Oops!… I Did It Again

[Alan Wilkes]

No I’m not talking Britney Spears. I just did the most stupid thing for the second time this year. I mixed up shipping labels and created two unhappy customers. Ryann and Jay have you ever done something so frustrating?
Thank’s Alan

[Jay]

Yep. Remember how painful this is and never do it again.

[Ryanne]

i have done it a couple times, yes. that’s why now i literally print and attach labels one by one.

[So Cal Joe]

Yes, I agree with Ryanne on this one.. keep it simple. Print label, attach label, reweigh go on to next.

When I’m packing items, I stick a note on each box every time with what it is. That way I don’t have to remember what’s in there or reopen it.

[Retro Treasures WV]

You can always package all your items and get weights/measures, but don’t seal them.

Print your labels one at a time and then seal/apply label. Use a label printer like the Dymo 450 so that one-off labels isn’t as painful of an experience.

[Amatino]

I print packing slips, on the very bottom corner write the SKU, shipping method and weight (but in shorthand so it’s not obvious to the client), then go pack the items. I don’t seal them, but put the packing slip into each one. A page on which I write the measurements and weight returns with me to the computer and I print all the labels. Then I slip a packing slip out of its package, match it to a label, and done. I only label one package at a time to avoid mistakes, but it has been faster.

Recently, it occurred to me that I could carry my laptop out and do all the point to the printing on the spot. Then go fetch the printed labels and match as before. It would save the written work and would mean each item is packed, weighed and printed on the spot. The only way for me to make it faster would be to have the printer in my packing area. If I ever upgrade to one of those rollout type printer (Dyson?) I might do that.

[sonia]

Interesting to learn about other people’s processes. After I’ve collected all the items I’m going to ship, I pack, weigh, print and attach label for one item from beginning to end before moving on to the next item. And even then I’ve made mistakes!

[Utahbill]

That’s why I went to a single page two part label. The top half is the packing slip which tears off. The bottom half has a peel off adhesive shipping label. My process is: read the packing slip, pick and pack the item, and attach the label. This allows me to print postage in bulk and still avoid mistakes.

[Inglewood]

My method is to write on each box (where the shipping label is going) something to remember what is in the box in comparison to other shipments that day.

I also use the method Utahbill uses with the two part label – where I use half a 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of paper for the shipping label, and the other half as the packing slip to let me know what the label is for.

I sometimes pre-pack items when I list them (large bulky items, or items that will take longer to pack since I mail items in the morning before work and don’t have the time for difficult items). For these items, I write a short description on them, as well as a code number that I put in the description of my listing to keep them straight.

[So Cal Joe]

I began labeling items in storage that may be wrapped or boxed for safety, so I don’t have to start unwrapping items to see what they are.

When an item sells, I print the packing slip and note the location and shipping method on the lower corner. These slips get moved to my shipping area and put on a clip board, until I’m ready to pack.

Everyone seems to have their favorite method, and none is right or wrong. The key is to find the one that works for you.

[Retro Treasures WV]

I like the idea of printing packing slips and taking them to storage with you. Packing slips aren’t my thing, but this intrigues me. Do you also write a hand-written note on the packing slips? That would be an easy thing to do.

[So Cal Joe]

I generally don’t add a note to the packing slip, unless there’s something special they need to know about the shipment. I place the packing slip in the box, when the item is being packed. I then basically write a note on the box..ie: red hat.

As indicated above, I weigh it, print the label and attach the label. Then, I go on to the next one.

My shipping table and a lot of my items are stored in the garage, with my extra scale. My main scales and computer/printer are in my house in an office. I used to have a printer and another computer in the garage, but it took up too much space and was just redundant.

[Retro Treasures WV]

I meant some sort of personalized thank you, handwritten on the packing slip. It could result in a few more positive feedbacks.

[Amatino]

Retro, I write a personal note on every packing slip. If I know the history of an item and it’s interesting, I’ll put a salient fact about it. I’ll comment on how it may add value to the buyer, or suggestions on how to use it.

For example: for a pair of candle holders, I wrote “these are so elegant, they’re sure to glam up any arrangement”; for a pair of boots, I wrote “hope these keep you warm and snug”; for a child’s onesie “may your cutie look precious in this.” For personal history, for example, I sold some camera equipment for a widow and wrote that the owner was meticulous about caring for his equipment, for some masks I sold from Africa, I wrote a couple lines about the carver from whom I bought it.

I know it’s appreciated by my clients. I’ve even had feedback that was entirely a delighted comment on the note.

[LAwoman]

My partner does the shipping. It makes for a very tense situation when this comes up. Nothing gets me angrier. Did it again two weeks ago and did a package intercept.

I have to breathe, calm down, and remember I cannot control every aspect of our business. I try to, but it’s too much for one person. 😉

[Author]

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