What Is a Customer Receipt?
Covers printed and digital receipts, legal obligations, record-keeping
Intro
A customer receipt is a document provided to a customer after a purchase, detailing the transaction. It's a simple way to confirm what was bought, how much was paid, and when the transaction occurred.
Main Definition
In a business context, a customer receipt is a record of a sale that includes details such as the date, items purchased, prices, taxes, and total amount paid. It serves as proof of purchase for the customer and helps businesses track cash flow and revenue. Receipts are essential for returns, refunds, and dispute resolution. A common misunderstanding is confusing a receipt with an invoice; invoices request payment, while receipts confirm that payment has been received.
Examples
Retail Store: A printed receipt shows the item price, tax, and payment method after a shoe purchase.
Online Purchase: An email receipt details the title, price, and digital payment method for a book.
Taxi Service: A driver provides a receipt showing fare amount, distance, and charges — which can be retrieved at cabfare.com.au/find-your-receipt.
Key Relationships
Cash Flow: Receipts help document sales revenue and manage incoming payments.
Expenses: Businesses use receipts to track operational and purchase costs.
Tax Compliance: Receipts support tax deductions, reporting, and audits.
Customer Service: They support returns, exchanges, and chargeback prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a customer receipt important for my business?
It provides purchase confirmation, supports financial reporting, and protects both parties in the case of disputes.Can a digital receipt replace a paper receipt?
Yes. In-app or email receipts are widely accepted and often more convenient to store and retrieve.What should I do if a customer loses their receipt?
Use payment method, date, or transaction ID to locate the sale. If you're a CabFare customer, use our receipt lookup tool.
