The New Frontier of E-receipts
Digital receipts are already been given out at an increasing number of stores: Sears, Kmart, Best Buy, and Apple are already on the bandwagon. The division vice president at Sears Holdings Management Corp., Tom Aiello, reported to CreditCards.com that "Even if you happen to lose the email, you always have access to your digital receipt,€ as shoppers can see their receipts through any device that gets the Web: smart phones, pads, laptops, and laptops. His company is on board with the electronic receipt for members that belong to its Shop Your Way Rewards program.
The National Retail Federation estimates that fraudulent returns will cost $14 billion in just this year. E-receipts are expected to help deter these crimes, as the receipts are available to both the sales associates and the shoppers. It is assumed that e-receipts will make returns a simpler process too.
Many consumers are already used to keeping track of their accounts and purchases online, and will probably adapt quickly to the digital receipt, especially in the case when they need to make a return. Plus, digital information is easier to manage and takes up less space. With an e-receipt, there's no way you can lose it in your car or purse!
With credit card processing all of the time, some cardholders may view e-receipts as a negative thing. These consumers don't like the idea of their shopping habits available for retailers: they don't appreciate the information used for marketing purposes.
Since e-receipts are still in the works, some businesses offer it as an optional service for their customers. Aiello confirms €This really starts to open up opportunities that a paper receipt just can't, and €If the customer has shown interest in certain things, [he or she will receive] recommendations as part of the digital receipt.€
So now, along with deciding between paper and plastic bags, they may also have to decide whether they would like their receipt in paper or electronic form! Ultimately, it will be up to them and their comfort level!