Better Receipts for Better Customer Experience
TL;DR:
- Add personal touches like thank you messages and purchase reminders
- Use your brand colours and logo to make receipts look professional
- Include practical details like return policies and contact information
- Small changes can turn receipts into tools for future customer engagement
Most businesses treat receipts as an afterthought. That's a missed opportunity. Your receipt is often the last thing customers see after buying from you, so it's worth getting right.
Here's how to make your receipts work harder for your business.
Add Personal Touches
A bit of personality goes a long way. Instead of a cold transaction record, try adding elements that feel more human.
Simple ways to personalise:
- Add a genuine thank you message that matches your brand voice
- Remind customers what they bought and why it's useful
- Include the name of the person who served them
If you're running a physical store, consider adding a handwritten signature or note. It takes seconds but customers notice the effort.
Keep your receipt tone consistent with how you communicate everywhere else. If you're casual on social media, don't go formal on receipts.
Design for Your Brand
Your receipt should look like it belongs to your business. Too many receipts are generic white slips that customers bin immediately.
Design elements that work:
- Your logo at the top
- Brand colours as headers or borders
- Clean layout that matches your website or store design
- Readable fonts that aren't too small
Don't overcomplicate it. The goal is recognition, not showing off your design skills.
Consistent branding builds trust. When everything looks connected, customers feel more confident about their purchase.
Include Useful Information
Beyond the transaction details, add information that helps customers after they leave.
What to include:
- Clear return policy with deadlines
- Customer service contact details
- Store hours or website address
- Information about loyalty programs or upcoming sales
This information serves two purposes. It helps customers if they need support, and it gives them reasons to come back.
Test your receipt text on different devices if you send digital receipts. Make sure everything stays readable on mobile screens.
Digital vs Physical Receipts
The format affects what you can do. Digital receipts give you more space and can include clickable links. Physical receipts need to work with your printer limitations.
For digital receipts:
- Add links to your website or social media
- Include product care instructions or setup guides
- Make phone numbers and email addresses clickable
For physical receipts:
- Keep text large enough to read easily
- Use QR codes to link to digital content
- Consider thermal paper quality for longevity
FAQs
How can I add personality without looking unprofessional?
Match your existing brand voice. If you're normally friendly and casual, do the same on receipts. If you're more formal, keep that tone but add a genuine thank you.
What design elements work best on receipts?
Start with your logo and brand colours. Keep the layout clean and make sure contact information stands out. Don't cram too much in.
Are there legal requirements for receipt content?
Yes, depending on your location and industry. You'll typically need transaction details, tax information, and return policy basics. Check local regulations for specifics.
Should I use digital or paper receipts?
Offer both options when possible. Some customers prefer digital for convenience, others want paper for their records. Let them choose.
Jargon Buster
Thermal paper – Special paper that changes colour when heated, commonly used in receipt printers. Quality varies, affecting how long receipts stay readable.
Brand consistency – Using the same visual elements and tone across all customer touchpoints, from your website to receipts.
Return policy – Your rules for customers returning items, including time limits, condition requirements, and refund methods.
Wrap-up
Better receipts start with small changes. Add a thank you message, use your brand colours, and include helpful information. These tweaks cost nothing but make customers feel more valued.
The goal isn't to revolutionise receipts. It's to make every interaction with your business feel more thoughtful and professional.
Ready to improve your customer experience? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical business tips.