Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you want a receipt

531 replies

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 13:45

I moved to England not that long ago.

In other countries that I lived in, they just gave me a receipt in the shops, everytime that I bought something. The receipt was always handed to me with the purchase.

Why in the UK do they not just give the receipt to you,

instead they always ASK you if you want a receipt.

What annoys me about it, is that it slows the shopping experience down so much.

Many times I have been called back to the till, to be asked if i want a receipt.

Example: I was in a small shop this morning. I only had a certain amount of time, as i was on the way to work. I was walking out of the door, when the woman at the till shouted at me "Wait. Come back! come back!".

I thought maybe my payment hadn't gone through, so I walked all the way back to her.

She said "Do you want a receipt?".

It drives me mad!

OP posts:
BigGra · 30/07/2025 14:59

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:02

I don't thnk it happens in ireland

Because i visited my friend in Ireland recently.

I went into a tesco in Ireland, I bought items at the till, I was handed a receipt automatically

If i Go into tesco in england, i am asked if i want a receipt .

On that trip in Ireland, I also went into a Centra (small supermarket) and i was handed a receipt with the purchase.

I also went into a clothes store in Ireland and i was handed the receipt with the purchase. They didnt ask me if i wanted it.

Show quote history

You do indeed get asked in Ireland and this has been common practice for years.
The teller will usually ask as the transaction is processing and should you decline then you can be one your way and not wait for the receipt to print.
At self checkout you also can decline a printed receipt.

Less waste and quicker transaction.

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:57

FourIsNewSix · 30/07/2025 14:55

So you have a sample of 2-3 EU countries and present is as "everywhere". Lol.

In some EU countries the local law makes handing out the receipt mandatory. In some countries you are actually legally obliged to have it with you between paying and leaving the shop premises. It's their way to fight tax evasion by the shop.

In my EU country it is not mandatory. Habitually, shops which are selling generally returnable stuff are printing it automatically unless you declare you have a customer account. Shops selling perishable things like groceries and fast food when you order at the self-service kiosk ask whether you want your receipt.

Lol you are so immature. Maybe ask before asusming, you know like an adult would so.

No I have lived in way more countries than 2-3 EU countries. I used them as an example.

Have you ever lived in another country?

OP posts:
ConsultMe · 30/07/2025 14:57

It depends on how much you spend surely or what you buy. If you buy something expensive or something likely to need proof of purchase in case of issues in the future - you’ll just be given the receipt. For example if you bought tech.

If you just bought a meal deal at Tesco - I can imagine you might be asked if you need the receipt.

FourIsNewSix · 30/07/2025 14:55

So you have a sample of 2-3 EU countries and present is as "everywhere". Lol.

In some EU countries the local law makes handing out the receipt mandatory. In some countries you are actually legally obliged to have it with you between paying and leaving the shop premises. It's their way to fight tax evasion by the shop.

In my EU country it is not mandatory. Habitually, shops which are selling generally returnable stuff are printing it automatically unless you declare you have a customer account. Shops selling perishable things like groceries and fast food when you order at the self-service kiosk ask whether you want your receipt.

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:54

cyvguhb · 30/07/2025 14:52

Are you not familiar with the word after?

Show quote history

I believe ive already replied to this, if you actually tried to read the whole thread.

But youve shown that you didnt read the thread before you replied.

Well done

OP posts:
Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:53

louba85 · 30/07/2025 14:51

This does happen in Ireland: i literally just got off the plane back from Ireland and they absolutely did ask me in every shop I went into if I wanted a receipt.
Also, I live in France and it has recently become the law that they only give you a receipt if you ask for one, though in practice they generally ask you if you want one or not.

Show quote history

They didnt ask me did i want a receipt when i was in ireland.

So we have had different experiences.

I actually have a friend who works in tesco in ireland.

I just asked her there, do they give the receipt or do they ask. as i get asked in england.

She said that they just give the receipt without asking.

OP posts:
cyvguhb · 30/07/2025 14:52

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:23

No and thats a nasty accusation to accuse someone of. You are accusing me of stealing.

I have never run away without paying in my life

Show quote history

Are you not familiar with the word after?

louba85 · 30/07/2025 14:51

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:02

I don't thnk it happens in ireland

Because i visited my friend in Ireland recently.

I went into a tesco in Ireland, I bought items at the till, I was handed a receipt automatically

If i Go into tesco in england, i am asked if i want a receipt .

On that trip in Ireland, I also went into a Centra (small supermarket) and i was handed a receipt with the purchase.

I also went into a clothes store in Ireland and i was handed the receipt with the purchase. They didnt ask me if i wanted it.

Show quote history

This does happen in Ireland: i literally just got off the plane back from Ireland and they absolutely did ask me in every shop I went into if I wanted a receipt.
Also, I live in France and it has recently become the law that they only give you a receipt if you ask for one, though in practice they generally ask you if you want one or not.

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:49

maimeo · 30/07/2025 14:47

It does indeed happen here in Ireland that you are asked if you need a receipt. In Tescos which you mention, it’s the last question you are asked at the self service. I may hit Yes if I’ve bought a clothing item which may need to be changed. I buy my petroleum at my local Centra and am always asked if I’d like , and always refuse, a receipt. Save paper!!

Show quote history

Of course self service asks you. It literally has a button saying "do you want a receipt, click yes or no.

Thats not what we are talking about. At the TILL in tesco are you asked if you want a receipt. Because the last four times that i have been in ireland , i went to the till in tesco and i was just handed a receipt.

