Info on receipt

[Frederick Williams]

Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?

Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.

(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

[freepo]

On Mar 25, 10:23 am, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)
--
Science is a differential equation.
Religion is a boundary condition.
--Alan Turing

My guess,

As there is no requirement for them to issue any reciept, there is
presumably no requirement for them to itemise accurately any reciept
they do issue.

If you wanted such items named, it would be for you to negotiate that
into the contract you had with them at the time of sale/order.

If it does go wrong, the evidence you would have would be your word
and any other notes you have made at the time prior to ordering. They
would of course just take your word for it that who ever took the
order ordered the wrong book and give you a refund. Ultimately (in
the unlikely event it went that far) in court a judge would have
decide who is telling the truth.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by freepo
On Mar 25, 10:23 am, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

My guess,
As there is no requirement for them to issue any reciept,

That surprises me.

Post by freepo
there is
presumably no requirement for them to itemise accurately any reciept
they do issue.
If you wanted such items named, it would be for you to negotiate that
into the contract you had with them at the time of sale/order.
If it does go wrong, the evidence you would have would be your word
and any other notes you have made at the time prior to ordering. They
would of course just take your word for it that who ever took the
order ordered the wrong book and give you a refund.

Giggle.

Post by freepo
Ultimately (in
the unlikely event it went that far) in court a judge would have
decide who is telling the truth.

[d***@gmail.com]

Post by Frederick Williams

Post by freepo
As there is no requirement for them to issue any reciept,

That surprises me.

This point has been discussed here several times in the past, and I
think the conclusion was that the only time a receipt must be issued
is for a transaction between two VAT-registered parties, when a VAT
receipt must be given if requested.

Post by Frederick Williams

Post by freepo
If it does go wrong, the evidence you would have would be your word
and any other notes you have made at the time prior to ordering.  They
would of course just take your word for it that who ever took the
order ordered the wrong book and give you a refund.  

Giggle.

Waterstones give refunds on unwanted purchases anyway, so (unless they
send you something of a lesser value than the book you ordered) it's a
fairly academic question.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by d***@gmail.com

Post by Frederick Williams

Post by freepo
As there is no requirement for them to issue any reciept,

That surprises me.

This point has been discussed here several times in the past,

Oh, sorry.

Post by d***@gmail.com
and I
think the conclusion was that the only time a receipt must be issued
is for a transaction between two VAT-registered parties, when a VAT
receipt must be given if requested.

Post by Frederick Williams

Post by freepo
If it does go wrong, the evidence you would have would be your word
and any other notes you have made at the time prior to ordering. They
would of course just take your word for it that who ever took the
order ordered the wrong book and give you a refund.

Giggle.

Waterstones give refunds on unwanted purchases anyway,

So I wonder why they ask for the money in advance.

Post by d***@gmail.com
so (unless they
send you something of a lesser value than the book you ordered) it's a
fairly academic question.

[Big Les Wade]

Post by d***@gmail.com

Post by Frederick Williams

Post by freepo
As there is no requirement for them to issue any reciept,

That surprises me.

This point has been discussed here several times in the past, and I
think the conclusion was that the only time a receipt must be issued
is for a transaction between two VAT-registered parties, when a VAT
receipt must be given if requested.

I don't think so. My view (shared by the banks, apparently) is that a
receipt for cash must be given on demand, though doubtless there is a de
minimis convention.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by Big Les Wade
I don't think so. My view (shared by the banks, apparently) is that a
receipt for cash

I paid by credit card if that's relevant.

Post by Big Les Wade
must be given on demand, though doubtless there is a de
minimis convention.

[unknown]

On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Did you order it in person?
Why didn't you get the assistant to write the books details on the
reverse.

[Mr X]

Post by unknown
On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Did you order it in person?
Why didn't you get the assistant to write the books details on the
reverse.

Or use Blackwell's on line or ring them and ask them to post it.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by Mr X
Or use Blackwell's on line or ring them and ask them to post it.

I used to have an account with Blackwell's and I bought pretty well all
my books from them. Unfortunately they often didn't pack them well
enough to withstand the rigours of post office handling (though they
were much better than Amazon ion that regard).

[Frederick Williams]

Post by unknown
On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Did you order it in person?

Yes.

