A sales draft is a crucial document in the world of commerce and retail, especially in transactions involving credit or debit card payments. It serves as the official record of a sale, detailing the transaction between a customer and a merchant. Typically, a sales draft includes information such as the date and time of the transaction, the amount charged, the merchant’s name and location, and the last four digits of the customer’s card. It may also include a space for the customer’s signature, especially in cases where signature verification is required.
Sales drafts are generated either electronically or manually. In modern point-of-sale systems, the draft is usually printed automatically after a card is swiped or inserted into a card
sales operations staffing. In the past, and still occasionally in areas with unreliable electronic access, a manual imprint machine might be used to create a physical copy of the card’s details, which then serves as the sales draft. This document becomes part of the merchant's records and may be used later for bookkeeping, returns, disputes, or chargebacks.
In the case of disputes, a sales draft can be vital evidence. For example, if a cardholder disputes a charge, the issuing bank may request a copy of the sales draft to verify the transaction. If the merchant fails to provide it, they might lose the dispute and be liable for the chargeback. For this reason, retaining copies of sales drafts for a certain period is a common business practice.
Although digital receipts and electronic payment records are becoming more common, the concept of a sales draft remains relevant. It ensures transparency and security for both the customer and the merchant. In some industries, particularly those involving large transactions or services rendered, signed sales drafts offer reassurance and legal protection.
Overall, a sales draft is more than just a piece of paper; it's a safeguard for financial accountability and customer trust. It bridges the gap between a sale being made and a record being kept, helping both parties maintain clarity and confidence in their financial transactions.