Hey @golfparkSL ,
Organizing a bar tab service on Shopify through the app on a tablet can be done efficiently with a few strategies. While Shopify is primarily designed for retail and online stores, with the right apps and customization, it can also work well for bar tab management in a bar or restaurant setting. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Use a POS System with Tab Management Capabilities:
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is the most direct way to handle transactions on the tablet, but it doesn’t include bar tab management features out of the box. You'll need to either:
- Upgrade to a compatible app: Look for third-party apps available in the Shopify App Store that allow you to manage open tabs (sometimes referred to as “open orders” or “house accounts”). Some popular apps for this purpose include:
-Tabology : A specialized app for managing bar tabs, offering features like open tabs, itemized billing, and tab transfer between staff.
- Katanacart: This app can integrate with Shopify to handle orders that can be saved as open tabs or orders for later payment.
These apps are designed specifically for bars and restaurants, providing the functionality you need without complex workarounds.
2. Create a Custom Tab System Using Shopify POS:
If you don’t want to use a third-party app, you could adapt Shopify POS to manage bar tabs by using a "Draft Order" system. Here's how you could do that:
- Start a Draft Order for Each Tab : When a customer opens a tab, create a "draft order" in Shopify POS. This allows you to add items to the order without finalizing payment.
- Update the Draft Order: As customers order more drinks, you can add items to their draft order in real-time. You can also make modifications to the draft order, like adjusting quantities or removing items, as necessary.
- Save the order: At any point, you can save the draft order under the customer’s name (or just as an anonymous tab if you don't have customer info).
- Finalize Payment: When the customer is ready to close out the tab, you can easily transition the draft order to a completed sale and process the payment. If you use a customer profile, you can also keep track of past tabs.
While this method works, it’s not as smooth or intuitive as a dedicated bar tab feature. It might be a bit clunky for high-volume establishments.
3. Staff Training and Workflow:
Organize your workflow so that your staff can quickly access and manage open tabs. The key here is consistency:
-Tab Creation: Ensure that every time a customer opens a tab, your staff creates a new order (draft or otherwise) immediately.
-Itemizing Tabs: Train staff to be diligent about adding all drinks and items to the correct tab. This will help prevent confusion later.
-Monitoring Open Tabs: Your staff should regularly check for open tabs to ensure customers aren't forgotten, especially in busy periods.
-Closing Tabs Efficiently: When it's time to close a tab, make sure to review the total carefully with the customer, and then proceed to process the payment through the POS system.
4.Consider Payment Options:
-Payment at the End: With the tab system, customers can pay for all their drinks at the end of the night (like a traditional bar tab). This works best for bars with a lot of regular customers or large groups.
-Partial Payments: Allowing customers to pay off their tab throughout the night can help reduce the risk of unpaid tabs. Shopify POS supports partial payments if you set that up.
You could also consider integrating a loyalty or membership program to encourage repeat customers to open tabs more often.
5. Consider Security:
Managing bar tabs does involve some level of risk, so make sure your system is secure:
-Staff Permissions: Make sure your staff has the appropriate permissions in the Shopify POS system, limiting access to certain functions (e.g., modifying orders or opening new tabs).
-ID Verification: If your bar serves alcohol, make sure your staff is trained to verify customer IDs and ensure that tabs aren’t opened for underage customers.
6. Reporting and Accounting:
Managing bar tabs can also create a need for detailed reporting and reconciliation at the end of the night:
-Reports on Open Tabs: Use Shopify’s reporting features or third-party apps to track open tabs and ensure all are closed out by the end of the day.
-Cash Handling: For bars that deal in cash, you’ll need a solid process for closing out tabs and handling tips and cash payments in addition to card payments.
Key Apps for Bar Tab Management:
Here are a few apps you can explore in the Shopify App Store to help you better manage bar tabs:
-Tabology: Specially designed for bars and restaurants, it allows you to create, track, and close tabs.
-Katanacart: Integrates with Shopify to handle orders that can be saved as open tabs.
-Order Printer Pro: Helps with custom receipts, which can be used for tab details.
- ReCharge: If you offer subscription-based services (e.g., drink clubs), this app integrates well with Shopify.
By choosing the right POS setup and app, you'll have a more efficient and organized bar tab service for your Shopify store. Let me know if you’d like more details about any of these steps!
If I was able to help you, please don't forget to Like and mark it as the Solution!
If you’re looking for expert help with customization or coding, I’d be delighted to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via the email in my signature below—I’m here to help bring your vision to life!
Best Regard,
Rajat Sharma
