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Why do shop assistants ask if you would like a receipt?

  • 28-03-2017 9:27pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭Ally Dick


    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,660 ✭✭✭armaghlad


    Ally Dick wrote: »
    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?
    Saving paper.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,144 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    Ally Dick wrote: »
    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?
    Some people like receipts for a number of reasons. Some don't want the wasted paper.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,813 ✭✭✭Wesser


    So you can prove you paid for the goods?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    Some people don't want the receipt. Other want the receipt and feel that there is some massive conspiracy involving over-charging for baked beans, probably funding ISIS, and asking if they want the receipt draws attention to the fact they got it, lest they become ' that eejit' that's standing there giving out about nothing while the queue behind them slowly dies of old age.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,219 ✭✭✭✭biko


    They will only print it if you ask for it, no need for them to have loads of paper hanging out of the machine if no-one wants them.

    The machine will record each purchase in memory and can print them all out later for audits.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,789 ✭✭✭Alf Stewart.


    Expenses for work.
    Vat receipts.
    Proof of purchase.
    Warranty.
    Exchanges.

    Any number of reasons.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,847 ✭✭✭Armchair Andy


    Because underneath every cash register there's a hood of mafia mice with their AK47s aimed at the cashier.
    It's a racket they got going bleeding the mice printing unions.
    The more gets printed the more they gets paid capische?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,249 ✭✭✭ Noel Sour Bumper


    Im a manager in a retail store and apparently the Revenue send out tests that your offering receipts ...one of the stores got checked for it....most customers refuse the receipts so its just to save paper...and some odd ones ask you to do contactless but still want the visa slip


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,166 ✭✭✭Beyondgone


    Boss is on the fiddle and wants the least paper-trail possible. "Never give them a receipt unless they ask for one, ok?". Cash is King.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,018 ✭✭✭✭Arghus


    I think the real question after reading the thread is - why do people ask questions with such obvious answers?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,786 ✭✭✭wakka12


    kippy wrote: »
    Some people like receipts for a number of reasons. Some don't want the wasted paper.

    /thread


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,426 ✭✭✭corner of hells


    I've changed my diet slightly, eating more vegetables , eating a proper breakfast and drinking more water and I've noticed I'm ****eing better and more regul. ... I'm in the wrong thread , aren't I ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,219 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I bought a doughnut and they gave me a receipt for the doughnut. I don't need a receipt for the doughnut. I'll just give you the money, and you give me the doughnut. End of transaction.

    We don't need to bring ink and paper into this. I just can't imagine a scenario where I would have to prove that I bought a doughnut. Some skeptical friend: "Don't even act like I didn't get that doughnut! I got the documentation right here. Oh, wait it's at home. In the file. Under 'D.'
    Mitch


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,722 ✭✭✭nice_guy80


    they'd never ask you that in Greece
    Never


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,508 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    Generally in supermarkets the receipt is printed automatically. The cashier asks do you want it because often people don't and they just pop it in the bin at their counter. So the receipt doesn't end up being littered somewhere!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 624 ✭✭✭.........


    It's always painful seeing how much VAT is tagged onto everything.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,823 ✭✭✭✭PARlance


    ......... wrote: »
    It's always painful seeing how much VAT is tagged onto everything.

    Until you're in a position to claim for Diesel... you almost like the fact that we're being rode.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    biko wrote: »
    Mitch

    The wonderful wonderful Mitch, RIP. My first thought too when I read the title. And now I'm off to Youtube, to laugh yet again at the bouyancy of citrus, rice and hungry for 2000 of something etc. etc.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,166 ✭✭✭Beyondgone


    PARlance wrote: »
    Until you're in a position to claim for Diesel... you almost like the fact that we're being rode.

    :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,045 ✭✭✭✭gramar




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,434 ✭✭✭Robsweezie


    ask the fella who ''robbed'' the jambon


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,506 ✭✭✭Doctor Nick


    gramar wrote: »

    I like the way they have a photo of a jambon with the narrative "file photo of a jambon".


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,230 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez


    Ally Dick wrote: »
    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?

    Because a lot of people don't want receipts (for some bizarre reason imho).

