Packing slip vs Shipping label for WooCommerce – Ultimate comparison

A packing slip lists the items inside a package, while a shipping label shows where the package should be delivered.

In simple terms:

• Packing slip = what’s inside the box
• Shipping label = where the box goes

Although both documents are used in shipping and often appear together, they serve completely different purposes in order fulfillment.

In this guide, you’ll learn the exact difference between a packing slip and a shipping label, when to use each, and how to create them in WooCommerce.

Quick Comparison Table:

Feature	Packing Slip	Shipping Label
Purpose	Shows items inside package	Shows delivery details
Used by	Customer & warehouse	Courier & logistics
Placement	Inside the box	Outside the box
Includes tracking	No	Yes
Required for shipping	No	Yes

What is the packing slip?

A packing slip is a document placed inside a shipping package that lists the products included in the order. It helps both the shipping team and the customer verify that the correct items have been packed and delivered.

For a WooCommerce store owner, the packing slip plays a key role in order fulfillment. The shipping team uses it as a packing list to identify which items need to be picked, packed, and shipped. Once the package is prepared, the packing slip is included inside the box along with the products.

When customers receive their order, they can use the packing slip to check important details such as the order number, order date, and the list of items. This makes it easy to confirm that everything is accurate and complete.

While businesses may place packing slips differently—such as attaching them to shipping labels or enclosing them in a polybag—the best practice is to include the packing slip inside the shipping box to ensure it remains secure and accessible.

What is a shipping label?

A shipping label is the sticker or document attached to a package that contains all the essential shipment details needed for delivery. It helps carriers and shipping companies identify, route, and track packages accurately throughout the delivery process.

Typically, a shipping label includes key information such as the sender and recipient addresses, tracking number, barcode, shipping method, and package weight. Since logistics companies handle a high volume of shipments daily, this data ensures each package reaches the correct destination without delays.

Accuracy is critical. If a shipping label contains incorrect information or becomes damaged, it can lead to lost, delayed, or misdelivered packages. In such cases, businesses may need to resend orders or issue refunds—resulting in financial loss, unhappy customers, and negative reviews.

For WooCommerce store owners, using accurate shipping labels is essential to ensure smooth order fulfillment, protect revenue, and maintain customer satisfaction. Knowing when to use a Packing Slip vs Invoice is also key to avoiding fulfillment errors.

What is the difference between a packing slip and a shipping label?

Packing slip vs shipping label are two different documents used in shipping: a packing slip is for order verification (customer + warehouse), while a shipping label is for delivery and tracking (courier + logistics).

Even though both are attached to the package, they serve completely different roles in the fulfillment process.

The key difference is their purpose:

• A packing slip confirms what is inside the package
• A shipping label ensures the package is delivered to the correct address

They are not interchangeable.

Packing slip vs shipping label – Who is it for?

A packing slip is mainly for:

• Customers (to verify items received)
• Warehouse or shipping teams (to confirm order accuracy)

A shipping label is for:

• Courier and transport companies
• Logistics tracking systems

The shipping label helps carriers deliver the package to the right destination.

Packing slip vs shipping label – Where are they placed?

Placement is also different:

• Shipping label → Always placed outside the box
• Packing slip → Placed inside the package

If an order has multiple boxes:

• Each box gets its own shipping label
• Usually, there is one packing slip per order

Packing slip vs shipping label – Contents

A packing slip includes:

• Product names and quantities
• SKUs
• Order date
• Invoice or order number

A shipping label includes:

• Delivery and return address
• Shipping carrier details
• Package weight
• Sometimes delivery instructions

Both may include overlapping details like address and weight, but their focus is different.

Packing slip vs shipping label – Tracking and codes

A shipping label always includes:

• Barcode
• Tracking number or QR code

These allow couriers to scan and track the shipment in real time.

A packing slip does not require tracking codes. It is only used for order verification and internal reference.

Packing slip vs shipping label – Can they be combined?

Yes, they can sometimes be combined into one document.

• Some systems allow printing both together
• Tools or plugins can merge packing slip + shipping label

However, combining them has a risk: if the document is damaged, both delivery and order verification can be affected.

Final takeaway

• Packing slip = what is inside the package (order details)
• Shipping label = where the package goes (delivery + tracking)

They work together in eCommerce fulfillment but serve completely different functions.

Packing slip contents

Packing slip contents typically include a clear list of shipped products along with key order, customer, and shipping details to ensure accurate delivery and easy verification. These details help both the seller and the customer confirm that the correct items have been packed and shipped.

