how do you store your receipts? - YouLookFab Forum

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how do you store your receipts?

Adelfa

Veteran

There have been too many times when I wished to return an item but couldn't find the receipt. I've tried so many ways--loose in a drawer, in file folders, in those accordion pleated pouches. But I never feel even remotely in control of the situation!

Do you have a way of keeping track of your receipts that works for you?

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Diana

Veteran

I opt for having it emailed to me if that's an option. Otherwise I'll keep it physically with the item I purchased. For clothing, this means I'll attach it to the hanger or clip it to the tags - that way it'll stay there until I remove the tags.

I also take photos with my phone of important receipts (for example, ones that I need to submit for reimbursements at work). Not everyone will accept a photo but some places will, or they can use the info on it to look up the original in their system.

I also pay for almost everything with a credit card, so there's always a record on my bill as well. Most of those transactions can also be looked up later at the point of sale, although I don't know how long retailers store those records.

Adelfa

Veteran

Diana, you're up late!!! Do you mean you discard a receipt once you clip the tags? Where I get into trouble is if something has a quality defect later. Or returning makeup if it doesn't work for me--I hear you can do this, though I never have!

Deborah

Veteran

I keep my clothing receipts in an envelope on my desk at home. I staple the swing tag to the receipt. I am quite particular. Receipts for other things... who knows what happens to them lol

kkards

Veteran

like diana if i can, i get them emailed….why can't everyone do that? if i can't, i keep it with the item until i wear it. once its worn, the recpt gets thrown out. if a problem comes up later, i just deal with it….

abc

Veteran

I keep them in my wallet until it's overflowing then I review them and throw away grocery store and restaurant receipts, keeping only clothing and shoe receipts in my office for longer term storage in case of later use like the situations you mentioned.

Diana

Veteran

I do just toss them after I've worn the item. Sometimes I'll keep them lying around for a little while until I get into a decluttering mood, then they all get trashed. It's just not worth the hassle and mess IMO.

In practice I've never had it be an issue. Maybe because the stores with good return policies (like nordies or anthropologie) are pretty lenient about that type of thing, and maybe because I do at least 50% of my shopping online (although I might return in store) so there's always a record of those purchases.

I think if you're really concerned, taking a photo of the receipt should work. If you paid by card your name /last 4 digits of card number should appear on that receipt so you can prove it's yours. I find that most stores are at least willing to give store credit even without the receipt.

Alassë

Veteran

I get email receipts where possible and keep paper receipts for a year.

Anonymous

Loose in a drawer works for me but it's the fairly narrow, deep drawer of a chest in a very convenient place, steps from the entry, and designated for that purpose only.

JAileen

Veteran

For things I might return I keep a pile on top of my dresser. When I no longer need it, it goes in the to be shredded pile.

rachylou

Veteran

I toss them into those paper gift bags with handles, the kind you get when you buy somethings small at a boutique. The bag hangs on my coat rack by the door. I unload there.

unfrumped

Veteran

I keep a nylon receipt wallet in my purse, with a few dividers for main categories and a few stores I go to a lot, and religiously put the receipts there as soon as I've purchased.
When I stick to my system, I always can find the receipt. When I stick in my pocket "just this once" or let them put it in the bag, I can lose it.

I keep a few micro binder clips with the wallet, and if I determine to return an item, I'll binder-clip it up where I can retrieve it easily in the store or in the car before going in, to have it with the item.

e-mail would perhaps be more fool-proof and I could move them to a "folder", but I feel inundated by mail.

elpgal

Veteran

I never lose receipts *fingers crossed*. I store them in one of those small bags from Sephora or nordies. If I am ready to return, I put the item into a bag and clip the receipt to it or tuck it into a pocket. I collect a bunch of returns and stick them in the boot of my car so I can return them when I get of work early on some day.

Anonymous

I don't suppose stuffing them in an old cookie jar is an original idea?

Gigi

Veteran

I use a file folder, but it is getting way overcrowded. If I were to do it again, I would probably still use the file folder, but I would put manila folders inside to subdivide the receipts into the place where the item was purchased. That would help cut down on the clutter.

Laurinda

Veteran

Interesting ideas!
I use a zip-lock bag for small receipts and tags, tucked into a file folder for larger mail-order receipts.

Kimberley

Veteran

I can always locate receipts!

We track every penny we spend. Every day, we enter the amount of $$$ we spent in an electronic spreadsheet. Then the receipt(s) go into an envelope kept on the desk. At the end of the month, the envelope of receipts goes into the filing cabinet. Simple, and you never have to search for receipts.

Anonymous

For appliances or any major purchases, I usually staple the receipt to the booklet that accompanies it. That way it is easy to find if there is a warranty issue. All other receipts I store in a container next to the computer. I log all my receipts into Quicken. After I reconcile my monthly statements I toss those receipts and will only hold onto those for items that I think I may need. (I paperclip these together and have a postit on it with "KEEP" ).

I have file folders in my filing cabinet broken down by category in which I keep my purchase booklets and major purchase receipts in case I need for warranty purposes. I have folders marked, major appliances, furntiure, housewares, entertainment, lawn, laundry, kitchen, etc. and the booklets and receipts are in there. Easy to find.

Yes, I am very organized, everything in its place, and a "financial" person. Lol