How much money are retailers wasting on paper receipts?

The Real Cost Savings Retailers Can Unlock by Switching to Digital Receipts

Paper receipts might look harmless, but for retailers, they’re surprisingly expensive. By the time you add up the paper rolls, the printers, the repairs, the energy and the waste, it becomes a quiet but constant drain on your bottom line.

We already know that  digital receipts are better for the environment, but as more retailers look for simple, practical ways to cut costs, digital receipts are proving to be one of the easiest wins. And for most businesses, the savings are much bigger than expected.

To help you see exactly what the switch could mean for your own stores, we’ve included a Paper Receipt Savings Calculator further down the page. But first, here’s why the financial case for digital receipts is stronger than ever.

👇 Scroll down for the paper savings calculator

Why Paper Receipts Cost More Than You Think

Most of the cost of paper receipts is hidden, which is why they fly under the radar. But look a little closer, and the numbers add up quickly.

1. Thermal paper IS getting more expensive

Thermal paper prices have been rising for years due to supply chain pressures. If you’re printing thousands of receipts a week, those increases can have a big impact. 

2. Printers don’t come cheap

They jam, they break, they need replacing - and every time they go down, your checkout slows, and your queues grow.

3. There’s more to pay for than just paper

Even thermal printers use energy and consumables. Individually, these seem tiny, but across multiple stores, the cost increases.

4. Disposal isn’t free either

Thermal paper usually isn’t recyclable because of its coating. Retailers end up paying for the waste — both literally and environmentally.

So, What Are Retailers Actually Spending?

For many retailers, the total annual cost of paper receipts can sit somewhere between £5,000 and £650,000+, depending on their size and network. 

Costs stack up based on:

• Daily transaction volume
• Number of stores
• Cost of paper rolls

Then you have additional costs, including resource costs, such as:  

• Frequency of printer repairs
• Delays at checkout
• Waste disposal

Our cost-saving calculator gives you an estimate of what paper receipts are really costing you.

How Much Could you Save? Try the Paper Receipt Savings Calculator

Pop in your numbers and see your annual savings instantly. For most retailers, the ROI of switching to digital receipts is immediate.

Why Digital Receipts Save More Than Money

Cost savings are just the start. Retailers using Yocuda see a long list of extra benefits that paper simply can’t deliver.

Lower operating costs

• No paper. No constant repairs. No ‘refill till roll’ notification. Less waste.

Higher customer engagement

• Digital receipts act as a post-purchase touchpoint - and with around 75% open rates, they outperform traditional marketing emails by a mile.

An omnichannel experience

• Digital receipts are the perfect way to seamlessly connect both the in-store and online shopping journeys. Sharing content such as product recommendations, brand campaigns, and personalised offers directly within the receipt enables customers to continue their shopping journey after leaving the store. This level of dynamic post-purchase omnichannel engagement is simply impossible for paper receipts or standard POS PDF receipts to replicate. 

 Smoother returns and happier customers

• No more digging through bags, bins or inboxes to find that receipt you need for a return. Digital receipts are instant, stored safely and securely and easily accessible whenever you need them. 

 Better in-store identification

• Digital receipts help retailers understand who their in-store customers really are - something paper can’t do, and also align in-store and online insights. 

A clear sustainability win

• Less waste, less chemical-coated paper, and fewer printers heading to landfill.

The Bottom Line: Digital Receipts Deliver Fast, Visible ROI

In a world where retailers are putting every cost under the microscope, switching to digital receipts is one of the simplest cost-cutting decisions a retailer can make. Most businesses can save tens of thousands of pounds each year simply by turning off the printer.

And when you combine those savings with better engagement, stronger data and a more seamless customer journey, it becomes a no-brainer.

Book a demo with Yocuda to get started with digital receipts.