Aren't cash register receipts such a waste of paper?

Question

I was cleaning out my purse and found dozens and dozens of those things, with everyone trying to be "greener" now wouldnt doing away with these be a big help?

there has to be a way to do this, i was thinking that since most stores have those savings cards and most people have computers why dont they have it so you can on your application for the card you can opt to have them e-mailed to you, anyone else think that would be a good idea? If they were emailed to you you would still have acess to them to varify aginst bank statments and if you needed to return somthing then all you would have to do is print it out, but we wouldnt have dozens of them floating around our purses and the world.

Answer 1

No. This is your proof of purchase. Say if someone says you stole a plant you can show them you bought it by showing your receipt. Or if you need to return something you need to show your receipt.

Answer 2

i do think receipts waste a lot of paper, but i also understand the necessity in a proof of purchase... i like your idea a lot, but the need of a physical proof at the store, like in the situation of accused theft, is a problem with establishing an internet-based system. i guess the best we can do is recycle receipts somehow. i know at the safeway store in my neighborhood, they use the backs for advertising and coupons. hey, at least its something.

i like the idea of a digital system, and if the input was immediate and accesible to all the store employees, the theft and returns situation wouldn't be a problem. maybe there could be an item marking system that eliminates receipts as well. like, in addition to a digital system like you suggested, purchased items could be marked in a way to show they were paid for. kind of like anti-theft devices in reverse.

Answer 3

Yes, and no.  

I would never want to have everything on e-mail only.  I think a paper trail is necessary for my peace of mind and the companies I patronize.  What happens if the computers go down?

But on the other hand, some stores print all kinds of ridiculous stuff on their receipts that most people never even look at.  That should be reduced to waste as little paper as possible.

Answer 4

I agree with you. Maybe you can use the back of those receipts to write things in... I use the receipts I get from stores to write my to-do list, or my shopping list. They can be used as post-it notes as well, minus the sticky part.

Answer 5

hmmm. that is a great idea, although from a small biz owners prospective-we have to keep all those crazy reciepts for tax purposes. i'd totally vote for the email option though when possible! or even having biz' use recycled paper for printing, and don't forget the environmentally friendly ink!

Answer 6

That sure would be nice. I have a 12 of them in my purse right now. If they would just scan things and it showed up on an email it really could save alot on paper.

Answer 7

well of course these things are neccessary because its proof of your purchases.  getting these things emailed to u would be fine but getting your receipt in paper right there on the spot will be assurance to u and others that u actaully bought a product already at this store.  these things wont be avoidable but at other transactions like atm can be so u can refuse a receipt there if u want.  the best we can do with the receipts are to reuse them for scratch paper or memo paper or just simply recycling them.

Answer 8

nope--it's your proof of purchase,for possible returns of defective products!!!

Answer 9

That's true...It is a waste of paper. They could always issue their customers cards, and electronically issue you a reciept on your card. If you need to return something, just swipe the card. They should update their barcodes by dates, then they wouldn't have a problem finding it in all of your previous purchases...That's just a thought...

Answer 10

I agree with you. Everyone - even stores - are saying they are green (i.e. coffee bean) but they still use normal lights and paper cups and sleeves and plastic bags and receipts. PLEASE bring that up to someone who can change it!!! good luck! and i will do my best to promote your idea!

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