Below is a breakdown of what a complete packing slip should contain:

Shipping Address

A packing slip must include the customer’s shipping address. This works as a backup if the shipping label is damaged and allows the recipient to confirm the package belongs to them.
It usually contains the customer’s name, street address, phone number, and email.

Billing Address

If the billing and shipping addresses differ, both should be included. This is especially useful when the purchaser and recipient are different—such as in gift orders—so the receiver can identify the package correctly.

Table of Shipped Products

This is the core of the packing slip. It lists all items included in the shipment, allowing both the shipping team and the customer to verify that the order is complete.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

Including the SKU helps with inventory tracking and issue resolution. Customers can reference this code when contacting support about a product.

Quantity

A quantity column ensures clarity when multiple units of the same product are ordered, making it easier to verify items during packing and delivery.

List of Out-of-Stock Products

If any ordered items are unavailable, they may be listed on the packing slip. While uncommon, this helps communicate missing items clearly if stock discrepancies occur.

Items Shipping Separately

For large or multi-warehouse orders, some items may arrive in different shipments. The packing slip can indicate which products will be delivered separately.

Invoice Number, Order Number, and Date

These identifiers help both the seller and customer quickly track and manage the order. They are typically placed in the header section of the packing slip.

Item Specifications

Details like product dimensions, weight, and total quantity may also be included to provide more clarity about the shipment.

Company Details

The packing slip should display your company name, address, phone number, and email. This ensures the carrier can identify the sender if shipping labels are damaged. Adding a logo can also enhance branding.

Customer Note

If the customer provides delivery instructions or a message during checkout, it should appear on the packing slip so the shipping team can follow it accurately.

Many store owners overlook the benefits of a packing slip, but this simple document plays a critical role in order fulfillment, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. From reducing shipping errors to streamlining returns, a packing slip ensures your operations run smoothly and professionally.

Shipment Accuracy

One of the biggest benefits of a packing slip is improved shipment accuracy. Sending the wrong product can lead to refunds, reshipments, and loss of customer trust—especially for new buyers.

A packing slip helps prevent these issues by clearly listing all ordered items. Your warehouse team can pick and pack products based on this list, and customers can verify the contents upon delivery. Before sealing a package, double-checking the packing slip ensures the correct items and quantities are included.

This simple step helps maintain service quality and meet customer expectations consistently.

Simplifies Return and Refund Process

Handling returns and refunds is inevitable in eCommerce. Another key benefit of a packing slip is making this process faster and more efficient.

If a product is damaged or missing, the packing slip allows both you and your customer to quickly identify the issue. This speeds up refunds, replacements, or exchanges.

For industries like fashion or apparel—where returns are frequent—packing slips are even more valuable. Including clear return instructions on the slip can reduce customer support workload and improve the overall experience.

Backup for Shipping Labels

A packing slip can also act as a backup for shipping labels. Labels can get damaged during transit, causing delivery issues.

Since the packing slip is placed inside the package and includes both sender and recipient details, courier services can use it to complete delivery if the external label is unreadable. This reduces the chances of lost shipments and unnecessary resending.

Additionally, customers can use the packing slip to retrieve your address when returning items.

Helps Track Complex Orders

For large or multi-warehouse orders, another important benefit of a packing slip is better tracking and organization.

When orders are split into multiple shipments, packing slips help identify what items are included in each package. They provide a clear breakdown of quantities and shipment details, making it easier to manage logistics and ensure customers receive complete orders.

This level of organization minimizes confusion and improves operational efficiency.

Improves Customer Satisfaction

Including a packing slip enhances the customer experience. It allows customers to quickly verify their order and recall what they purchased.

If there are any missing or damaged items, the packing slip helps them identify the issue and contact you with accurate information. This leads to faster resolutions and builds trust.

Ultimately, one of the most impactful benefits of a packing slip is increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Supports Brand Building

Packing slips are not just functional—they can also support branding. With tools like customizable WooCommerce packing slip plugins, you can add your logo, brand colors, and personalized messages.

A well-designed packing slip creates a professional impression and reinforces your brand identity. Over time, this contributes to stronger brand recognition and trust.

Shipping Label Elements

Shipping label elements are the essential details printed on a label that help carriers identify, track, and deliver a package accurately. Without these elements, shipments can be delayed, misrouted, or even lost.

Here are the most common shipping label elements you need to include:

Recipient’s Name

The full name of the person who will receive the package. This ensures the delivery reaches the correct individual.

Recipient’s Address

The most critical part of any shipping label. It must include a complete and accurate delivery address (street, city, postal code, country) to avoid delivery issues.

Shipper Name

Your business name or WooCommerce store name, identifying who is sending the package.

Shipper’s Address

Your company or warehouse address. Carriers may use this information for returns or to contact you in case of delivery problems.