Post by unknown
Why didn't you get the assistant to write the books details on the
reverse.

I asked to see what was on the screen of his terminal. I think he was
pissed off by my asking... so some good came of it.

[Sam]

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Have I missed something?
Is it not socially acceptable to use Waterstones?
I buy from them regularly, and I've never had a problem with them.

[stan]

Post by Sam

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance.  The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.)  Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered.  I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness.  If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Have I missed something?
Is it not socially acceptable to use Waterstones?
I buy from them regularly, and I've never had a problem with them.

Be interesting to wonder if Waterstones return policy requires one to
have the receipt proving payment.
In our experience most retailers/stores etc. do so.
I must look them up on the Internet and see what they say!

[Frederick Williams]

Post by stan

Post by Sam

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Have I missed something?
Is it not socially acceptable to use Waterstones?
I buy from them regularly, and I've never had a problem with them.

Be interesting to wonder if Waterstones return policy requires one to
have the receipt proving payment.
In our experience most retailers/stores etc. do so.

Which is not unreasonable. But what if they then say 'this may be a
receipt but I see no indication that it is a receipt for what you are
asking to return'.

Post by stan
I must look them up on the Internet and see what they say!

Do report back.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by Sam

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

Have I missed something?
Is it not socially acceptable to use Waterstones?
I buy from them regularly, and I've never had a problem with them.

I have tried to order stuff that isn't held in their warehouse or by
their dealer or something and it can't be done. I've never had
Blackwell's fail.

The last time I ordered something from Waterstones I got some garbled
stuff along these lines when I asked if it had arrived: 'it arrived at
the warehouse (or dealer or something) but because it took so long it
was sent back and I'll have to order it again.' I've also been told
that stuff is unavailable. Reason? 'Because it's priced in dollars on
Amazon'.

Iirc it was a Waterstones manager in Manchester who was sacked because
he wanted to stock literary fiction in preference to down-market stuff.
So the answer to our second question may well be yes.

Having typed that I thought I'd better check the facts (I like to live
dangerously) and this search string 'waterstones manager manchester
sacked' (sans quotes) Googled up:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4035743,00.html

among others.

[Judith Smith]

On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

I don't know what the situation in Oxford is - but we have telephones
in Liverpool.

[Frederick Williams]

Post by unknown
On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.
(* I'm sorry, I can only ask forgiveness. If I were to motor over to
Oxford for Blackwell's I'd feel guilty about driving.)

I don't know what the situation in Oxford is - but we have telephones
in Liverpool.

I don't like the way they (B's) pack things so I'd motor over to collect
if not to buy. Also I like browsing.

[skrawler]

Post by unknown
On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:23:44 +0000, Frederick Williams

[...]

I don't know what the situation in Oxford is - but we have
telephones in Liverpool.

never!

:-)

[Clive]

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?

No, but it helps.

Post by Frederick Williams
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.

The shop keeps a record so you can't say you ordered a different one.
How do you think they check if someone else presents your receipt
after you have collected the book?
Come on - common sense time, try using some.

Post by Frederick Williams
--
Science is a differential equation.
Religion is a boundary condition.

You can put silly quotes, but can't display you have any intelligence,
that's quite funny.

Post by Frederick Williams
--Alan Turing

[Frederick Williams]

Post by Clive

Post by Frederick Williams
Must a receipt contain some indication of what it is a receipt _for_?

No, but it helps.

Post by Frederick Williams
Background: I ordered a book from Waterstones(*) for which I had to pay
in advance. The receipt does not indicate what book I ordered (the
receipt is 31 cm x 7.8 cm so it's not as if there's no room for the
info.) Now, just suppose a book arrives and it isn't the one I
ordered. I have no way of proving that I paid for the book I asked for.

The shop keeps a record so you can't say you ordered a different one.
How do you think they check if someone else presents your receipt
after you have collected the book?
Come on - common sense time, try using some.

The original problem was this: I ordered a book by giving to the
assistant a bit of paper with title, author and ISBN, suppose that the
assistant has (unknown to me) ordered the wrong one. How do I prove
that the book I request (as on bit of paper which I stll have) was not
the one they get? Showing my bit of paper to them doesn't necessarily
help: they may claim that I wrote it afterwards. Get it?