pcAmerica’s Restaurant Pro Express™ and Cash Register Express™ now include the option to email customers digital receipts in lieu of traditional paper ones.

Several companies, including Williams-Sonoma, Nordstrom, the Gap, Whole Foods Market and Sears have already begun offering paperless receipts, an option that was first introduced in Apple stores.

Digital receipts offered at the point of sale are catching on—a marketing survey completed by Epsilon reports that 35% of the 3,900 retailers surveyed currently offer e-receipts. Why should you consider offering this option as well?

Convenience—for both the business and the patron—of a digital receipt is compelling.

Shoppers are rarely able to keep track of all the receipts they receive, but these proofs of purchase are often required to make a return. Returns are less frustrating for shoppers who are able to locate the receipt in their email, saving people the trouble of rooting around in bags, pockets and the floors of their cars. The ability to make hassle-free returns moves customer service lines faster and increases the chance that people will shop at the store again.

Offering digital receipts also gives businesses the opportunity to collect email addresses of their customer base, which can also be used to email coupons, promotional information and other announcements.

Record keeping is a snap for customers who opt for e-receipts. With an email record of their purchases, patrons can keep, sort and retain purchase information for tax purposes or to double check credit card statements.

Clearly, digital receipts are better for the environment. The more digital receipts a business issues, the less receipt paper it needs to purchase. Each year, 9.6 million trees are cut down to produce receipt paper, according to Alletronic.com. In addition, the thermal paper that receipts are printed on cannot be recycled because it is heavily treated with chemicals.

E-receipts are a smart choice for businesses and their customer base. Please contact your account manager at pcAmerica at 1-800-722-6374 to find out how you can start issuing digital receipts.