After payment the cashier hands over a printed slip listing the items, prices, tax, and payment method. That slip is the receipt. It serves as proof of purchase for returns, warranties, and expense records.

Receipts may be printed, emailed, or stored in an app. Legal requirements in many places mandate that certain information appear on the document. Retailers also use the reverse side for promotional messages or return-policy summaries. Digital receipts reduce paper waste and make later retrieval easier for the customer.

A clear, accurate receipt prevents disputes and supports efficient returns. Customers have come to expect the option of a digital version. The humble receipt remains the official record of the completed transaction.

Without a receipt, proving what was bought and when becomes far harder.