Instead of printing out a paper receipt, many stores you now give you the option of sending your receipt by email instead. This is both convenient for consumers and it saves a precious resource. Around ten million trees are
cut down each year to make receipts in the US. Trees both provide oxygen and sequester CO2.
In addition to being better for the environment it also is a great way to organize your records. They can be kept in a separate folder for future reference. This is ideal in the event that you need to return an item or for filing tax returns.
Apple was one of the first stores to provide this option in 2005. Then other retailers started offering this service including Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Patagonia, Sears, Kmart and Whole Foods Market.
New retail payment technology has leveled the playing field and
enabled smaller retailers to get in on the act. Now stores of all sizes are able to provide e-receipts.
In addition to being convenient for consumers, there is also value for retailers as these e-receipts can also be a valuable new communications and marketing channel.
issuers and other service providers.
The trend towards e-receipts will only increase as more transactions take place virtually with the help of cell phone wallet technology, a phenomenon that is already very popular in places like Japan.
© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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