whsmiths / receipts

caffeine_demon

I was in Whsmiths yesterday (not something I make too much of a habit of, and they seem to be the only place selling sugar free mountain dew at the moment)

anyway - the person in front of me was asking for a receipt, and was told that they don't do them any more for purchases under £5 (not sure if this goes for all whsmiths stores)

I had a look online regarding the legality of this, and have seen that shops don't need to provide receipts, but a couple of forums say that they have to give a receipt if requested. Is that right?

Also - where do you stand if you need to take something back if it's faulty and they haven't provided a receipt? (yes - it is a low value item, but it's just the principle of it)

SuperHan

IIRC, receipts have to be issued for VAT purposes. That said, there is some monetary limit involved in that, so the £5 may slip under that threshold.

Proof of purchase may be required if you are taking items back... You could use a bank statement. But their returns policy may be <£5, just return.

It's probably most inconvenient when buying something for work and wanting to claim expenses!

j0nathon2

SuperHan wrote: »

IIRC, receipts have to be issued for VAT purposes. That said, there is some monetary limit involved in that, so the £5 may slip under that threshold.

Proof of purchase may be required if you are taking items back... You could use a bank statement. But their returns policy may be <£5, just return.

It's probably most inconvenient when buying something for work and wanting to claim expenses!

If the gross value is under £250 then they don't need a full VAT breakdown, but you still need a receipt.

They are obliged to issue VAT receipts (full or simplified) for VAT registered businesses, but they could refuse to serve you if you are business and therefore avoid that!

I cannot imagine WH Smith sell much under £5 that would be faulty, so they're probably prepared to accept that risk?

Money-Saving-King

My understanding is WHS tills don't automatically produce receipts for items below £5 (I thought it was £4 maybe it's now lower?) but can be produced if requested.

Is it possible you overheard one of those people who just barked "RECEIPT" assuming it was produced but had not been given and then made a fuss?

halibut2209

What a silly policy. If everyone started using cards for minor purchases, I expect they'd soon change their minds

System

halibut2209 wrote: »

What a silly policy. If everyone started using cards for minor purchases, I expect they'd soon change their minds

Soon all minor purchases with a card will be contactless and with that method of payment you don't get a receipt unless you ask for one.

Personally I don't see the point in receiving a receipt for a minor purchase that is not something you would return.

halibut2209

Why don't the staff just ask if you want one or not?

Abbafan1972

The Whsmiths I visited the other day to get my puzzle mags, there was only self serve tills and they gave me a receipt.

But when I paid for another mag later on round another part of the shop (they have 2 newsagent parts), I used a "human" till and I didn't get a receipt, only a stupid voucher for something I'm never going to buy.

Torry_Quine

I always get a receipt in WH Smith, no matter how small the purchase.

lucy03

I was told (when I wanted a receipt for a low value item) that they always give a receipt, but they don't do it automatically for low value items.

Little_Mo_70

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I always get a receipt in WH Smith, no matter how small the purchase.

Me too. It's proof you've paid. Better to be safe I say:rotfl: