. Plus, as mentioned, if someone buys multiple items then you have to go to the hassle of unpacking all of the prepacked items they bought and repacking them.