Tracking Number, Barcode / QR Code

A unique identifier used by shipping carriers to track the package throughout transit. Barcodes or QR codes allow quick scanning and real-time updates on shipment status.

Weight

The total weight of the package, which helps determine shipping costs and handling requirements.

Delivery Instructions / Customer Notes

Special instructions provided by the customer (e.g., “call before delivery” or “leave at the front door”). Including this ensures smoother delivery.

Shipping Priority

Indicates how fast the package should be delivered. Common levels include urgent, express, and standard.

Now that you understand the key shipping label elements, let’s move on to the differences between a packing slip and a shipping label.

Packing slip vs shipping label – Comparison table

Terms	Packing Slip	Shipping label
Created for	Customers and sellers	Transport/carrier/shipment companies
Information type	Order information	Shipping information
Placement	Inside the box	Outside the box
Personalization	Possible	Not required
Marketing tool	Can serve as a marketing tool	Not a marketing tool
Document quantity	Typically one for the entire order	One for each carton
Alternatives	Can serve as a shipping label	No alternatives
Tracking number	Not required	Required
Refund/Resend issues	Required	Not required

People also often confuse a packing slip with invoices. Besides their significant similarities, they also serve different purposes, which we have covered in this article.

What does a packing slip look like?

A packing slip is a simple, itemized document included in a shipping package that lists every physical item inside. Unlike an invoice, it usually does not show prices or payment details, focusing instead on helping the receiver verify they got exactly what they ordered.

What does a shipping label look like?

A shipping label typically appears as a 4″ × 6″ white adhesive sticker divided into sections containing text and barcodes. It functions like a “passport” for a package, carrying all the information that machines and couriers need to move it from point A to point B.

Packing slip vs shipping label – How to create in WooCommerce?

If you have been running a WooCommerce online store for a while, you already know there’s hardly any space for doing things manually.

Online stores typically receive orders round the clock. It is impractical to create invoices, packing slips, and shipping labels manually for every order one by one.

You can’t possibly search and find every new order, then design and create these documents with some document-creating software manually. You need to find a better way to do this to speed up the process and stay organized.

Luckily, for WooCommerce store owners, there’s one plugin that can do it all. We have already mentioned the name – Challan.

Challan pdf invoicing, packing slip, shipping label plugin

WooCommerce plugin Challan is available for free in the WordPress repository. However, you should go for the pro version to enjoy the most exciting features.

This plugin can create pdf invoices, packing slips, and shipping labels with a single click. Not only that, as soon as you install this plugin, it will start creating invoices and attach them to the order confirmation emails automatically.

In addition to that, you can also attach print packing slips along with invoices in the email. Challan pro allows you to personalize your packing slip and invoices extensively to match your brand’s pallet.

One great feature in the pro version we must mention is the ability to add a barcode and generate a dynamic qr code to the packing slips. Thus, your packing slip can also serve as a shipping label.

Before we check how we can create packing slips and shipping labels with Challan, let’s have a quick look at the notable features of this plugin.

Key features

• Allows you to create pdf invoices, packing slips, credit notes, and shipping labels with a click of a button.
• Enables you to attach packing slips with invoices.
• Allows you to add QR and barcodes to your packing slip.
• Supports setting background image in packing slip templates.
• Allows adding custom meta fields in your packing slips.
• Enables you to include the product’s SKUs, description, and image in the order item table.
• Allows you to customize packing slips and pdf invoices with CSS.
• Lets you download packing slips and invoices in bulk.

How to create a packing slip and shipping label with Challan

As soon as you install the Challan plugin, you will notice a separate Challan section in your order detail pages.

You can quickly click the packing slip button or shipping label to download your packing slip/shipping label for that order.

If you want to download packing slips in bulk, then you can go to the Challan settings for bulk download.

You can download packing slips for orders made between specific dates or filter by users or order status.

However, when you first install the plugin, you will get a very basic packing slip, as you can see in the image below.

But like we have mentioned already, you can customize your packing slip to give it a professional, personalized look.

You can play with different settings and customize your packing slip template to look something like this.

We have covered all the advanced settings of Challan for creating packing slips in detail in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap up

The shipping label ensures your customers receive the package on time, without any delay. The packing slip ensures your customer receives everything they ordered.

Packing slips are not a mandatory document, but it has significant importance in the order fulfillment process.

On the other hand, shipping labels are mandatory because transport companies won’t be able to move your package to your customers without them.

Therefore, we highly encourage you to include both documents in your shipment box to provide a smoother order fulfillment service.

If you have any questions regarding the packing slip vs shipping label, do let us know. We would be happy to answer your queries.