Receipts

[Former_Member]

hello everyone,

I try to spend time each day improving my shop. One of the things I want to work on are receipts. Currently, I just print out the receipt that Etsy provides from the invoice and include that in the package to the customer. What do you do for your receipts?

[WilliamsGiftshop]

I don't print out receipts.
1. Both seller and customer have online versions.
2. Less trees need to be cut down.

[Former_Member]

I don't print receipts either. It's a waste of paper I think.

[Former_Member]

The only time I print a receipt is when I ship internationally. I put it in one of those clear envelopes on the outside of the box, b/c I read somewhere that it helps with customs.

For domestic sales, I don't print it b/c we both have online versions.

[Davs]

I try to send receipts when an order is over a certain amount of money. I expect paper receipts when I buy from anywhere online, so I suspect people who buy from me are going to expect one too. Also I've heard it is good to include receipts so if anything happens to the address on your package the mail carrier can still find the address info on the receipt you include in the package. Also all international sales, I am pretty sure requires a paper receipt.

[PonsonbyVintage]

that is a good suggestion for international sales! but I also do not print out reciept's

[LoveJewelryByJ]

i print out my invoice to use as a visual cue that I still need to produce something for a my customer. Also, so nothing gets mixed up. Then I send it along with the package as an invoice. I never used to do this, but then I saw somewhere in a thread that people were disappointed when sellers didn't include an invoice

[Former_Member]

In addition to being a shop owner on Etsy, I buy online. I expect to get a copy of the invoice from the shop I order from, whether it's Macy's or Mom & Pop Vintage. It tells me they take my business seriously.

Naturally as a shop owner, I include a printout of the invoice. IMHO it is the professional thing to do AND it gives the buyer another opportunity to see the note from your shop. It's also a nice touch to hand write a thank you.

I also include a little "Thank You" note I created and print out on card stock and use self printed stickers (Avery) as "tape" in a couple strategic places when wrapping vintage items in tissue paper and add them to paper jewelry boxes when applicable.

All these are tied into the little kitty on my avatar. I can print them all from my ink jet printer; it's what I can afford to do to brand my shop. I know people say they don't expect the same branding from vintage as they do from handmade....but....what if secretly they do?

[Former_Member]

Ok, I guess I will stop printing them also.

[Former_Member]

That's why we all own our own business. We should not tell each other if it is right or wrong to print a receipt. If you feel you need to print one and send it along with the package then that is they right decision for your business. If you feel it is not necessary then again the same.

[Former_Member]

I do feel that it is something you receive when you purchase something and it makes your shop professional, so I guess I am torn.

[Former_Member]

Go with what you like. :)

I like when I order things to receive an invoice copy that shows my order. Most larger businesses do it.
So I print out copies and include in my packages. Yes, it's a bit of a waste but i do my packaging the way I like to get it. I guess.

Either way is fine, just a personal preference thing.

[Former_Member]

I'm not an US seller, so this may not be what you have to do there.
I always send the invoice with the package. Most of my orders are international and if they are hold at customs for inspection, the invoice must be attached to the package, it's a rule for commercial packages.

[Former_Member]

Each shop will need to do what they feel works best for them.

I print the paypal packing slips and include them in each package that goes out. That way there is one additional way that a package can get to its destination or back to me should the outside packaging get torn or become unreadable.

I've also had international customers need to prove that the amount on the customs form is actually the value of the package and the packing slip is one very easy way to do that.

[Former_Member]

I guess I hadn't ever considered not including the invoice. But like many people have said I don't think it's right or wrong, just a preference. I personally like receiving one in my orders, and when sending things I normally write a quick thank you on it, fold it up and include a business card. For me it works

[Former_Member]

I always include the Etsy invoice, along with a business card. True, less trees need to be cut down, but I know customers still prefer to have paper proof of what they purchased.

[Former_Member]

I usually print 2 copies, put one in the box, staple the other one to a copy of the shipping label and stick in a file called "Sales". It's a simple system but puts the info right where I can find it if there is a question about something. About every six months I also like to spread these out on a table and see what's been selling.

[Former_Member]

I agree with Natashia. Each one of us needs to do what we feel is best. I don't think it is right or wrong either way.
I personally do not print out receipts because of the online copy. I do include a hand written thank you note, a business card and a very small token gift.
Reading all the feedback I can see where some people would expect an invoice.
Go with what your heart says to do for your shop.

[Former_Member]

I do print out a copy of the invoice when they order so I know this is something that needs to be sent out. Then, if the invoice isn't too mangled from being around my apartment or in my purse, I'll send it with the item. If it is mangled, I do print another one. Again, my personal preference, this way the customer has a return address to send the item back if there is a problem.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Natasha gives very good advice. Do what feels right for you. But just know that there are alot of us (myself included) who do NOT send receipts. I've never, in all my sales, been asked for one.

After thinking about it, I suppose it's possible that some TYPES of sales might do well to include receipts. Maybe if a sale consists of many items (especially, say, small items, like beads), a receipt can summarize all that is in the box. But I typically sell just a handful of items (ornaments) at a time. These are very individual items, personalized...so really no chance to confuse my items and with another shop/maker.

[Former_Member]

My preference is to receive invoices. I also include one, along with a business card and a thank you, with orders that I send out. As has been stated by others, I believe it is an insurance against torn packaging and customs on international orders. I also think it is professional.

[GeminaeCo]

I guess I'm in the minority here but I never print out receipts. I do include a handwritten thank you note, but I find reciepts to be a waste. When receiving them in something I bought I usually have to block out my name, address and any other personal info with marker (in case of ID thieves) before I toss them in recycling. It's actually kind of annoying and since there are records online it is ultimately pointless. Although when I ship wholesale orders I do include an itemized list as there is often a lot to keep track of for the buyer and I imagine it's more convenient for them this way.

[BabsiesPlace]

I mainly send my business card with a "thank you" on domestic orders. To me also its a preference. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, depends on what the customer bought.
I do print one out for my files which is helpful at the end of the year.

[WintergreenDesign]

For international orders it is legally required... the contents and the value of the receipt are to be identical to the contents claimed on the customs forms. I believe that reciepts are also legally required by some states... thats why every store will print a reciept to offer it to you but you are not required to take it. I always print two reciepts... one for the customer to be enclosed in the package and one for myself to which I attached the shipping/customs reciept for tax purposes. For larger orders I also use that reciept as a check list to be sure that everything that is supposed be enclosed is and it adds extra assurance that your package will arrive at its destination should something happen to the outside of the box : )

[OregonRogueVintage]

I have printed a receipt every time I sell something and it just makes me feel better. I think about how I feel when I order something online and I always like having a receipt to look at. I just use the version that Etsy makes too. I also tape my business card to each one and that is where I usually write a quick message thanking the customer for their order.

Really, it just does come down to my peace of mind.:)