Why do so many sellers not include an invoice/packing slip!

vintagechris · July 16, 2008 4:35AM

This is one thing that I think annoys me more than just about anything with sellers. I just don't understand how a seller can not just put one in there. Is it laziness? Too cheap and don't want to spend $ on ink and paper? As a buyer I hate having to figure out what something is when I buy a lot on a weekly basis. I probably get 6 to 8 packages a day and usually only one or two have a packing slip.

For all sellers who read this, please put packing slip in package, it is very helpful.

billwaltonsbeard · July 16, 2008 4:39AM

I've found that if you look at the item you purchased, it might help you figure out what it is.

Leiascards · July 16, 2008 4:40AM

Personally I would prefer getting the actual item than a packing slip. Who really needs one for a single item?

TheVon · July 16, 2008 4:44AM

I actually prefer not getting a packing slip. It's just something I either have to throw away or shred and, as suggested, I just look at the item to figure out what it is. But I suppose it depends a lot on the kinds of things you are buying. I don't buy duplicates of many things and if you were buying duplicates, I guess I could see how it would be helpful to at least know which seller fulfilled their obligation when you received the item.

Allen · July 16, 2008 4:45AM

Yeah I don't include them. I guess I can understand if you buy 50 different 1975 Topps Lots in a week it could be confusing, but most of my sales are singles.

DerekD · July 16, 2008 5:10AM

I would prefer to not get a packing slip. I just throw them away without looking at them. It's a waste of paper.

Maybe you could include a comment with your payment stating you would like a packing slip. I don't think sellers would have that big of a problem with it if they don't normally include them.

envoy98 · July 16, 2008 5:18AM

I never have included a packing slip on single items. If it's a lot that was listed I do, just so I can make sure I account for every card being in there. I do use address labels with my color scheme and my ebay name on the mailer though. I don't know if anyone has ever noticed that or not, but I do it.

pandrews · July 16, 2008 5:18AM

screw that.

clydecoolidge · July 16, 2008 5:29AM

I agree, that is super annoying. I include a packing slip with every shipment. If they pay through paypal, there's one freakin' link to hit to make a packing list, then hit print. Yeah, doesn't seem to hard to me.

prscott933 · July 16, 2008 5:30AM

<< screw that. >>

that leads to paper cuts in bad places

TonyC · July 16, 2008 5:31AM

One time I received postive feedback from a buyer: "Need to include a packing slip." I went and checked and he leaves that same feedback for EVERYONE he buys from. I nicely sent him a message saying that packing slips are not commonly used on eBay and that he just really shouldn't expect it. He didn't listen.

clydecoolidge · July 16, 2008 5:31AM

<< Personally I would prefer getting the actual item than a packing slip. Who really needs one for a single item? >>

You'll beg for them when you actually get a card in the mail, that you don't remember buying, and turns out to be the wrong card that was sent, which sends you on a wild goose chase because the seller's ebay i.d. is no where to be found on, or inside the package. If you buy a lot of stuff, this scenerio can really blow.

pandrews · July 16, 2008 5:33AM

i buy a ton of stuff, ive never had a problem using "My eBay" and "Items I've Won" -- even when i've bought multiples of the same item from different sellers.

BobaFett72 · July 16, 2008 5:43AM

"You'll beg for them when you actually get a card in the mail, that you don't remember buying, and turns out to be the wrong card that was sent, which sends you on a wild goose chase because the seller's ebay i.d. is no where to be found on, or inside the package. If you buy a lot of stuff, this scenerio can really blow."

thank god i have a superb memory and an Ebay site that tells me everything i bought in the past couple of months

pandrews · July 16, 2008 5:47AM

i cant believe i wasted my 14000th post in this thread.

i also have a good email inbox with all kinds of little file folders in it, and i get numerous emails for each item i buy on ebay, (bid confirmed, item won, invoice) -- i dont need an extra piece of paper in the mail.

raykasa · July 16, 2008 5:50AM

waste of time, waste of ink, waste paper, waste of a post......

Treetop · July 16, 2008 5:51AM

I have never included packing slips, unless requested. I email every auction winner an invoice with all the facts and figures they will need and acknowledge everyones payment via email.

Any ways, this is the 21st century and we should consider the environment before printing anything for a convenience .

Leiascards · July 16, 2008 5:51AM

<< 

<< Personally I would prefer getting the actual item than a packing slip. Who really needs one for a single item? >>

You'll beg for them when you actually get a card in the mail, that you don't remember buying, and turns out to be the wrong card that was sent, which sends you on a wild goose chase because the seller's ebay i.d. is no where to be found on, or inside the package. If you buy a lot of stuff, this scenerio can really blow. >>

My Ebay has a nice feature that helps fix that.

leathtech · July 16, 2008 6:10AM

I don't send them or really like getting them... it's kind of fun to play the did I really buy that game!

