A packing slip is a document placed inside a shipment that lists what's in the box: the order number, ship-to address, each item's name, SKU and quantity, and often a note or return instructions. Unlike an invoice, it usually shows no prices. It helps the packer pick the right items and lets the customer check the order is complete.
Packing slips are sometimes called packing lists, delivery notes or shipping lists. Etsy, Shopify and Amazon can all print one for you from the order screen, and if you sell elsewhere or want your own layout, our free packing slip generator makes a printable PDF with SKUs and a check box on each line. This guide covers what a packing slip is for, how it differs from an invoice and a shipping label, what to put on it, and where each marketplace hides the print button.
- Packing slip = what's in the box. Items, SKUs and quantities, usually without prices.
- Invoice = what's owed. Prices, tax, totals and payment terms. Many sellers email the invoice and put the packing slip in the box.
- It goes inside the parcel; the shipping label goes on the outside.
- Etsy, Shopify and Amazon (seller-fulfilled orders) each print packing slips from the order page. Gift orders typically print without prices.
- Add a check box per line and a “packed by” line to catch picking mistakes before the box is sealed.
What is a packing slip used for?
A packing slip does two jobs: it's a picking list for whoever packs the order and a contents list for whoever opens it.
- For you or your packer: it shows exactly which items and how many go in this box, so you can tick each one off. That's where most wrong-item and missing-item complaints are prevented.
- For the customer: they can check nothing is missing, see the order number if they need to contact you, and find return instructions.
- For gift recipients: it confirms what arrived without showing what the buyer paid.
- For multi-box orders: a slip in each box (“Box 1 of 2”) shows what's in that box and that more is coming.
- For carriers and customs: occasionally a carrier or inspector opens a parcel; a slip helps match contents to the label. It doesn't replace customs forms for international shipments.
Packing slip vs invoice: what's the difference?
A packing slip lists what was shipped; an invoice asks for or records payment. Etsy, for instance, notes that its packing slips don't count as an invoice for buyers.
| Packing slip | Invoice | Shipping label | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirm contents | Request or record payment | Get the parcel delivered |
| Where it goes | Inside the box | Emailed, or in the box for some B2B orders | Outside the box |
| Prices | Usually no | Yes, with tax and totals | No |
| SKUs and quantities | Yes | Usually | No |
| Payment terms | No | Yes | No |
| Tracking number | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes (barcode) |
| Who uses it | Packer, customer, recipient | Customer's accounts team, your bookkeeping | Carrier |
For wholesale orders, some buyers want both in the box. In our generator, the invoice and packing slip share the same form, so you can switch between them for one order. For what an invoice needs, see what to include on an invoice.
What should a packing slip include?
At minimum: your business name, the order number and date, the ship-to name and address, and each item with its SKU and quantity. Everything else is optional but useful.
| Field | Needed? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Your business name and logo | Yes | Makes the parcel recognizable on arrival |
| Return address and contact email | Yes | Where to send questions and returns |
| Order number and order date | Yes | The customer's reference if they contact you |
| Ship-to name and address | Yes | Lets the packer match slip to label |
| Item description | Yes | Include size, color or variant |
| SKU | Strongly advised | Stops similar variants being mixed up |
| Quantity per line | Yes | Plus a total item count at the bottom |
| Check box per line | Optional | Tick each item as it goes in the box |
| Packed by / checked by | Optional | Useful once more than one person packs |
| Box number | For multi-box orders | “Box 1 of 2” |
| Return instructions or link | Optional | Short version of your return policy |
| Thank-you note or discount code | Optional | A cheap way to earn a repeat order |
| Prices | Usually leave off | Always leave off for gift orders |
SKUs do most of the work here. If yours are inconsistent, read how to create SKU numbers or build a set with the free SKU generator. Some sellers also print a barcode for each SKU to scan while packing; the free barcode generator makes those, but note that generated barcodes are for your own internal use and are not GS1-registered product IDs (see do I need a UPC barcode).
Do Etsy, Shopify and Amazon print packing slips?
