There are so many advantages to sending e-receipts, it amazes me that so few companies do. Perhaps it is because they fear that integration with the payment system is too difficult. Or maybe there are simply not enough email addresses available. Whatever the reason, it is a missed opportunity.
Digital receipts or e-receipts have existed since 2005, when Apple started it in its Apple Stores. Now, over a decade later, we're more and more getting used to pay on the go - with our phones; since then more companies are adopting e-receipts.
Benefits
Consumers no longer have to fatten their monthly records with paper. E-receipts save paper, are easy to store and easy to find if you need them. An example, let's say you need that office supply receipt to submit for expenses, search your inbox for XYZ Office Supply and instantly you have the information. E-receipts are printer and mobile friendly - and so much more convenient than adding another app to your already crowded phone.
One-stop shop: as happens in the Apple Stores, every sales consultant gets equiped with a mobile payment terminal that can be e-receipts capable (printed receipts are also available over Wi-Fi). This saves the customer waiting time for checkout and strengthens his / her experience of personal service. The clothing store Nordstrom has adopted a similar process. The customer can proceed directly to the nearest sales representative for checkout after leaving the fitting room.
Re-marketing: e-receipts are a perfect opportunity for upsell and cross-sell. Consumers receive them immediately after payment, when the desire to purchase is greatest. However, be prudent, an e-receipt is primarily a proof of payment. Purchase information should be at the top, advertising/marketing is secondary and follows below.
More than just for retail
The pros for using e-receipts are not exclusive to retailers. Companies that sell subscriptions - think energy (utilities), telephone (cable, mobile, ISP) and insurance - can also benefit from the advantages. Instead of just a digital receipt, companies with recurring payments can send a digital payment request that automatically becomes a digital receipt, after a succesful payment. With AcceptEmail billers can also take the opportunity to engage with their customers even more upon payment. Some billers refer to their website for further steps or to promote their customer portal or app. Or they use AcceptEmail for upsell or cross-sell. One of our senders is a publisher who offers their customers a discount code for trials of other publications after the payment is completed.
Use these simple things to keep customers engaged and return to you. You will find that it can really pay off.
