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Packing slip template
The packing slip rides in the box and answers one question: is everything here? It lists items and quantities with no prices, because the person opening the box is often not the person who paid for it.
Why no prices
A packing slip travels open: warehouse staff, receiving docks, gift recipients, and doorsteps all see it. Prices belong on the invoice, which travels to accounts payable. Keeping money off the slip is not a formality - it is what lets one document serve the loading dock safely.
Ordered, shipped, backordered
The three-column heart of the slip: what was ordered, what is in this box, and the computed difference. Short shipments become visible at the receiving dock instead of surfacing as an angry call two weeks later. Reference the order number so receiving can match the slip to the PO.
The receiving side
Your customer’s receiving process checks the box against the slip and the slip against their PO. A slip with clear SKUs and counts speeds their check-in, which speeds their three-way match, which - not coincidentally - speeds paying your invoice.
Packing slip checklist
| Field | What to include | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Order / invoice #, carrier, tracking | Matches the box to the paperwork |
| Items | SKU and description per line | Receiving checks by SKU, not memory |
| Quantities | Ordered, shipped, backordered | Short shipments visible at the dock |
| No prices | Leave money off entirely | The box travels open |
Downloadable templates
Every format computes: the PDF calculates as you type, Word recalculates with F9, and Excel updates live. For branded documents with online payments and automatic reminders, use Invoice My Clients.
Packing slip FAQ
Packing slip vs invoice: do I need both?+
For physical shipments to businesses, yes: the slip goes in the box for receiving, the invoice goes to accounts payable. Same lines, different audiences, deliberately different information.
How do I show partial shipments?+
Ship what you have, show the shortfall in the backordered column, and issue a second slip with the balance when it ships. Each slip references the same order number.
Is a packing slip required?+
Not legally for most domestic shipments, but many business customers refuse deliveries without one - their receiving process depends on it.