Yes, all three can print packing slips from the order screen. Here's where to find them.
| Platform | Where to print | Customizing |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Shop Manager → Orders & Shipping, select the order(s), then Print and tick packing slips | Choose which details appear; gift orders print without prices; limited branding |
| Shopify | Orders, select one or more orders, then Print packing slips | Edit the template under Settings → Shipping and delivery → Packing slips (HTML, CSS and Liquid) |
| Amazon (seller-fulfilled) | Seller Central → Orders → Manage Orders, then Print packing slip next to the order | Fixed Amazon layout; gift orders can print without prices |
| Amazon FBA | Not needed | Amazon picks, packs and ships FBA orders itself |
Marketplace packing slip menus were checked in October 2026. Marketplaces change their rules, so confirm the current requirements in your seller dashboard before you upload a large batch.
Shopify's default template is laid out for 8.5 × 11 inch paper; if you print on a 4 × 6 label printer, you'll need to edit the template. Menu names on all three platforms change from time to time, so search each platform's help center for “packing slip” if a path above doesn't match.
Make your own slip when you sell on several channels and want one look, sell through social media or in DMs with no order system, ship wholesale orders, or want check boxes and a “packed by” line the marketplace slip doesn't have.
How do I make a packing slip?
Print it from your platform's order page, or fill in a template with the order details and print it on plain paper.
- Open the packing slip generator (or your template).
- Add your business name, logo, address and a thank-you note. Save draft keeps these in your browser for next time.
- Enter the order number, order date and ship-to name and address.
- List each item with description, SKU and quantity.
- Check the preview, then download the PDF on US Letter or A4 and print it.
- Pack the order, ticking each line's box as the item goes in, and sign the “packed by” line.
- Put the slip on top of the items, or in a clear adhesive pouch on the box if it's going to a warehouse.
The generator leaves prices off the packing slip, runs in your browser, and doesn't upload anything you type. Long orders get page numbers automatically.
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Make product photos7 days free · 50 credits · No credit cardShould I include prices on a packing slip?
Usually no. Leaving prices off suits gifts, orders shipped to a third party, and drop-shipped orders where the price the end customer paid differs from yours. Include prices only if the customer specifically wants them, such as a business buyer who checks deliveries against a purchase order, and in that case consider sending an invoice too.
Packing slip mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slip printed for the wrong order | Customer sees someone else's name and address | Match the slip's order number to the label before sealing |
| Prices on a gift order | The surprise is spoiled | Use a no-price slip; marketplaces do this for gift orders |
| No SKUs on similar variants | Wrong size or color shipped | Print variant and SKU on every line |
| Slip outside the box, unprotected | Gets torn off in transit | Use a clear pouch or put it inside |
| Outdated return info | Returns sent to an old address | Update the template when your policy changes |
A short line about returns on the slip saves emails; our guide to writing a return policy covers what that line should say.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of a packing slip?
It lists the items in a shipment so the packer can check they've packed the right things and the customer can confirm nothing is missing. It also gives the order number and contact details for questions or returns.
Is a packing slip the same as an invoice?
No. A packing slip lists what's in the box, usually without prices. An invoice requests or records payment and shows prices, tax and totals. Many sellers put the packing slip in the box and email the invoice.
Do I need to include a packing slip?
Marketplaces don't usually require one for small parcels, but it's good practice. It reduces wrong-item mistakes, answers “is this everything?” and gives the customer your return details. Some wholesale buyers and warehouses do require one.
Where do you put a packing slip?
Inside the box on top of the items, so it's the first thing the customer sees. For warehouse deliveries, some receivers ask for it in a clear pouch on the outside of the box.
Does a packing slip have prices?
Usually not. Leaving prices off suits gifts and orders shipped to someone other than the buyer. Etsy and Amazon print gift orders without the price the buyer paid.
How do I print a packing slip on Etsy?
In Shop Manager, go to Orders & Shipping, select the order, choose Print and tick packing slips, then print. You can choose which details appear. Etsy's menus change, so check its help center if the path differs.
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