Consumer habits and trends are changing at a rapid pace as a result of the “new normal”. One of these practices is digitalising life as much as possible, not only as a matter of almost obligatory modernity but also because it allows us to adopt a more responsible and respectful attitude towards society and our environment. In this sense, the paperless policy, which has been applied in many companies for years, now takes on a new dimension with the digital ticket.
What is a digital receipt?
We are talking about the traditional paper receipt or purchase ticket can now be received in electronic format on a mobile phone or, depending on the establishment, perhaps also by e-mail. It is a free and optional alternative for the customer with which, for example, you can consult past purchases at any time, and always have the receipts at hand in case you have to make a return because, to be honest… who hasn’t lost an important receipt at some point?
The great advantages of digital receipts
Sustainable, secure, practical and with greater advantages for the customer than in its traditional physical format, the electronic or digital receipt is now a reality that has come to stay and to improve, by far, the consumer’s shopping experience.
1. It is more sustainable and watches out for the environment
To give just one example, Eroski issues more than 298 million paper receipts a year. Its manufacture alone requires the felling of approximately 3,500 trees, the consumption of water equivalent to 3 Olympic swimming pools and the energy consumed by 84 families a year. If all of its customers were to register for the digital ticket option (through its app), the emission of more than 239 tonnes of CO2 generated during the production of paper would be avoided.
2. Facilitates more efficient cost management
Having digitised receipts on your computer or mobile phone allows you to control your monthly expenses in a more convenient way, because knowing where, when and how much you have spent without storing paper in a drawer saves time and hassle. On the other hand, if the case arises and they are needed for attorney issues, having the digitised receipts helps to have them well classified in order to provide them to the advisor and send them to them quickly, either through a file transfer service or by increasing them to the cloud.
3. Highlight offers and discounts
In that way, it helps us to save on the purchase. This is one of the great advantages for the user or, at least, one of the most pragmatic for your pocket. As we usually see in some traditional receipts from supermarkets or petrol stations, for example, electronic receipts also record the personalised offers that the customer has obtained in each purchase; the money or points accumulated and the discounts or promotions on certain products for their next visit to the shop. Having that ticket at hand on the mobile phone makes it easier to remember the offer and to be aware of the remaining days to take advantage of it.
4. It helps to remember returns and guarantee deadlines.
Through some alarm systems for guarantees and returns, which can be implemented on your phone with other apps, we will not forget these important dates. Moreover, another added advantage: having the receipt on your mobile allows you to go to the establishment to make any return without presenting the printed receipt of the purchase at the cash desk.
5. Avoid unnecessary physical contact
It is true that the electronic receipt was not born with this idea in mind, that of safeguarding us from physical contact and protecting us from any possible contagion of diseases, but in times of COVID-19 it is one of the most recurrent advantages. As there is no paper exchange with the shop assistant, especially if we also pay by card, the digital receipt provides security and peace of mind when paying at the establishment.