Definition
A packing slip is a document included in a shipment that lists the items and quantities inside the package. It lets the recipient check that the order arrived complete. Unlike an invoice, a packing slip usually shows no prices and does not request payment.
Also called: Packing list, Shipping list
Packing slip in practice
A packing slip typically includes the order or PO number, ship date, shipping and billing addresses, item descriptions, SKUs, quantities ordered, and quantities shipped. If part of the order is back-ordered, the slip shows what is still to come.
Receiving teams compare the packing slip against the purchase order and the physical contents. Accounts payable later matches it to the invoice before paying, which is why the quantities on the slip and the invoice need to agree.
Prices are left off so the package can be opened by warehouse staff or sent as a gift without revealing what was paid.
Example
An office supply store ships 10 of 12 ordered chairs. The packing slip shows 12 ordered, 10 shipped, and 2 back-ordered, and the invoice bills only the 10 chairs delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a packing slip and an invoice?
A packing slip confirms what is in the box and has no prices. An invoice states what the buyer owes and when. Both should carry the same order or PO number so they can be matched.
Is a packing slip the same as a delivery note?
They are very similar. A packing slip travels inside the package. A delivery note is usually signed by the recipient as proof that goods were received.
Related terms
- Delivery note A delivery note is a document that accompanies a delivery of goods and lists the items and quantities supplied.
- Purchase order A purchase order is a document a buyer sends to a supplier to formally request goods or services at agreed prices, quantities, and delivery dates.
- SKU A SKU, or stock keeping unit, is a code a business assigns to each distinct product or service it sells so it can track inventory, pricing, and sales.
- Three-way match A three-way match is an accounts payable control in which a business compares the purchase order, the receiving record, and the supplier's invoice before paying.
- Bill of lading A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier to the shipper that acts as a receipt for goods loaded, evidence of the contract of carriage, and, when negotiable, a document of title.
This page is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by location, so consult a qualified lawyer or accountant about your situation.