Receipts

JohnC6

JohnC6

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I find it annoying that just about every retailer asks customers if they want a receipt. It's proof of purchase for goodness sake. Are they on a tax scam ?..ie it doesn't go through the books . Is it to save on till roll costs ?. It's also proof of purchase in the event that an item needs to be returned.

The reason I'm posting about it now is that I was annoyed yesterday when I went through the self- scanner at the supermarket here in Lampeter. If you go into a supermarket early..eg before 9.00am..quite often there are no staff on the checkouts. It was why I had to go through the self-scanner. It was a first for me so I had to ask another customer what to do. After my last item I had to choose a method of payment..... cash/ contactless card or card..ie. not contactless. I did that and the scanner voice asked if I wanted a receipt..if so press Yes or No . I was unable to see where yes/no was on the screen and then the screen defaulted to the 'start' screen. I asked the customer next to me where yes/no was. The lady was about to pay and told me to watch. I then saw yes/no. So..I had to leave the store without a receipt and security will sometimes do spot checks on customers leaving self-scanning. There was no security on duty. What if there had been and I'd been stopped ? I'd have to hope they could check the till immediately and match up my card details. In those circumstances...as opposed to a bakery shop. for bread or a cake...a receipt should just have been issued. There shouldn't be a choice. The first thing security will ask is where is your receipt ? At home, I've seen security going through a customer's trolly outside the store, receipt in hand, checking off the items in the trolley. Infact, apart from a random check the alarm will sometimes malfunctions and sound- off.

I feel so annoyed about what could have happened..not being checked, I understand they have to do that and be seen doing it as a deterrent but I might write to the store manager or better still, HQ.
 
Unless you are buying something for a business or someone else, I never get a receipt at a supermarket - waste of time. Its all on CCTV or the guard can ask the checkout person who served me 30 secs before... If I am buying something like a TV, yes get a receipt (normally via email) but anything I am using or cant take back, no point
 
You don’t need a receipt as proof of purchase if returning anything.
Most receipts just end up in a bin or on the floor somewhere so if they can reduce the waste then good.

I refuse to use self checkouts anywhere unless they give staff discount.
 
It's a sop to the idea of managing waste. Stupid thing is they ask you if you want it, after they have printed it.
 
Receipts are often not recyclable and in fact seldom recycled. We used to print about 11 billion year. Almost nobody wants a receipt for an over priced latte or a pair of socks.

If you want one, get one. But 11 billion bits of waste not going to landfill seems like a win.
 
I take a receipt every time. When I get home I enter the transaction into my accounting application in the appropriate expense category. Then I know my account balances accurately, and where my money has gone.

A bit anal, perhaps,
 
yzfmike said:
I take a receipt every time. When I get home I enter the transaction into my accounting application in the appropriate expense category. Then I know my account balances accurately, and where my money has gone.

A bit anal, perhaps,
Click to expand...
I don't want to spoil your fun, but most modern banking apps do this for you.
 
yzfmike said:
A bit anal, perhaps,
Click to expand...
Not in the least.

After running our own business for more than 35 years, it's a habit with us, too. My wife has been scanning the barcodes on our purchases for a market research company for decades as well - she gets credit for each item and it adds up to quite a lot over a year or so. ;)
 
JonathanRyan said:
I don't want to spoil your fun, but most modern banking apps do this for you
Click to expand...
Cash flow over various time periods?
Net worth across numerous accounts?
Expense and income categories?

What app would you suggest, please?

I currently use Moneydance, and have not found an app that offers the flexibility I require.
 
yzfmike said:
Cash flow over various time periods?
Net worth across numerous accounts?
Expense and income categories?

What app would you suggest, please?

I currently use Moneydance, and have not found an app that offers the flexibility I require.
Click to expand...
Apologies. I was only answering you initial post, not these new requirements :)

Personally, I'd probably use Power BI if I wanted to do all that. But the chances I'd want to do that are remote. Mostly, like all good Finance people, I use Excel.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Mostly, like all good Finance people, I use Excel.
Click to expand...
Och awa wi ye!

A really guid finance laddie wid ken tae keep his bawbees in his pooch an' use yon free Libre Calc...
 
My wife and I always check our receipts against the credit card monthly statements. Sometimes people find payments that do not match which may be fraudulent so best to spot ASAP. The amount of paper concerned with these receipts is trivial compared to all the wasted packaging etc.

Dave
 
simon ess said:
You are on camera from the moment you enter the store so don't worry about it.
Click to expand...

I'd much rather have had the receipt than 'accompany' the security gusrd back into the store to the manager's office. Also, I check my statements. I've heard of people finding errors on their statements..eg £1000 instead of £100. I see Dave Canon mentions this aspect. Of course it's best to check at the time but I doubt many do,they just enter their PIN number. Today we topped up with petrol before our trip home tomorrow and the cashier asked if I wanted a receipt so I asked why is that the norm these days. She said the company does it to help cut down on paper and also people will throw the receipt into litter bin as they go back to their vehicles Infact, Elliot..ecoleman..has posted about that very thing. Fair enough but all's well until it isn't.
 
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ecoleman said:
You don’t need a receipt as proof of purchase if returning anything.
Most receipts just end up in a bin or on the floor somewhere so if they can reduce the waste then good.

I refuse to use self checkouts anywhere unless they give staff discount.
Click to expand...
No receipt re returns..That's correct. The law states 'proof of purchase' is all that's required so a bank statement would do. I assume it's the retailers' first line of obstruction to deter customelrs returning goods.

Not using self-scanning. It's a fair point. When this system was first introduced the unions were up in arms as it allowed stores to cut staff. Not only the unions but socially-minded customers who realised the same scenario.
 
cambsno said:
Unless you are buying something for a business or someone else, I never get a receipt at a supermarket - waste of time. Its all on CCTV or the guard can ask the checkout person who served me 30 secs before... If I am buying something like a TV, yes get a receipt (normally via email) but anything I am using or cant take back, no point
Click to expand...
Thanks for your response,. In my reply to simon_ess I set out why I'd rather have the receipt re not having to go back instore with security even if it was just to the checkout I'd gone through..Stores are busy places,maybe the cashiere couldn't remember me..or anyone in this position if it was just a couple of items. Early morning when there aren't many customers,yes..she/he would recall. So,it's not just about buying something you couldn't return..eg fresh veg/fruit,I assume you meant the likes of those items.
 
Well I pay cash for most things, online bookings go on card cause it’s hard stuffing notes down the router.
 
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