Printed receipt

[ArujaDesigns]

I was wondering if everyone here includes a printed receipt with their order shipments. Since, everything is online, your purchase history and electronic receipts, I never send a copy of a receipt to my customers. But I get receipts from fellow etsians when I purchase something. I'm double minded and don't want to waste paper if it's not necessary. But I'll do it if it's a must for the business. What do you all do and suggest?

TIA!

[WhatCandySays]

No, I don't add a printed receipt with the item.

Sorry, ink is very expensive.....

[ArujaDesigns]

That's very true! I feel the same.
Loved your custom made chocolates...tempting :)

[laurastark]

I do not include if it is a domestic item, but internationally I do.

[CozyDawg]

I print out each order everyday. I work off of this stack of invoices. I write a thank you on the invoice and include it with the order. For international orders you have to include an invoice on the outside for customs.

[KiltedWoman]

I got into an argument with someone on a different team recently. She scoffed at me for my "unprofessionalism" in not including a receipt. People are pretty divided on the subject and really invested in their own routine.

I believe in recycling, using recycled materials and keeping my overhead low. I write the item name on the back of my business card (no price in case it's a gift) which goes in the box. The information is easily accessible online. Why waste paper and ink to duplicate information that then gets thrown in the trash?

That said I have started including receipts for international orders in case there is a customs issue. I was told some countries require this info inside the package (Germany?) Not sure if that is true.

[EchidnaArtandCards]

I agree with Lori. No need to waste more paper as customers get notification in an email and they can easily access any order information online. However, my orders are mostly sent as documents and even internationally I don't see it being a customs issue. For other products, I can see how a receipt may be necessary.

[TwistedKnickersInc]

I print the receipt, circle the address and put it in the package. If that package gets opened in customs or the label gets damaged, I want them to know where to send it.

[Former_Member]

I never send one and no one has ever asked for one

[Former_Member]

Its totally up to you whether or not you send a receipt or a business card.

I include a printed receipt and business card in every package that goes out. That way if the label gets damaged there is a chance that the package will make it either back to me or to the customer.

For international packages it can be required for the buyer to prove the value of the items.

Personally if I have a business card from someone I'm more likely to purchase from them again if I'm looking for more of the same products.

I have buyer accounts on many different websites (over 45 at last count) and there's no way I'm going to dig through all of them simply to find out where I purchased something. If the branding isn't readily available on the product and I don't have a business card I'm not about to try to track it down.

I've gone back and purchased from people that I've purchased from over 10 years ago because their business card was in my rolodex.

And I've had people contact me from shows that I did more than 15 years ago to see if I could make something custom from them.

[PaperBoundLove]

I don't include receipt because it is such a hassle and the receipts are easily available on Etsy anyway. And I guess I don't want to waste paper too, I'm already "wasting" enough by making cards :P Just kidding!

I did include business cards, but I ran out. I think it's a good idea to include one, especially if you have a cute, memorable design.

x

[MaryPowDesigns]

I print off every invoice and put it up on my 'to-make' magnet board in the order that it is received. As each order is completed, I wrap it for shipping and tuck the invoice in with the order. Since I'm finished with it, I figure it's easier just to send it along to the customer.

I think it's important to include an invoice for international orders, but for domestic ones - there really is no need to include a printed invoice if you want to save on printing costs.

[Former_Member]

I always include a receipt with a hand written "thank you for shopping ... and a business card so that the customer can pass my info on to others.

[GirlpowerKnits]

I do not include a receipt - I've always wondered if this was ok - and am glad to see i'm not the only one!

I include a business card with care instructions on the back, and I've begun using branding labels.

[MulberryCreek]

I never include a receipt. I agree..it is available online if a customer needs one. Some print one out at the time of the order. However I always include two business cards. One for the customer and one to give away. Cheap enough advertising I feel. I also include a handmade tag as a little token of appreciation of their business.

I have not included a receipt with international orders either but after reading some of the posts here I think I will start doing that.

[Former_Member]

I dont. Seems like a waste of time and resources to me, just something they will throw away likely without even lookin at it. Do include a receipt in wholesale order, biz to biz seems like they might need it.
But I always put in a biz card or two in everything.

[Former_Member]

I buy a lot of goods from Etsy and can honestly say that it's annoys me slightly when I receive a receipt, sorry! I can easily see the receipt online. Afterall that's where I bought it.

I apologise to anyone that likes to send them and can totally see why it's a good idea, however mine always go straight into the recycling. I don't even check them, careless maybe, but If I need them I know where they are.

I wouldn't worry about what buyers will think as most don't seem to mind or need one. I've never had a buyer request a receipt.

I can see the appeal on an international order though :o)

[SpangGangDesigns]

I never send an invoice and no one has ever asked for one. I offer it, if they would ask. I do send business cards.

[ArujaDesigns]

It seems everyone has their own business strategy. I never included a receipt for international orders earlier but I'm going to do that now. It makes sense for customs purposes. For domestic, may be I can ask the buyer if they want it then only I'll include it.

Thank you very much everyone! It always makes a lot difference when I get opinions from fellow etsians.

[UniqueSewingBoutique]

I always include a hand written receipt, I use receipt books purchased at WM, I also include a hand written thank you note plus a business card,
compared to what I read this might be over kill??::):)

But I have done this since I started, probably will continue.

I received an order from etsy some time ago, the product was put into an envelope, nothing else, no business card, receipt or thank you, needless to say, I never bought from that vendor again.

[weekendjewelry1]

I don't usually include a receipt. I've only once ever had a customer request one, which of course I was happy to provide. But when I've asked, most people say why waste the paper.

I do send an itemized list with shipments to Germany.

[Former_Member]

Yes, I do. And as far as International buyers, you should too. Customs demand printed receipt, because they can't see the electronic version, can they? If there isn't any in the package, the buyer has to prove the value of the purchased items. Meaning, I as a buyer have to print the receipt, send it in a mail or scan it and send it in the email. Do you think it makes me happy doing it for every purchased item?

[ionesAttic]

The customs declaration is on every printed USPS label that goes out, for both the post office and receiver to see. I have never printed out a receipt and in the over 2300 shipments I've made which includes designers, businesses and resellers as well as private collectors, I have never been asked why I have not.

A handwritten note on a business card with a small appreciation gift is the way I roll...

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I never print out receipts. It just seems like one more thing to do when mailing out orders for someone to just throw away (I'm lucky if I get my receipt out of things I personally in one piece without ripping it when opening my package).

[RefinedRuffian]

I do unless it is a gift. I think most people throw it away, though. The branding thing is more important.