What is Delivery Note?
A document accompanying a shipment that confirms goods have been dispatched or delivered to the buyer.
Definition
A delivery note, also called a dispatch note, packing slip, or goods received note (GRN), is a document included with a shipment of physical goods that confirms the items have been dispatched by the seller and received (or should be received) by the buyer. It typically includes the items shipped, their quantities, the order or invoice reference number, the shipping date, and space for the recipient to sign confirming receipt. Unlike an invoice, a delivery note does not include pricing or payment information — its sole purpose is to document the physical transfer of goods.
When Delivery Notes Are Used
Delivery notes are used whenever physical goods are shipped from a seller to a buyer. In e-commerce, a packing slip inside the package serves as both a delivery note and a packing list. In B2B transactions, delivery notes are presented to the receiving department, which signs off on the quantities and condition of goods. In international trade, delivery notes are part of the shipping documentation required for customs clearance. For freelancers selling custom physical products — such as printed books, merchandise, custom signage, or handmade goods — a delivery note confirms what was sent and provides the buyer with a record to check their shipment against.
Delivery Note Example
A freelance product designer sells 200 units of a custom-printed notebook to a boutique stationery retailer. When shipping the order, the designer includes a delivery note that lists: the order number (ORD-2045), the items included (200 units of "Riverstone Notebook A5, ruled, navy cover"), the quantity per box (50 units per box, 4 boxes total), the shipping method (DHL Express), and the expected delivery date. The retailer signs the delivery note upon receipt and returns a copy. If the retailer later reports a short shipment, the signed delivery note is the designer's proof that the correct quantity was dispatched.
Delivery Note vs. Packing Slip vs. Invoice
A delivery note and a packing slip are closely related and often the same document. A packing slip focuses on what is inside the package (itemized for the recipient to verify); a delivery note also records the handover from carrier to buyer and includes space for signature. An invoice, by contrast, is purely financial and includes pricing, tax, and payment terms. In some contexts, all three are combined into a single shipping document that serves as a delivery note, packing list, and invoice at once.
Best Practices for Delivery Notes
Always include the related invoice or order number on the delivery note so the buyer can cross-reference it easily. Itemize the goods clearly — include product names, SKUs (if applicable), quantities, and any unit of measure. Have the recipient sign and date the delivery note upon receipt, and keep a copy for your records. If shipping in boxes or pallets, number each package ("Box 1 of 4") and note it on the delivery note. For high-value shipments, consider requiring a signature upon delivery and using a courier with built-in tracking. Eonebill can generate packing slips and delivery documentation alongside your invoices to streamline the shipping process.