Get more out of your receipts

FAQs

• Is an order confirmation email a receipt?

  Yes, an order confirmation email serves as a receipt for online purchases. Email confirmation receipts are automatically sent out to customers following the completion of a purchase. However, email confirmation receipts often provide you with more information than a physical receipt would.

  For example, an email confirmation receipt will often outline expectations when it comes to shipping and delivery times. The email confirming receipt may include the expected shipping date as well as the expected arrival time. In many cases, the email confirmation receipt also includes tracking information accompanied by instructions about how customers can track their order.

• What is an order confirmation email?

  An order confirmation email is automatically sent out to a customer after they make a purchase. The purpose of an order confirmation email—also known as an email confirmation receipt—is to assure the customer that you received their order and provide the customer with a record of what they purchased so that they can ensure their order was correctly received.

  Besides acting as a basic confirmation, an email confirmation receipt typically includes a number of other details regarding the customer’s purchase. For example, some of the other details that may be contained within an email confirmation receipt include:

  • Delivery information: Many email confirmation receipts provide customers with details regarding shipping and delivery. Sellers may include such details as when they expect to ship the order, when the order is projected to arrive, and tracking information that enables the customer to track their order.
  • Payment method: In addition to providing a customer with the amount they paid, most email confirmation receipts also list the payment method. Listing a customer’s payment method can increase transparency and make it easier for the customer to review the details of the transaction.
  • Terms and conditions: An email confirmation receipt often provides some kind of reference to a company’s terms and conditions. For instance, you may attach your refund or return policy to an email confirmation receipt.

  As you build your online store and configure order notifications, it might also be a good idea to customize your email confirmation receipts. For example, consider changing email order notifications through Shopify. You can also use Mailchimp to change the color scheme, logo, and fonts in order notification emails, as well as track how order notification emails are impacting sales.

• Is an order confirmation proof of purchase?

  Yes, in most cases an email confirmation receipt can act as proof of purchase. Proof of purchase is often needed in order to complete returns or refunds. Proof of purchase may also be need in order to capitalize on promotions that require customers to make a purchase in order to claim a discount or reward.