The Digital Receipts Trend: Good for the Planet, Great for Business

by Jackie Navarrete

Paper’s Out. Pixels Are In.

Remember when every trip to the store ended with a mile-long receipt that got crumpled in your pocket or lost forever in your car’s cupholder? Good times… but not exactly great times for the environment—or your business operations.

In today’s digital-first world, digital receipts are gaining serious traction, and for good reason. They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and way more aligned with how your customers want to engage. Better yet? Systems like Clover POS make going digital a total breeze.

Why Digital Receipts Are Taking Over

Let’s break down why digital receipts are not just a trend—but a smart move for any business trying to stay modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Good for the Planet

• The U.S. uses more than 250 million gallons of oil and 10 million trees each year just to produce thermal receipt paper.

• Receipts are often coated with BPA or BPS, which makes them non-recyclable and environmentally harmful.

• Digital receipts eliminate that waste entirely—no paper, no ink, no trash.

By switching to digital, you’re helping your business reduce its carbon footprint while making a small but mighty impact on the planet.

Good for Your Budget

• Thermal paper isn’t cheap. Businesses spend hundreds to thousands per year on paper, ink, and maintenance for receipt printers.

• Digital receipts remove that recurring cost and reduce hardware wear and tear. Less printing = fewer repairs.

Better Customer Experience

• Customers can choose to get their receipts via text or email—a cleaner, easier, and more secure experience.

• No more lost returns or fading ink. Customers keep a clear digital trail for tax season, warranties, and returns.

• You get a new communication channel—now you’ve got their email or phone number (with permission) for follow-ups, loyalty programs, and reviews.

Clover’s Built-In Support for Digital Receipts

So, where does Clover come in? Glad you asked.

Clover POS systems are built to support digital-first commerce—making it incredibly simple to offer receipts via email or SMS right at checkout.

Key Clover Features for Digital Receipts:

• Customizable receipt options: You can offer print, email, or text right on the Clover screen.

• Receipt branding: Add your logo, business name, return policy, and even promotions.

• Data capture: Gain insights and build your customer database seamlessly when customers opt for digital receipts.

• Eco Mode: Some Clover models (like the Clover Flex and Clover Mini) allow you to default to digital, minimizing printouts altogether.

Best part? You’re not forcing anything on the customer—you’re giving them the choice.

The Data Goldmine Hiding in Your Receipts

Digital receipts do more than just look slick. They help you:

• Track buying patterns (What’s selling? Who’s coming back?)

• Send targeted promotions (Hey, Sarah, love your taste in skincare—20% off your next order!)

• Build loyalty programs that sync with Clover’s customer profiles.

That’s not just saving paper. That’s smart marketing.

Real-World Wins

Let’s say you run a local café using a Clover Flex. Here’s what switching to digital receipts could do:

• Save $400+ a year in paper and printer supplies

• Add 200 new customer emails to your marketing list each month

• Cut checkout time by 15 seconds per transaction

• Reduce printer malfunctions (because paper jams are nobody’s love language)

Now imagine this across hundreds of transactions a week. That’s not just greener—that’s cleaner, faster, and more profitable.

How to Make the Switch with Clover

If you’re already using a Clover system (or thinking about it), enabling digital receipts is super simple:

1. Go to Setup > Receipts > Receipt Options.

2. Toggle on “Offer digital receipts.”

3. Customize the branding and add your logo or promo.

4. Train your staff to offer digital first—but always give customers a choice.

If you’re not on Clover yet, this is just one of many features that make it the best POS system for eco-conscious and modern businesses.

Final Thoughts: Why Wait?

In a world where your phone can book a flight, order tacos, and send a meme in under a minute, paper receipts feel a bit… prehistoric.

Digital receipts with Clover are a win-win:

• Better for the environment

• Better for your business

• Better for your customers

So if you’re still printing paper like it’s 1999, it might be time to go green—and go digital.

Want to learn more about how Clover can modernize your checkout experience?
Get in touch with Velocity Merchant Services today and we’ll set you up with a system that’s smarter, greener, and designed for the way your customers live now.