Basically, the title. Why is a barcode called a proof of purchase, even though it’s usually printed on the item and is still there even if you have stolen said item?
In: Economics
It’s physical evidence that you acquired the product (hopefully purchased, not stolen). Think box tops for education. They don’t care you purchased a specific box, they only need evidence that you bought A box.
Old things that used to use this in contests and rebates had you mail in a cut of of that barcode from the box.
You’re right it could be that you stole it, but its more proof than you just sending a letter saying ‘I bought product X, give me a $50 rebate’
Actual ‘proof of purchase’ like a receipt would have a bunch of other things on it, and also doesn’t really prove it as you could have then returned the item.
The barcode is called proof of purchase not because it is actually the thing that proves you purchased it, but because it has the ID of the item on it. So when the barcode is scanned, its ID is removed from the “stock”. And in an extreme case, if you were accused of stealing an item, they can scan the barcode and see that its ID WAS infact purchased. It is the only way to PROOVE you purchased that specific item.
Its not proof of purchase by itself, usually. But it does prove that you had the original packaging, which likely means you purchased the item new.
Latest Answers