I had a lot of problems scanning small receipts (gas, etc). They would have difficulty getting picked up by the rollers to start the scan and then would slip in the scanner causing the image to be smeared. Also, many times they are crumbled from my pocket or wallet -- so they don't scan well.
So, I picked up some laminating plastic sleeves for 3"x5" photos (the heat laminating type so that both sides are clear). I found a .4 mil thickness to minimize the thickness of the scanned material.
You put the leading edge of the receipt against the folded edge of the plastic and place it into the scanner -- it works GREAT! No slipping or smearing and the receipt comes out very clear.
Give it a try if you are having similiar problems.
