No matter how you choose to give them out, receipts are an important proof-of-purchase document for both customers and businesses. Nearly 70% of Americans prefer paper receipts, so even businesses that operate entirely online should consider sending them out when delivering products. Many e-commerce businesses send email receipts immediately after the customer makes a purchase, though some may choose to physically mail it when sending the products out for delivery. In brick and mortar businesses, they’re usually printed or written on the spot, though some also offer electronic receipts sent via email. Receipts can either be physically or electronically given to a customer. Though businesses are not legally required to provide a receipt for all transactions, receipts are virtually always given to a customer after they make a purchase, making them common among both traditional and e-commerce businesses. It is a document confirming that a customer received the goods or services they paid a business for - or, conversely, that the business was appropriately compensated for the goods or services they sold to a customer. While an invoice is a request for payment, a receipt is the proof of payment. The total amount owed, including any taxes and fees.īecause invoices request payment as well as record a transaction, all of this information is necessary to let customers know exactly what they’re being charged for and what your expectations for compensation are.A detailed description of all purchased goods and services, including price and quantity.The date the payment is due and any other payment terms.The customer’s name and contact information.Your business name, logo, and contact information.These elements are one of the biggest differences between an invoice and a receipt invoices typically contain more information about the transaction and its terms than a receipt. Writing an invoice is actually rather simple, but there are a few important elements that you have to include with every single invoice you create. Whether written or electronic, you must pay close attention to your invoices, as they help ensure that you’re paid promptly and correctly for your services. An effective online invoice management platform can simplify and expedite the entire invoicing process for both e-commerce and traditional businesses. Electronic invoices (also called e-invoices) are almost certainly the best option for e-commerce businesses since virtually all of your business is already conducted online. Traditionally, invoices are printed and sent to a customer through the mail or fax, but they can also be sent electronically. However, any business, regardless of what they sell, can make use of invoices when they need to bill customers after the sale. For this reason, they’re especially common among companies that sell in large quantities, such as manufacturers or wholesalers, and among freelance workers that provide services rather than goods, such as writers or graphic designers. Invoices are typically issued to a customer after they have received their goods or services, but before payment has been received. Similar to a bill, it lists what goods or services were provided, how much they cost, and which forms of payment the seller accepts. To keep your business running as smoothly, it’s important to know how these two documents differ, what information to include in each one, and when it’s better to issue a receipt or an invoice to your customers.Īn invoice is a document, sent by the seller to the customer, that requests payment for products or services. Although these two documents have similar functions, they are incredibly different from each other. Most companies use a combination of receipts and invoices to record transactions for themselves and their customers, and it’s likely that you’ll have to do the same. It’s equally important for your customers to have documentation of the transaction, for their own financial records, and in the event that they have an issue with their order.Īs a business owner, you need to determine what the best record-keeping method is for your organization. Without a record of purchases, returns, or exchanges, it’s impossible to keep your finances in order, take care of your business’s taxes, or monitor your company’s performance. Documenting every transaction is crucial for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
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