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SMS for paperless receipts
April 21, 2023
The AGEC law puts an end to the automatic printing of receipts. This is a major change in usage for merchants, but good news for everyone.
By August 2023, a greener model for providing proof of purchase to customers will be installed, creating a real opportunity for businesses. Because the dematerialized ticket is a better experience and a universal tool to centralize your invoices. But above all, it is an excellent way to enrich your customer data and diversify your marketing/loyalty strategy. We explain everything in this article.
Reminder of the regulations
Initially scheduled for January 1, 2023 and then April 1, 2023, the end of systematic printing of the receipt will apply in France from August 1, 2023. The anti-waste law for a circular economy of February 10, 2020, relating to the fight against waste and substances dangerous to health puts an end to a practice that is very anchored in habits.
Most of the tickets are concerned:
- the receipts produced in the sales areas
- tickets issued by automatic machines;
- credit card receipts;
- vouchers and promotional tickets, discounts.
To make up for this shortcoming, retailers have a number of dematerialized solutions at their disposal: SMS, e-mail, a message in the buyer's banking application or a QR code to scan at the checkout.
Why should you have a paperless ticketing solution?
If the end of the paper ticket has many advantages (ecological, financial, data security...), it also has 2 major drawbacks:
- the end of a systematic proof of purchase,
- the end of a direct means of communication for merchants.
To recreate this link with the customer that has disappeared, or even to reinforce this link, there is only one alternative: the dematerialized ticket.
The advantages of the dematerialized receipt :
This change in buying behavior has many benefits.
Benefits to the client:
- Respect of the environment: The dematerialization of cash register receipts reduces the environmental impact by reducing paper and ink consumption.
- Simplification of transaction management: By facilitating the search and retrieval of receipts.
- Ease of use: A receipt directly on their cell phone is more convenient and easier to keep than a paper version.
- Data security: By limiting the amount of sensitive data stored on paper.
Benefits for brands:
The end of receipt printing is also good news for businesses. One can point to the cost savings associated with the purchase of paper, ink, maintenance and printers, but the biggest opportunity is marketing for merchants.
Adopting the dematerialized ticket allows you to show your eco-responsible communication approach and to be in conformity with the AGEC law, but it is also and above all: an opportunity to capture the customer data to build customer loyalty .
Enriched database and purchase intent: Businesses kill two birds with one stone
Once opt-in consent has been obtained from the customer, the retailer can communicate much more than just a receipt to the customer, and at the same time enrich his customer database: SMS marketing, commercial communications via SMS, announcements of events in his store, sales, open days, pre-sales, etc. SMS is the perfect tool for the drive to store, and it goes without saying that the recipient's number is the crucial element for communicating via SMS!
You can also start communicating without leaving your dematerialized receipt ! Your e-ticket can very well take over the codes of its former physical version. Put your offers and promotions under the purchase information and create a new purchase intention right away!
Moreover, it is even possible touse this dematerialized solution without clear and positive consent. For commercial prospecting, the CNIL indicates that "if the prospected person is already a customer and if the prospecting concerns similar products or services provided by the same company, prior consent is not required. In this case, the CNIL considers that legitimate interest may constitute a valid legal basis."
How to generate dematerialized receipts?
Some cash register software packages already offer functions for generating dematerialized till receipts. All transaction information is processed by the software, and an additional option is available to determine whether you wish to print the receipt, send it by SMS or e-mail it to the customer.
Interfaced with services smsmode© via a messaging API, your cash register software will give the instruction send your receipt to SMS corresponding to the phone number entered.
Why is SMS the best channel for paperless tickets?
As with many other uses (OTP, information, marketing, etc.), SMS stands out from other communication channels thanks to its direct, simple and personal aspect.
Record opening rate: The opening rate for SMS is 98%, compared with around 20% for e-mail, which means that customers are more likely to see their receipt if they receive it via SMS.
Fast delivery SMS are delivered in real time, all the faster thanks to direct operator connections. smsmode©. This means that customers receive their ticket immediately after their purchase, whereas an e-mail can be delayed, filtered or land in a spam box.
Accessibility: All cell phones are equipped to receive and read SMS. It's the universal channel, even for consulting receipts.
Interactivity : SMS offers the possibility of including clickable links or actions to be carried out directly in the message. This allows customers to follow the link to their receipt, but also to take part in a satisfaction survey or access your social networks to follow you!
Simplicity: SMS are short and concise, making them easier to read and understand than an e-mail that may contain additional information deemed irrelevant. Your customer may quickly delete your e-mail if it doesn't seem to meet their expectations immediately.
Conclusion:
Any change requires adaptation, and at the same time creates an opportunity. The dematerialization of sales receipts is no exception to the rule. Getting to grips with the subject allows you to capitalize on this opportunity. The SMS website for dematerialized receipts makes it easy for you to comply, while offering you a chance to enrich your customer base and diversify your marketing strategy.
Our team advises you
Interested in our services? Our account managers and technical team are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have about our SMS solutions, and to advise you on how to set up your campaign.