Proof of purchase: How to find supporting documents for a settlement claim

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Class action settlement proof of purchase tips overview: 

• Who: There are a variety of ways a consumer can provide proof of purchase when making a claim to join an open class action settlement. 
• Why: Being able to provide proof of purchase, while not always required, may often allow a consumer to be given a greater or more valuable amount of compensation. 
• Where: Providing proof of purchase affects consumers nationwide. 

Consumers are sometimes required to submit proof of purchase when making a claim to join a class action settlement; however, being able to do so can lead to a greater amount of compensation.

Therefore, it is always in a consumer’s best interest to retain some form of proof of purchase since doing so can increase the value of compensation that is received.

There are a number of different ways a consumer can present proof of purchase when making a claim to join an open class action settlement, including with an original receipt, credit card statement, work order or purchase history within an app. 

Providing proof of purchase following credit card transactions

One way a consumer can provide a proof of purchase is by using a credit card, according to Sapling. 

A credit card statement will have all of that month’s purchases in a list of transactions that includes the date of the purchase, the store where the purchase was made and the total amount the account was charged. 

Consumers can either print their online statement to obtain a proof of purchase or request a physical copy to be mailed to them directly. 

A consumer may also show proof of purchase by presenting their credit card receipt, which contains a written record of the transaction, according to WalletHub. A credit card receipt can be obtained either through email or in person. 

Consumers are generally advised to hold onto their credit card receipts for five years to take advantage of product warranties or return or exchange items, as well to provide proof of purchase for an open class action settlement claim. 

Keeping track of store receipts to show proof of purchase

Another way for a consumer to provide proof of purchase is by showing a physical receipt; however, it is fairly common for these to either be misplaced or thrown away. 

There are remedies for a lost receipt, though. Consumers can ask the store to look up the transaction and reprint a physical copy of the receipt, according to SmartCapitalMind. 

Something to keep in mind when making a request for reprint is that a business typically may not want to go to the trouble to locate a past transaction, which may be hard to find. 

A consumer can give themselves their best opportunity to obtain a reprinted receipt by relaying the original date and time of the purchase, who the employee was that rang up the transaction and the exact amount that was paid, SmartCapitalMind reports. 

Other ways to prevent losing a receipt include taking a picture of it with a smartphone or scanning it into a computer so that a digital version will be available in the event the physical version is misplaced. 

Saving vehicle service records, purchase receipts, initial paperwork, insurance policies 

Consumers should also keep track of their vehicle service records, including work orders, in the event it becomes necessary or helpful to show proof of automobile servicing and repairs. 

There are a number of added benefits to keeping track of vehicle service records, such as making it easier to sell your car, proving you haven’t violated your warranty and knowing when work likely needs to be done, according to The News Wheel. 

In addition to vehicle service records, consumers should keep purchase receipts, any initial paperwork, the previous owner’s paperwork (if it is a used car) and a copy of the vehicle’s insurance policy. 

Organizing emailed receipts after making in-app purchases

Another way to present proof of purchase is by taking advantage of in-app purchasing, which enables a consumer to complete a transaction without having to go to a separate website. 

The majority of apps that offer in-app purchasing will email a receipt to a consumer after they complete a transaction, which, in addition to assisting with proof of purchase, also helps protect consumers from becoming victims of fraud, according to Investopedia. 

Have you been asked or advised to provide proof of purchase when making a claim to join an open class action settlement? Let us know in the comments! 

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