The Checkout Screen
The POS checkout screen is divided into two areas:
- Left panel — the product search and basket
- Right panel — payment and totals
Every sale starts in the product search area. Your goal is to add all items to the basket accurately before moving to payment.
Step 1: Search for Products
You can find products three ways:
By name: Type the product name (or the first few letters) in the search bar. Results appear as you type. Click a product to add it to the basket.
By SKU: If you know the product's internal code, type it directly in the search bar. This is faster for products you process frequently.
By barcode scanner: If your register has a barcode scanner, point it at the product's barcode. The item is added to the basket automatically. Most scanners work with both 1D barcodes and QR codes.
For fast checkout, learn the SKUs of your 10 most-sold products. Typing a 4-character SKU is quicker than searching by name and scrolling through results.
Step 2: Adjust Quantities
Each item in the basket shows the quantity (defaulting to 1). To change:
- Click the + or − buttons next to the item
- Or click the quantity number and type the new value directly
For weighted items (priced by kg), a quantity input appears — enter the weight in the configured unit (kg or g).
Step 3: What to Do If a Product Isn't Found
If a product doesn't appear in search:
- Try scanning the barcode — it may be in the system but with a different name
- Ask your manager — the product may not be in the catalog yet
- Do not use a similar product as a stand-in — this creates incorrect inventory records and financial reports
Your manager can add the missing product quickly from Inventory → Products → Add Product. The customer may need to wait briefly while this is done.
Step 4: Apply a Discount (If Permitted)
Some roles allow applying a discount to a sale. If you have permission:
- Click the item in the basket you want to discount
- Click Apply Discount
- Enter the discount as a percentage (e.g. 10) or a fixed amount (e.g. £2.00)
- Select the reason from the dropdown (Loyalty, Damage, Promotion, Manager Override)
- Click Apply
The discounted price is shown on the receipt and recorded in the transaction log with the reason.
Discounts require a reason. Your manager can see every discount applied and by whom in the daily sales report. Never apply a discount without a legitimate business reason — doing so can be treated as a serious policy breach.
Step 5: Review Basket Total
Before proceeding to payment, review the basket:
- All items listed correctly
- Quantities are accurate
- Any discounts are applied and noted
- The total shown matches what you expect
To remove an item from the basket, click the trash icon next to it.
Step 6: Confirm the Sale
Click Charge (or press Enter on a keyboard-equipped register). This moves you to the payment screen. The next lesson covers all payment types in detail.
Pausing and Holding a Sale
If a customer needs to step away (e.g. to get their wallet), click Hold Sale. The basket is saved and you can start a new transaction. When the customer returns, click Held Sales at the top of the screen to retrieve their basket.
You can hold up to 5 sales simultaneously.
Next Steps
The next lesson covers every payment type — cash, card, UPI, and split payments — and how to handle a void.