What does a return receipt for merchandise provide to the customer?

A return receipt for merchandise primarily serves as evidence of delivery, confirming that the returned item was successfully received by the retailer or seller. This document is crucial because it provides customers with assurance that their return was processed correctly and that the item has arrived at the designated return location.

Although proof of purchase can sometimes be requested for returns, it is not what a return receipt specifically entails. Similarly, while a refund option and a tracking number are relevant to return processes, they are not the primary function of a return receipt. A refund option relates more to the store's policy on how returns are handled financially, and a tracking number, if provided, helps customers monitor their shipment but is not the same as a return receipt. Thus, the critical role of the return receipt is to offer confirmation of the item's delivery back to the seller.