5 Ways to Make Your Delivery Notes Stand Out

2. Showcase your brand identity

Individuality is important for both people and brands. Use elements of your company’s visual identity to make your delivery notes easily recognizable and unique. This will help to reinforce your brand and make a lasting impression on your customers. 

You can include the following brand identity elements in your delivery notes:

• Company logo
• Brand color scheme
• Unique graphic elements/textures
• Your official motto or slogan

Tip: Add a personal message or a thank you note to show appreciation and create a positive customer experience.

3. Include all necessary elements

One of the primary purposes of delivery notes is to document the receipt of all ordered goods. 

Make sure that the delivery note is easy to read and well-organized. You should include everything the customer needs to know about each item in their order.  

Order information

Include a delivery note number and/or order/invoice number for the records purpose. This will come in handy in case a client needs to contact you in the future to return, exchange or dispute their order. 

The date of delivery will show that the order was delivered on time. You can also include the delivery note issue date (if it differs from the order delivery date).

Company (shipper) details

Providing your business details ensures that customers can reach you whenever necessary. It also proves that your company has fulfilled legal responsibilities and delivered the order.

The company information section should include the following:

• Business name
• Address
• Business ID /Tax ID (optional)
• Contact phone number
• Email address
• Website (optional)
  

Customer details

To make sure the right person or legal entity gets the goods, you need to include the following information:

• Customer name
• Customer address or business address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Business ID / Tax ID (optional)

Order items description

It would be beneficial to provide a comprehensive description of the items that are being delivered. This will ensure the order is fulfilled accurately. 

If there is a disagreement, the client can refer to the delivery note. The document will show what was delivered compared to what was ordered.

The following elements must be included in the delivery note:

• Item name(s)
• Item code
• Item description 
• Quantity
• Unit (Kg / L / etc.)
• Price (optional)
• Photo (optional)

Additional elements

Delivery notes can be expanded with the help of last-mile delivery software. 

If you use a proof of delivery app to populate your delivery notes, you can add the following extra fields:

• E-signature
• Geostamp (delivery location/map)
• Driver information
• Vehicle information
• Reasons for order rejection
• Image evidencing rejection

Reasons for rejection and proof of rejection presented on delivery notes show that the order could not be delivered. It serves as proof that your courier attempted to deliver the order, but the customer was not at home or rejected the package for another reason. The customer will receive an updated delivery note if the second delivery attempt is successful. 

Driver and vehicle information are useful in many situations. For example, it can be used to review the order delivery process, respond to customer feedback, or address complaints. 

Proof of delivery, like a photo, geostamp, or e-signature, is also helpful in case of a dispute and to keep the most accurate delivery records.

These details, however, are secondary for some types of businesses. It is up to you whether you need to include them in your delivery notes.

Your delivery note can also include some optional details:

• Bank/invoice details
• Special delivery notes/instructions (for example, if the package is fragile, etc.)
• Returns/exchanges information

4. Go sustainable

As we’ve already discussed, some companies like to print physical copies of delivery documentation as well. 

If your business model allows that, you should definitely switch to electronic delivery notes and digital purchase receipts, and we’ll tell you why.

Environmental impact

Printing proof of delivery on paper is wasteful and causes more trees to be cut down. You may reduce your environmental impact and save trees by going paperless. 

It’s a smart decision for any company since it builds a positive and sustainable profile.

Saving on paper costs

Physical delivery notes require paper, ink, printers, and servicing. Paperless reduces these costs and saves money over time. It will save you much more than just one penny a day.

Accessibility and efficiency

Digital delivery notes can be easily accessed and shared electronically. Digital notes can be sent to customers immediately through email or online platforms, making communication quick and easy. This creates a smooth and efficient customer experience.

Always up-to-date

In contrast to paper delivery notes, digital ones may be updated instantly to reflect any changes to the order. If there are any issues with the order, a new digital delivery note can be sent out immediately.

Integration with other systems

Digital delivery notes are easily integrated with digital systems like inventory management or accounting software. This reduces the risk of human error, streamlines routine procedures, and saves time.

Marketing potential

Along with paperless copies of delivery notes, you can send your customers other promotional content, such as special offers, discount codes, and information about how returns and exchanges work.

Eco-friendly paper

Some local regulations or customer preferences may require printing delivery notes. In that case, you should stick to more eco-friendly types of paper.

For instance, you can choose recycled, FSC-certified, or biodegradable paper. This will show your customers that you care about how your business affects the environment and choose greener options, even if you still have to print the documents.

5.  Make a difference

You can always stand out from the competition by adding extra elements to give your customers a better experience.

QR code bonus

Add a QR code to the delivery note, leading customers to a secret deal or surprise. It could be a special discount, a personalized video message, or access to a hidden page on your website.

Elevate your business processes by incorporating the Billdu barcode scanner into your operations.

Returns simplified

No business wants to encourage returns. Yet, making the process as easy as possible for your customers is an absolute priority. After all, it will make them want to come back.

You can include a return label that your customers can print out and stick on their order if they want to send it back. As a result, your clients and support staff will both appreciate the time savings.

Include useful tips

Include helpful instructions on using the product to its full potential alongside the delivery note (or on the reverse side).

For example, you could include recipes with the delivery notes if you sell food or drinks. This makes the purchase more valuable and encourages customers to use your products in new ways.

You can even add a link to a video tutorial or other kind of interactive content. This personalizes the delivery note and makes it memorable.

Seek feedback

Getting customer opinions on delivery notes and the delivery process is incredibly valuable. 

Perhaps, some of the document’s elements are unclear or missing; the font is too tiny, or the design is confusing… Your customers will let you know. Fresh opinions can make a real difference.

By providing interactive components under the delivery notes, such as checkboxes or rating scales, you can encourage consumers to submit feedback. It is critical for small business owners in particular.

Don’t overload

Naturally, after reading those tips for including extra elements in your delivery notes emails, you want to try them all. 

Even if they are all awesome, limit yourself to one or two extras to keep the notes professional without overloading customers with information. Remember, the primary purpose of delivery notes is to provide crucial information about the order and ensure a smooth delivery process. 

To sum up

Let’s review the most important points we talked about that will help you improve your delivery notes.

• To create great delivery notes, focus on clear, concise information and strike a professional yet friendly tone.
• Do not forget to include all the required information, such as a list of the ordered items, business details, and customer contact info. It will simplify things for customers and your accounting. 
• You can use online delivery note generators and editable templates to make documents that look nice and professional. 
• You can also use proof of delivery and last-mile software, which can automatically create and send delivery notes to save time and reduce mistakes.
• Give the digital version of delivery notes more weight because it will save more than just trees. It will also save you money on expensive printing equipment and maintenance. 
• Make your notes memorable by using your brand’s visual identity and personalized details. 
• You can further enhance your delivery notes by providing helpful information like return/exchange policies, product use advice, and bonus materials. Yet, keep your delivery documents concise – everything is good in moderation.
• Double-check your delivery notes for accuracy and seek client feedback to improve continuously. 

By following these guidelines, you can create delivery notes that are informative, unique, and leave a positive impression on your customers.