Why Should You Collate Shipping Forms?
by Chelsea Camper | Last Updated March 13, 2017What does it mean to “collate shipping forms”?
The word “collate” simply means to collect. It takes on a slightly different meaning when you’re talking about computing.
5. Computers . to merge (sequenced data from two or more data sets or files) to produce a new sequenced data set or file.
Dictionary.com: collate
You can collate shipping forms by printing multiple documents
on the same sheet of paper. For example: Shipping label and invoice or Shipping label and packing slip or Shi
pping label and return information
Why should you collate shipping forms?
- Save on paper – Only printing out one sheet of paper instead of 2+
- Save time – No time wasted in trying to match forms like the shipping label to the packing slip
- Increase the accuracy of your order – Packing and shipping information remain on the same sheet of paper so the chance of getting the packing slip paired with the wrong shipping label is greatly reduced
- Increase the happiness of your customers – When you’re customers get the correct products quickly, they remain happy, returning customers
- Speed order fulfillment – When they’re no time wasted on double checking the items in the box correspond with the correct shipping label, items can be shipped out quicker
Which shipping forms can be collated?
You can combine all sorts of shipping forms together on a single sheet. Mix and match any of the following!
- Shipping label
- Invoice
- Return information
- Return label
- Pick ticket
- Packing slip
- Terms of Service
- Second copy of shipping label for records
- “Thank you for ordering” and coupon
Are there any software programs to help you collate your shipping forms?
There are many software programs that can help you collate your shipping forms. You can find some of them on our Ecommerce, Order Fulfillment, and Order Management Resource Page.
Image: laszlo-photo
