SMS for paperless receipts
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Introduction
The AGEC law puts an end to the automatic printing of sales receipts. This major change of use for retailers is nevertheless good news for everyone, combining a positive ecological impact with new digitalized communication between brands and customers.
The dematerialized ticket means a better experience and a universal tool for centralizing invoices. And for businesses, it's an excellent way of enriching customer data and diversifying marketing and loyalty strategies. We explain it all in this article.
The end of systematic receipt printing: what's changed?
Since the 1ster On August 1, 2023, the law on the fight against waste and the circular economy (Loi AGEC) put an end to the automatic printing of cash register, bank card and voucher receipts. This measure aims to reduce paper waste and limit exposure to the chemical substances present on printed tickets.
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.
Retailers must now inform customers of their right to a ticket on request, via a visible display at the checkout. They can also offer dematerialized alternatives, such as sending tickets by SMS, e-mail, banking application or QR code.
Some exceptions remain:
- Purchase of products requiring proof of purchase (e.g. appliances under warranty).
- Cancelled or unsuccessful transactions.
- Credit transactions.
- Certain tickets issued by automatic machines (tolls, parking lots, etc.)
Why do you need 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.
There's only one way to recreate or even strengthen this disappearing link with the customer: the dematerialized ticket.
The advantages of paperless receipts :
This change in buying behavior has many benefits.
Customer benefits
- Respect for the environment: The dematerialization of sales receipts reduces environmental impact by cutting paper and ink consumption.
- Simplified transaction management: by making it easier to find and retrieve receipts.
- Ease of use: A receipt directly on their cell phone is more convenient and easier to store 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. Among other things, there are the cost savings associated with purchasing paper, ink, maintenance and printers, but the biggest opportunity is marketing for merchants.
Adopting the dematerialized ticket allows you to demonstrate your eco-responsible approach to communication and to comply with the AGEC law, but it's also and above all: an opportunity to capture customer data and build customer loyalty.
Environmental impact: a nuanced analysis
The dematerialization of sales receipts aims to reduce the environmental impact of paper printing. However, digital storage and transmission can also have an ecological cost (energy consumption, resources). It is therefore crucial to adopt a balanced approach: dematerialization while optimizing processes to minimize the overall ecological footprint. more ▶︎
Beyond the ticket: an opportunity for customer relations
Once the customer's opt-in consent has been obtained, the merchant can communicate much more than just a receipt to the customer, and enrich his customer database at the same time. SMS marketing SMS marketing is the perfect tool for drive-to-market advertising, and can be used to announce in-store events such as sales, open days and pre-sales. 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 easily use the same codes as its physical counterpart. Slip your offers and promotions under the purchase information, and you 'll be on your way to creating a new buying intent.
In fact, it's even possible touse this dematerialized solution without clear, positive consent. For commercial canvassing, the CNIL states that "if the person canvassed is already a customer, and if the canvassing 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."
The dematerialized sales receipt can therefore become an entry point to an enriched customer relationship. This approach transforms the receipt into a loyalty tool, reinforcing customer commitment and optimizing the shopping experience.
Consumer trends and adoption
According to a May 2024 OpinionWay-Perifem survey:
- 75% of French people prefer a paperless receipt.
- 54% prefer reception by email or SMS.
- 58% are less concerned about data confidentiality.
These figures testify to the growing adoption of paperless solutions and increased consumer confidence.
How do I generate paperless sales slips?
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.
Services Messaging API from smsmode© allow you to connect your cash register software with our platform, in order to send receipts by SMS, thanks to an automated query to the corresponding phone number.
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 by SMS.
- Fast delivery : SMS are delivered in real time, all the faster thanks to direct smsmode operator connections.©. 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 messages. It's the universal channel, even for checking 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.
Optimize your e-commerce SMS promotion, retention and reminder strategies with our plugin.
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. SMS for dematerialized receipts not only simplifies compliance, it also gives you a chance to enrich your customer base and diversify your marketing strategy.
Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.