CDsNuts · July 16, 2008 6:52AM

I may be in the minority but I'm indifferent to packing slips. For that reason, I never include them because it's a waste of energy and resources.

vintagechris · July 16, 2008 7:00AM

Here is one example of how it can be a lot of trouble. I bought several serial #'d autographed cards of the same player in a two week span. I get one from someone with no packing slip and the serial number didn't match any of the cards I won. So then I have to play detective to find out which one it is. Plus, how about if you are working on say a 1968 Topps baseball set and you are buying lots to put the set together. You get several lots in the mail and then if some are not the correct count......... Or you buy several large lots that have various years in them.

digicat · July 16, 2008 7:03AM

I ignore the packing slips.

I keep track of all my Ebay purchases using an Excel spread sheet. When I win something, I log it and highlight it in yellow. As soon as it arrives, I highlight it in gray. Its a good way of tracking everything you buy. I've got entries dating back to 1997, listing what I got, when I got it, how much it was, who I bought it from, and on what venue.

thedutymon · July 16, 2008 7:05AM

waste of time, waste of ink, waste paper, waste of a post......

Neil

Leiascards · July 16, 2008 7:06AM

<< Here is one example of how it can be a lot of trouble. I bought several serial #'d autographed cards of the same player in a two week span. I get one from someone with no packing slip and the serial number didn't match any of the cards I won. So then I have to play detective to find out which one it is. Plus, how about if you are working on say a 1968 Topps baseball set and you are buying lots to put the set together. You get several lots in the mail and then if some are not the correct count......... Or you buy several large lots that have various years in them. >>

Return address on the envelope? Zip code of the post office it was sent from?

cardbender · July 16, 2008 7:06AM

<< This is one thing that I think annoys me more than just about anything with sellers. I just don't understand how a seller can not just put one in there. Is it laziness? Too cheap and don't want to spend $ on ink and paper? As a buyer I hate having to figure out what something is when I buy a lot on a weekly basis. I probably get 6 to 8 packages a day and usually only one or two have a packing slip.

For all sellers who read this, please put packing slip in package, it is very helpful. >>

Agreed.

What I really hate are buyers that mail you a check without any
mention of the item(s) they won from you. You have to spend a few minutes figuring it out, especially when you have 30-40 items that sold in the same price range. I'm not getting paid to do detective work here.

BobaFett72 · July 16, 2008 7:08AM

"What I really hate are buyers that mail you a check without any
mention of the item(s) they won from you. You have to spend a few minutes figuring it out, especially when you have 30-40 items that sold in the same price range. I'm not getting paid to do detective work here. "

That I can agree with, unless they put the Item in the NOTE part of the check.

Perhaps you should start your own thread.......

vintagechris · July 16, 2008 7:11AM

Here is another example, say you like Josh Hamilton and you are buying all the ungraded 1999 Bowman Chrome cards you can. You start getting them in the mail. It is so much easier to open a package, pull the packing slip, match it up in My EBay and see if it is the correct order.

PoppaJ · July 16, 2008 7:11AM

Personally, I think if you need a packing slip, you just might be buying too much in the first place.

Leiascards · July 16, 2008 7:13AM

<< Here is another example, say you like Josh Hamilton and you are buying all the ungraded 1999 Bowman Chrome cards you can. You start getting them in the mail. It is so much easier to open a package, pull the packing slip, match it up in My EBay and see if it is the correct order. >>

I usually match it up before I even open the package if I get several using the senders return address.

mtcards · July 16, 2008 7:13AM

Ink isnt free, paper isnt free, wear on printer isnt free. Everything has a cost, adding cost to a transaction will be added to shipping. How about, shipping 2.00 or if you would like a physical receipt...2.50

Dont think thats out of line? Accept credit cards in a business, many now charge you a $10 statement fee if you want a paper trail..PER MONTH

vintagechris · July 16, 2008 7:14AM

Exactly cardbender. How many people who don't care if they get a packing slip when they buy something, hate it when a buyer sends a check with no mention of what they are paying for? Very similiar. Yes you CAN figure it out but it is more work.

Leiascards · July 16, 2008 7:15AM

That why you go Paypal only. Eliminates that headache.

clydecoolidge · July 16, 2008 7:42AM

Just my opinion, but any seller that continues to sell on ebay, would be wise to walk on egg shells in every aspect of ebay. Just my opinion of course. If somebody doesn't send me a packing list for a purchase, no big deal, but I do my best to satisfy every little aspect for my buyers now. I would do this anyway, but with the new rules, you can't be too careful and I would recommend this to everyone. You don't buy anything, anywhere else on the internet that doesn't include a packing list. Why should ebay sellers be any different?

storm888 · July 16, 2008 7:58AM

<< I agree, that is super annoying. I include a packing slip with every shipment. If they pay through paypal, there's one freakin' link to hit to make a packing list, then hit print. Yeah, doesn't seem to hard to me. >>

/////////////////////////////////////

I don't know if folks much object to no packing-slip, but I have always used them.

And, I include all kinds of coupons and off-EBAY contact info so that the buyer NEVER has
to use EBAY - to buy from me - again.

mtcards · July 16, 2008 8:03AM

Although I agree with the walking on eggshells statement.