    I always ask for a receipt even when not given one, partially to keep track of spending, but also because I oft get wrongly charged in places like SuperValu :rolleyes:


  • Posts: 24,713 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    armaghlad wrote: »
    Saving paper.

    They are always printed though from my experience and they bin them if people don't want them.

    I always want my receipt anyway as I check back over them to ensure things are correct. Also need to be in the habit of it for when I'm travelling for work as I have to produce every original receipt in order to get my expenses back.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭fiachr_a


    So you can flash it at the security guard who's making it a bit too too obvious you're being watched.


  • Posts: 13,712 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ally Dick wrote: »
    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?
    M&S?

    Well Lah Dee Dah


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,315 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Ally Dick wrote: »
    There may be a simple answer to this. I am just wondering what is the main reason. Every time I go in to a supermarket, whether it be Spar or Marks & Spencer or other shops, I am asked would I like a receipt by the cashier. Surely this is not some kind of fiddling going on, is it?
    By law they must offer the receipt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,314 ✭✭✭BOHtox


    No I don't want a receipt I'm eating my breakfast, Kate


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,508 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    You should always ask for a receipt if your buying petrol or diesel.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,922 ✭✭✭snowflaker


    I don't like receipts and will only take it if the total seems wrong


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    You should always ask for a receipt if your buying petrol or diesel.

    Why? I've put fuel in the car for over 50 years - at least 2500 times - without needing to get a receipt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,508 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    Why? I've put fuel in the car for over 50 years - at least 2500 times - without needing to get a receipt.

    If you buy dirty petrol or diesel and it damages your car. It could cost in the 1000's to repair and having a receipt may help you claim off the garage!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    the_syco wrote:
    By law they must offer the receipt.

    They do? I'm not sure this applies in Ireland.
    They are always printed though from my experience and they bin them if people don't want them.

    Usually they don't print out under a certain amount. So if the total is less than a tenner, it won't automatically print as many people don't want a receipt for that much unless there's a reason.


    I hate people who request receipts and then stand at the till, in everyone's way, to read them. They're usually the people who can't read receipts and will complain about something they've misread.
    For example: "you've charged me three times for this bag of carrots!!" "No sir, the third entry is a correction of the second as the scanner picked it up twice. You were charged for one." "But it has three on the receipt!" "No sir, as you can see, the third entry has multiple minus signs as well as a *COR* in front of it." "Oh well those firelogs were meants to be 4 for €5 and it clearly says €7.49 here" "Sir, if you continue reading down, there's the €2.49 deduction before the final price with Special Offer Firelogs beside it" *adds up everything at till, still blocking the way* "my loyalty points were supposed to come off the price of shopping" *I add everything up* "They have sir" "No they haven't, I just counted!" "As have I sir, with a calculator. I can assure you they have come off the price" "I don't have time for this! I'll be coming back in tomorrow and you better have the money you owe me ready"*


    This happened me only last week. I'd say with confidence that most people who complain have read the receipt wrong in some way or another.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,847 ✭✭✭Armchair Andy


    PARlance wrote:
    Until you're in a position to claim for Diesel... you almost like the fact that we're being rode.


    You'll feel the pain when the minus is smaller than the plus every 2 months.
    I know I do:-(


  • Site Banned Posts: 129 ✭✭nosilver


    If you buy dirty petrol or diesel and it damages your car. It could cost in the 1000's to repair and having a receipt may help you claim off the garage!

    Very very rare for "dirty" diesel and considering most fuel station tanks hold 50,000 litres, there'd be about 1500 angry customers.

    Dirt / deposits in a fuel tank build over time. If you don't get close to empty often, the deposits stay til one day it affects the engine.

    Those who don't understand always blame the last fill when the reality is not understanding how the fuel system works.

    Think - domestic kerosene tanks are always at a slight angle away from the outlet to push the impurities to the opposite side.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,508 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    nosilver wrote: »
    Very very rare for "dirty" diesel and considering most fuel station tanks hold 50,000 litres, there'd be about 1500 angry customers.

    Dirt / deposits in a fuel tank build over time. If you don't get close to empty often, the deposits stay til one day it affects the engine.

    Those who don't understand always blame the last fill when the reality is not understanding how the fuel system works.

