Which sales transaction should a bakery client use to record a day's sales in QuickBooks Online?

A bakery client should use a sales receipt to record a day's sales in QuickBooks Online because a sales receipt is specifically designed for transactions where payment is received at the time of sale. This is typical in a retail environment like a bakery, where customers pay for their purchases immediately.

When using a sales receipt, the bakery can accurately document the sale and simultaneously record the income and cash or bank account affected by the transaction. This streamlines the process of accounting by ensuring that revenue is recognized immediately, reflecting the cash flow accurately and allowing the bakery to maintain up-to-date financial records. Using a sales receipt also helps in tracking daily sales more efficiently, making it easier to reconcile cash at the end of the day.

In contrast, other options are less suitable for this scenario. An invoice is generally used when a customer is billed for goods or services to be paid at a later date, making it inappropriate for immediate sales. A journal entry is typically used for more complex accounting adjustments and isn't ideal for straightforward sales transactions. Lastly, a sales order is intended for situations where an order is placed, but payment is not received until later, which doesn't apply in this case where immediate payment occurs.