Ebay is different because there, they can close your account or remove your inventory based on their opinion of your shipping charges. All other internet sales tell you shipping and you either pay it or you dont buy the item. You think those "Green Bags" that they replace free of charge (only pay S & H) costs $6.95 to send? They've built in their expense cost into it. I dont have a problem if someone "asks" for a receipt, but if I were forced to, i would have to include that cost into the shipping and handling charges. It isnt much, but if you sell 10,000 items a year and it costs a few cents per receipt, those costs can add up.

lawnmowerman · July 16, 2008 8:14AM

<< This is one thing that I think annoys me more than just about anything with sellers. I just don't understand how a seller can not just put one in there. Is it laziness? Too cheap and don't want to spend $ on ink and paper? >>

Tree murderer

bxb · July 16, 2008 8:15AM

I don't include packing slips on my sales, although I have thought about doing it. Most of my buyers are repeat customers, so we have a good rapport. So far I have had no problems - my name and return address is on the envelope, so the buyer knows who it's from.

As a buyer, I don't care if there is no packing slip - I keep my own records of purchases and dates, and I know who sent it. If there is a packing slip, I glance at it quickly and toss it out usually.

$0.02

calaban7 · July 16, 2008 10:43AM

If all sellers were required to include packing slips, we might knock out the habitat of the snot-nosed , pimpled butt tree lice. The world as we know it would most likely seize to function as the oligorgy would dream it to be.

Your request has been terminated.

hofautos · July 16, 2008 11:45AM

<< I actually prefer not getting a packing slip. It's just something I either have to throw away .. >>

+1

I was thinking the same thing, but couldn't see myself writing that...glad you did, and I am serious...

grote15 · July 17, 2008 10:45AM

I usually just include my ebay username under the return address on the shipping label.

RipublicaninMass · July 17, 2008 10:58AM

<< waste of time, waste of ink, waste paper, waste of a post...... >>

Dit-toe

otwcards · July 17, 2008 11:04AM

<< Here is one example of how it can be a lot of trouble. I bought several serial #'d autographed cards of the same player in a two week span. I get one from someone with no packing slip and the serial number didn't match any of the cards I won. So then I have to play detective to find out which one it is. Plus, how about if you are working on say a 1968 Topps baseball set and you are buying lots to put the set together. You get several lots in the mail and then if some are not the correct count......... Or you buy several large lots that have various years in them. >>

Do you realize that you have a receipt of your transaction as well as the original auction listing available to you? If you are this retentive, perhaps you could print a copy of each auction receipt or the actual auction listing and match up the items when they arrive. You've gotta leave feedback anyway, so why not. How often do you really need to use the packing slip? Seriously, while convenient, it's a bit obsolete when the transaction details are already online and you probably have a vehicle (PayPal) to initiate recovery in the event of an erroneous or incomplete shipment.

What if the seller includes the right cards but the wrong packing slip? Does this send you into a perpetual state of confusion and conflict?

I include a packing slip (available on eBay to both the buyer and the seller) ONLY if the item is over $250.00 (also sent with Signature Confirmation), if the shipment includes items from three or more winning auctions or I am shipping internationally. Other than that, I will only include an packing slip upon request.

HighChopper · July 17, 2008 11:41AM

My wife has a knack for finding them. Not good.

jomer · July 17, 2008 12:08PM

All a packing slip does is .........

remind me of how much you've overcharged me on the shipping / otherwise .... i would have totally forgot !!!

Leiascards · July 17, 2008 12:11PM

<< All a packing slip does is .........

remind me of how much you've overcharged me on the shipping / otherwise .... i would have totally forgot !!! >>

Knowing how to bid eliminates being overcharged for shipping.

Tvac897 · July 17, 2008 12:22PM

Most people don't feel the need to do an invoice for single products.

diamondman · July 17, 2008 12:31PM

Well (a deep subject), but classify me as a tree killer. I include an invoice on every item I sell or buy. so I am in the minority here (so what else is new) .

PS: and if the IRS ever wants to see your business records well ( you better have that invoice/paper trail available). JMO

now crucify me for killing off the rain forest.

hofautos · July 17, 2008 2:05PM

<< ....I include an invoice on every item I sell or buy. >>

how do you include an invoice on items you buy?

diamondman · July 17, 2008 2:10PM

<< 

<< ....I include an invoice on every item I sell or buy. >>

how do you include an invoice on items you buy? >>

Well when it is one of these oldtimers that say screw paypal I send a money order and include a copy of what I bought. if it is paypal I just print off about 10 copies and paste them to my wall to help me remember what I bought. (senile oldtimer here).

nearmint · July 17, 2008 10:49PM

I always include them, but most of my sales are not from ebay, and most are for multiple cards. The buyer also gets an email confirmation, but I'd rather not make him go find it. The slip serves my purposes as well: I use it as a checklist when packaging the cards to make sure I got them all.

As a buyer I appreciate getting a packing slip. Yes, I can go find the record for it, but the easier the seller makes my life, the better.

I'm glad to hear that people are sensitive about wasting resources, though!

sagard · July 17, 2008 11:32PM

I typically include a packing slip and a thank you note if it is a high end item. It is evidence of what is in the package. If it's a $10 card I take my chances.

Why do so many sellers not include an invoice/packing slip!

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