    Think - domestic kerosene tanks are always at a slight angle away from the outlet to push the impurities to the opposite side.

    Well I know a lady this happened to and she did a lot of research on the matter and got legal advice and anybody who got their car repaired by the station always had the receipt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,633 ✭✭✭✭Widdershins


    nosilver wrote: »
    Very very rare for "dirty" diesel and considering most fuel station tanks hold 50,000 litres, there'd be about 1500 angry customers.

    Dirt / deposits in a fuel tank build over time. If you don't get close to empty often, the deposits stay til one day it affects the engine.

    Those who don't understand always blame the last fill when the reality is not understanding how the fuel system works.

    Think - domestic kerosene tanks are always at a slight angle away from the outlet to push the impurities to the opposite side.

    I also know people it happened to, all had bought fuel from the same place on the same day. The older the tanks the more likely it is. And you'd know soon enough if you got a dirty batch so you only need to keep receipt a little while.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 94,288 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Wesser wrote: »
    So you can prove you paid for the goods?
    In Italy it's the exact opposite , it's so the shopkeeper can prove it's on the books and not part of the black economy.

    https://www.livitaly.com/surprising-facts-italy/
    When you purchase an espresso or a pizza, the cashier will hand you your receipt without asking. This is because in Italy, they are required to ensure the customer leaves with the receipt. If they don’t, the owner could face a large fine! Once you leave the establishment, Italian police even have the right to stop you and ask for it. After a few days, you will most likely have a ton of receipts in your wallet!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 236 ✭✭mayobumblebee


    where i work a reciept prints every time, automated, we have no choice. i will ask on smaller sales if they want one because we recycle and i can at least recycle it because they will only dump it or sometimes get thick that i give them it. but that's for cries of retail...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭cnoc


    I paid a bin company last week by credit card and requested a receipt. I was informed that the company does not issue receipts. Is that in order for the company?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 266 ✭✭taylor3


    I thought it was only me that wondered why so many shops don't automatically hand it to you with your change. But what bothers me more is this situation, shopping for example in Super Valu (they always do this) the cashier scans all your goods through and then just sits there and I'm like "eh can you tell me what I owe you please" and she goes "€22.49" ...... Arghhhhhh why do they do that as a customer you cannot always see the screen on the till to see the figure that's come up. I hate that. Why dont they scan the stuff through and volunteer to tell you the figure instead of sitting there like an egjit.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,705 ✭✭✭✭Tigger


    cnoc wrote: »
    I paid a bin company last week by credit card and requested a receipt. I was informed that the company does not issue receipts. Is that in order for the company?

    they will have issued you an invoice ?


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,917 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    In Italy it's the exact opposite , it's so the shopkeeper can prove it's on the books and not part of the black economy.

    https://www.livitaly.com/surprising-facts-italy/

    In Croatia/Slovenia the receipts are all bounced off a government server where they're signed digitally before being printed.

    In several European countries the government holds free draws for big prizes (e.g. cars) with receipts as tickets, thereby ensuring everyone gets a receipt and nobody throws them away.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,019 ✭✭✭DopeTech


    and some odd ones ask you to do contactless but still want the visa slip

    They could still need a receipt if they are claiming back expenses.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭philstar


    either way the receipt is going to issued....so you might as well take it...

    anyway who knows the milk could be sour and you might have to return it


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,257 ✭✭✭Yourself isit


    taylor3 wrote: »
    I thought it was only me that wondered why so many shops don't automatically hand it to you with your change. But what bothers me more is this situation, shopping for example in Super Valu (they always do this) the cashier scans all your goods through and then just sits there and I'm like "eh can you tell me what I owe you please" and she goes "€22.49" ...... Arghhhhhh why do they do that as a customer you cannot always see the screen on the till to see the figure that's come up. I hate that. Why dont they scan the stuff through and volunteer to tell you the figure instead of sitting there like an egjit.

    Totally agree. Even if I can see the price just say it so we know we both agree.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭cnoc


    Tigger wrote: »
    they will have issued you an invoice ?
    Yes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 135 ✭✭talkto


    I thought the receipt got printed whether you answered yes or no to the "Do you want a receipt?" question. In which case the "to save paper" reason would be wrong.


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