Overview

Payment commands streamline cash, card, gift certificate, and custom payment workflows. This article explores essential payment commands, their parameters, and best practices to ensure seamless POS transactions.

Why Payment Commands?

1. Speed: Reduce checkout time with one-click payment processing.

2. Accuracy: Eliminate manual calculation errors.

3. Flexibility: Support diverse payment methods (cash, cards, vouchers, etc.).

4. Compliance: Maintain audit trails for financial reconciliation.

Core Payment Processing Commands

A curated list of essential Payment Processing commands is given below:

1. Pay By Cash

Command ID: Pay By Cash
Parameter Type: None
Function: Processes cash payments, calculates change, and opens the cash drawer.

How It Works:

1. Enter the cash amount received.

2. The system auto-calculates change.

3. The cash drawer opens for dispensing.

Use Case:

A customer pays $50 for a $32.50 purchase. The system prompts: "Change Due: $17.50" and unlocks the cash drawer.

Pro Tip: Use Quick Cash for preset denominations (e.g., $10, $20).

2. Pay By Credit/Debit Card

Command ID: Pay By Credit Card / Pay By Debit Card
Parameter Type: None
Function: Integrates with card processors (e.g., Elavon, Moneris) for secure transactions.

Key Features:

• Supports swipe, chip, and contactless payments.

• Auto-verifies bank authorization.

• Prints payment confirmation on receipts.

Use Case:

A customer taps their contactless card. The POS shows: "Payment Approved: $45.00" and completes the sale.

3. Pay By Gift Certificate

Command ID: Pay By Gift Certificate
Parameter Type: None
Function: Redeems gift certificates and manages balances.

Steps:

1. Scan or enter the certificate’s serial number.

2. The system deducts the purchase amount.

3. For partial use, the remaining balance is saved.

Use Case:

A $100 gift certificate is used for a $75 purchase. The POS updates the balance to $25 for future use.

4. Pay By On-Account

Command ID: Pay By On-Account
Parameter Type: None
Function: Charges purchases to a customer’s store account (for B2B or credit customers).

Requirements:

• Customers must have an approved account.

• Balances appear in Accounts Receivable (AR) reports.

Use Case:

A business customer purchases $500 of supplies. The cashier selects their account, and the amount is invoiced for later payment.

5. Pay By Voucher/Custom Payment

Command ID: Pay By Voucher / Pay By Custom
Parameter Type: None
Function: Processes non-standard payments (loyalty points, third-party vouchers, etc.).

Customization:

• Configure vouchers for promotions (e.g., "10% Off Summer Sale").

• Add custom payment types (e.g., mobile wallets, barter).

Use Case:

A mid-size retail chain, in order to accommodate diverse payment options during promotional campaigns and cross-brand loyalty programs, enables seamless transactions using promotional vouchers, loyalty points, third-party coupons, or alternative payment models.

Advanced Payment Workflows

1. Split Payments

How To: Combine multiple payment methods in one transaction (e.g., part cash, part card).

1. Select Pay By Cash for the first amount.

2. Use Pay By Credit Card for the remaining balance.

Use Case:

A $120 purchase is split: $50 cash + $70 credit card.

2. Refunds & Returns

Commands:

• Add Negative POS Invoice Item: Deducts returned items from the invoice.

• Sale Return: Processes full transaction refunds.

Audit Tip: Always require manager approval for refunds over a set limit.

Command Quick Reference Table

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here’s a quick look at some common issues you might run into.

• Declined Cards: Verify the customer’s bank limits or retry the transaction.

• Gift Certificate Errors: Check serial numbers for validity.

• Cash Drawer Issues: Ensure the drawer is connected.