How to write a receipt
A receipt is a short document that confirms a payment was made. Written well, it settles arguments before they start. This guide covers what to include and the mistakes to avoid.
Step by step
- Put your business name and contact details at the top, so the customer knows who to ask.
- Give the receipt a unique number and today’s date. Never reuse a number.
- Name the customer, or write “Walk-in customer” if you do not have the name.
- List what was bought, one line per item, with quantity and price.
- Show the total, the amount paid, the currency and the payment method.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing the amount only in figures on a loose piece of paper that cannot be traced.
- Skipping the date, which is the first thing asked about in a dispute.
- Editing a receipt after giving it out. If something is wrong, cancel it and issue a new one so the history stays honest.
- Using a different format every time, which makes your records hard to search.
Make it quicker
Writing receipts by hand works until the day you are busy. AWA Receipt keeps your details, numbers them for you and sends the finished receipt to your customer’s phone, so the five steps above take under 30 seconds.
Questions
Do I have to give a receipt for every sale?
Rules differ by country and by type of business, so check what applies to you. Even where it is not required, a receipt protects both you and your customer.
Can I write a receipt after the sale?
Yes, as long as it shows the real date of the payment and matches what was paid.