What is a Delivery Note or Delivery Receipt?
A delivery note is a piece of paper sent to a customer with a product shipment. It includes information about the type and quantity of the shipment’s contents. It is also referred to as a delivery receipt.
The recipient may sign a duplicate of a delivery note and give it back to the seller as evidence that the item was delivered.
Significance of Delivery Note in E-commerce Shipping and Delivery
A delivery note has a dual purpose, as it benefits both the customer and the seller. Here is how this piece of paper is significant to both parties:
- Customers can use the delivery note sellers include with the shipment as a checklist to ensure everything is present.
- The delivery note also specifies whether any items from the initial order are not included, giving the recipient a complete picture of the order and what was delivered.
- Sometimes the recipient signs a duplicate of the delivery note, which is then given back to the consignor or seller as delivery confirmation. This is referred to as “recorded delivery” or “signed for delivery.”
Prerequisites for Delivery Note
A delivery note can only be of use if it contains certain information. Therefore, this information serves as a prerequisite for delivery notes, and they are mentioned below:
- Seller’s name and contact information
- Customer’s name and contact information
- Date of issue
- Delivery date
- Short description of the items
Use Case With Delivery Note
Consider a company XYZ has sent an order to their customer. Along with the order shipment, they have also included a delivery note. The customer or recipient signs in the signature field on the delivery note after verifying the contents of the package and accepting it.
When a delivery note has been signed, the customer cannot subsequently assert, for instance, that something was lost in the mail or was damaged in transit. This gives the customer and the vendor some level of protection.