Register in Tip Mode


POS Registers can be set up to collect Tips when payment is made with a credit card. Use menu option PSFMM.MRM Maintain Register Master to change a register's Mode setting as shown below.  

There are two tip-collecting modes.  

  • Mode T = Open Tab (a.k.a., Open Table Mode).

Registers function like in a restaurant where servers open a "tab" at the start of service. Servers then recall and suspend the tab to add items until it's time to close it and generate the bill. After that, the register behaves the same as Tip mode (Mode P, described next)

  • Mode P = Tip Mode.

Registers in Tip Mode P function like normal registers in Mode R, except that charges are first sent for a preauthorization before knowing whether the customer will leave a tip. After preauthorization, the clerk presents the guest with a charge authorization slip containing a tip line for their signature.

Upon return to the register, the clerk must retrieve, open, and reaccept the order.

Skip Steps 1, 2, and 3 below if the customer leaves no tip. Otherwise:  

    1. Launch the Tip entry screen
    2. Enter the tip amount
    3. Accept entry
    4. Send Post Auth to finalize payment.


Capture Signatures Electronically?

Instead of signed charge slips, this register setting lets you capture and store signature authorizations electronically. Turn on this optional feature using the register maintenance screen.  

Consumer-facing Tip Entry Screen

If using a mobile register configured for electronic signature capture, the clerk hands the mobile POS register to the guest instead of a printed charge slip. The register displays the customer-facing Guest Check screen shown below. The customer selects an indicated tip amount or enters a custom amount, then clicks Finish to send the entire charge for post-authorization automatically. 

If successful, the customer signs electronically ... 

The system confirms with thanks ... 

The customer then returns the mobile register to the clerk. Tap the word "Thanks" to return to processing.

Maintain Tender Type to GL Account

When using a register in tip mode, a tip tender must be mapped to a specific General Ledger account. See Maintain Tender Type to GL Account Xref (PSFMM MCR) for information on mapping tender types.


THE PROCESS

On a register set up in a tip-collecting mode, the process only differs when it comes to tendering the order for payment with a credit card. Once the clerk creates the order and tenders it with a credit card, the amount will be sent for preauthorization. If the preauthorization is approved, a charge authorization slip will print out with a tip line.


Clerks enter tip amounts into the Tip entry screen using the TIP button provided. After entry, the clerk assigns the tip to a Tip Clerk in the Tip Assignment screen, then submits the entire charge for post-authorization. On mobile tablets using signature capture, a customer-facing tip entry screen appears automatically instead.  


If necessary, the clerk can suspend the order so that the register can be freed up while the customer is leaving a tip and signing the charge slip. To do this, click the Suspend Sale button in the image above. When the register is free to finalize the sale, log in, and select Browse Orders to locate and retrieve the transaction.


Highlight the suspended order if it appears in the grid, then click Change order to open for update. Or double-click on the order to open it for review.  If numerous orders appear in the grid, try using the Suspended Orders button to filter and narrow down order selection.


When the order appears for review, click the Change order button to finish tendering the order.

Click Tender Accept Suspend ...


Most frequently forgotten step ...

A word of caution

Forgetting to enter a tip amount is the most common error clerks make. Once a transaction is sent for Post Authorization, there is no way to go back to add the forgotten amount to the completed post-authorized credit card charge.


Click TIP to enter a tip amount if applicable ...


If your register is not configured to skip tip assignments, assign the tip to a Tip Clerk. The Original Clerk is highlighted by default. For more information, please see TIP Clerk Search Grid.


The entered Tip amount appears on the tender line for your review before finalizing the transaction. If accurate, click Send Post Authorization.


In tip mode, the clerk also has the option to skip preauthorization. For example, if the customer leaves the clerk a cash tip but uses a credit card to pay for the wine and the clerk wants to skip the extra step. On the Tender Screen, use the Skip Pre-Auth button on the screen's right-hand side. Swipe a credit card or use a card on file to tender and finalize the order.