Why do retailers need a good e-receipt system?

In recent years, the digitization of commerce has accelerated more than ever before. Retailers – both large chains and smaller stores – have to adapt to new consumer expectations, regulations, and market conditions. One of the critical elements of this transformation is the implementation of an e-receipt system, a strategic tool that influences business efficiency, cost reduction, customer service quality, and competitive advantage. Why should a modern retailer not only have, but must have a good, stable, and scalable e-receipt system? Let’s check it out!

Benefits of e-receipts for retailers

1. E-receipts are real savings

Paper receipts are a hidden cost that can lead to significant annual expenses. E-receipts are a way to make real savings in areas that do not require a hard copy printout. Thanks to them, we reduce material consumption and logistics costs, maintaining the traditional form only where necessary.

What does a retailer save on thanks to e-receipts?

• paper – no need to buy rolls, which are constantly becoming more expensive,
• Employee time – no necessity:
  • ordering rollers,
  • their storage,
  • distribution
  • replacement in devices,
• Free space – reduced need to store a stock of cardboard with paper rolls.

As a result, retailers save not only money, but also time and operational resources.

2. Efficiency and convenience for the customer

The benefits for the customer are primarily:

• access to your purchase history in one safe and private place,
• easier returns and complaints without looking for paper evidence,
• greater shopping comfort.

It is worth remembering that the customer’s convenience often translates into loyalty, which, in turn, affects the value of their cart and the frequency of their purchases.

3. Building a valuable customer base

An e-receipt requires the customer to provide proof of purchase electronically, which is associated with the need to obtain their consent to provide contact details, so for retailers it is an excellent opportunity to:

• building a legal, valuable customer base,
• marketing communication in accordance with the GDPR,
• personalization of offers, newsletters, and campaigns,
• increasing the effectiveness of cross- and upselling activities.

Do you need support with implementing GDPR requirements? We will be happy to perform a GDPR audit for you  – we will analyze in terms of compliance of the implementation with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.

4. Ecology

One of the greatest values of e-receipts is their environmental impact. At a time when ESG is almost becoming a standard in business, reducing paper and energy consumption is of great importance. The implementation of electronic proof of purchase allows retailers to:

• reduce the consumption of thousands of rolls of thermal paper per year,
• reduce the amount of waste that is difficult to recycle (thermal paper may contain BPA),
• save energy – fiscal printers are a constant source of electricity consumption,
• reduce the brand’s carbon footprint and support the achievement of ESG goals,
• have a real impact on forest protection (every X ha of forests saved thanks to the transition to e-receipts is a strong argument in CSR communication).

Tip! Customers often perceive companies that invest in ecological solutions as responsible and modern – and this strengthens the image and encourages purchases.

5. Personalization of marketing activities

With a customer assigned to a specific transaction, retailers can introduce actions that were previously unavailable, such as:

• recommending complementary products,
• dynamic coupons and discount codes,
• product recommendations based on purchase history,
• Loyalty campaigns are fully automated.

Why do retailers need an e-receipt system? Summary

Key benefits:

• real savings – money, time, and resources,
• ecological and ESG-compliant business conduct,
• greater operational efficiency,
• convenience and modern customer experience,
• building a legal database of contacts,
• the possibility of personalization and advanced marketing campaigns,
• optimization of the assortment and purchasing processes,
• higher data security.
  

E-receipts are not a fad – they are the direction in which global trade is heading. The sooner retailers implement sound systems to support them, the sooner they will start to reap measurable benefits from it.

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