OP posts:
maimeo · 30/07/2025 14:47

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:02

I don't thnk it happens in ireland

Because i visited my friend in Ireland recently.

I went into a tesco in Ireland, I bought items at the till, I was handed a receipt automatically

If i Go into tesco in england, i am asked if i want a receipt .

On that trip in Ireland, I also went into a Centra (small supermarket) and i was handed a receipt with the purchase.

I also went into a clothes store in Ireland and i was handed the receipt with the purchase. They didnt ask me if i wanted it.

Show quote history

It does indeed happen here in Ireland that you are asked if you need a receipt. In Tescos which you mention, it’s the last question you are asked at the self service. I may hit Yes if I’ve bought a clothing item which may need to be changed. I buy my petroleum at my local Centra and am always asked if I’d like , and always refuse, a receipt. Save paper!!

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:47

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:45

HoskinsChoice · 30/07/2025 14:42

Not much waste?! Can you imagine how many receipts are printed every day? The UK has a very good track record for protecting the environment. Preventing unwanted receipts will not change the world by itself but every tiny contribution counts. Criticising the UK for doing their bit is pretty stupid, other countries should be following our lead.

Show quote history

Paper waste is debatable. Are you saying to print any paper is waste? And that everything should be online? You could then argue that all books should be online? as any printed book is paper waste. And there are hundreds of thousands of books out there. But people like printed paper books.

OP posts:
BakingMuffins · 30/07/2025 14:44

One shop I use prints it and still asks. Just want it over since it’s been printed anyway.

mamagogo1 · 30/07/2025 14:43

I’m so pleased that I get less receipts now, they clogged up my handbag! And I’ve been to both France and Ireland this year and they ask if you want a receipt too. I’ll report back in a few weeks on Spain and Portugal

HoskinsChoice · 30/07/2025 14:43

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:40

Its paper waste, but its not more paper waste than all the schoolbook, school copies and photocopied handouts that are used in schools.

I work in a school

Show quote history

I really, really hope you're not a teacher. What an appalling attitude you have.

HoskinsChoice · 30/07/2025 14:42

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 13:56

It can't be that much paper waste. If loads of other countries give a receipt every time.

It is only the UK that I have experienced this in.

Show quote history

Not much waste?! Can you imagine how many receipts are printed every day? The UK has a very good track record for protecting the environment. Preventing unwanted receipts will not change the world by itself but every tiny contribution counts. Criticising the UK for doing their bit is pretty stupid, other countries should be following our lead.

Whyherewego · 30/07/2025 14:41

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 13:56

It can't be that much paper waste. If loads of other countries give a receipt every time.

It is only the UK that I have experienced this in.

Show quote history

I've just been to South America on holiday and they asked there every time

Less paper us surely a good thing. If some countries dont reduce unnecessary paper printing that's not a reason for us to stop being conscious of it surely ?

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:40

LillyPJ · 30/07/2025 14:39

It's a huge amount of paper waste! Some countries have laws that say receipts must be given but in the UK there's no such law. A lot of people don't want or need a receipt - it's just extra litter. I get annoyed at the amount of rubbish Sainsburys tills churn out (extra points, vouchers etc) automatically without asking me if I want them.

Show quote history

Its paper waste, but its not more paper waste than all the schoolbook, school copies and photocopied handouts that are used in schools.

I work in a school

OP posts:
Stade197 · 30/07/2025 14:40

I prefer to be asked so I can politely decline, now my bags for life don't end up with all my random receipts in the bottom of them 🤪 and it saves paper 😊

Daffodilsarefading · 30/07/2025 14:39

The majority of receipts get throw in the bin, not recycled. That’s not a good thing.

LillyPJ · 30/07/2025 14:39

Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 13:56

It can't be that much paper waste. If loads of other countries give a receipt every time.

It is only the UK that I have experienced this in.

Show quote history

It's a huge amount of paper waste! Some countries have laws that say receipts must be given but in the UK there's no such law. A lot of people don't want or need a receipt - it's just extra litter. I get annoyed at the amount of rubbish Sainsburys tills churn out (extra points, vouchers etc) automatically without asking me if I want them.

solando · 30/07/2025 14:37

I always get a receipt, I may revisit the store or want to return something, I have had to return food before to the shop and they won't know when I bought it.

I don't want an email receipt either, cluttering up the inbox.

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:37

Mrsttcno1 · 30/07/2025 14:35

God OP take a deep breath and be grateful that this is your biggest issue today

It certainly is not my biggest issue.

Mumsnet is for minor moans.

Though i did once post about a more serious life issue on mumsnet once and i was told that i was wallowing in misery.

Mumsnet is definitely not the place to come if you want any kindness or empathy. Everyone knows that

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 30/07/2025 14:35

God OP take a deep breath and be grateful that this is your biggest issue today

Original poster
Bunnybenty · 30/07/2025 14:35

KrisAkabusi · 30/07/2025 14:30

She didn't accuse you of stealing. Because, and this is a big clue, she asked "Are you sure you aren't running away after paying". After paying. Not stealing. She just jokingly asked if you move quickly.

If you overreact to everything like this, no wonder you're driven so mad!

Show quote history

Right. I read it wrong as the commonly used phrase is "running away without paying".

How does running away after paying make any sense.

People can leave as quickly ss they want after paying. Especially in the morning when most people are in a rush to get to work.

OP posts: