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10 min
·
May 30, 2023
When it comes to getting goods to customers on time, businesses rely on a wide variety of essential documents. Invoices, packing and load lists, proof of delivery, and delivery notes are all part of this paperwork.
Often overlooked, the delivery note is a crucial document for facilitating quick and easy transportation of goods.
Delivery notes carefully list important details like the number of items, their description, and condition.
This crucial document not only acts as proof of delivery but also provides a valuable reference for resolving any potential issues with the order.
If you want to deliver exceptional customer service, you should make sure your delivery notes are clear, detailed, and visually appealing. This article will go through five ways to make your delivery notes stand out from the crowd.
The days of paper delivery notes are long gone. There are plenty of modern and convenient tools, from invoicing software to proof of delivery apps, to automate this process.
Let’s start with the basics. You should be familiar with both paper (traditional) and electronic delivery notes.
Even though many businesses nowadays prefer electronic delivery notes, some e-commerce companies also include a printed copy with the delivery.
Those two sound fundamentally different but can in fact be created using the same software and online tools. You only have to print the physical version if you want to attach it to your shipment.
Let’s look at the tools that can be used to make delivery notes.
Many providers of invoicing software now offer online delivery note generators as an additional feature. Online generators allow you to use pre-made templates to make delivery notes that look professional and are easy to understand.
One significant advantage of using online tools is that you can simply fill in the pre-defined fields. As a result, all the elements of your delivery notes will be placed correctly.
For example, Billdu has a free delivery note generator that you can use to quickly build your notes.
Using online generators, you can include all the necessary details about the shipment (discussed further below), as well as branding elements and other information.
Once generated, notes can be downloaded, sent to your or your client’s email address, or printed.
Tip: See Billdu’s guide to learn how to make a delivery note with an online tool.
Businesses that buy delivery management tools can also use the proof of delivery apps that are often part of the software.
Proof of delivery apps are created for couriers to confirm their deliveries and generate delivery confirmations for customers.
Proof of delivery apps can include photo capture, e-signature, timestamps, barcodes, custom notes, geotags, and other necessary order details.
This information will also appear on the delivery note. Delivery note in that case is generated once the order is marked as delivered and proof of delivery is added if necessary.
Logistics management software can automate the process of sending delivery notes to customers. It can also keep track of your delivery documentation.
You can also download editable Excel and Word delivery note templates. You can choose a template style that works for you, download it in the right format, and manually fill in all the necessary information.
These templates can be used with popular software such as Word, Excel and Google Docs. This makes them easy to edit and print.
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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:
Tip: Add a personal message or a thank you note to show appreciation and create a positive customer experience.
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.
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).
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:
To make sure the right person or legal entity gets the goods, you need to include the following information:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can always stand out from the competition by adding extra elements to give your customers a better experience.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Let’s review the most important points we talked about that will help you improve your delivery notes.
By following these guidelines, you can create delivery notes that are informative, unique, and leave a positive impression on your customers.
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