Essentials Solution FAQ
Description
What's in this article?
Back Office and Getting Started
Follow these steps to quickly synchronize your POS device with the Back Office.
If you already have a list of items, you can take advantage of the item import utility within the system to import the items into the Back Office. A spreadsheet template is provided, allowing you to reformat the item details properly and import the file directly from your PC. If you attempt to import an item that already exists, you will receive a warning from the system
When you set up your Essentials system, the Activations team will assist with importing your existing inventory or menu.
No, there is no limit to the number of custom tenders being accepted.
No. custom tenders cannot be linked to a specific customer for use only by that customer.
Our multi-store features work best for customers who have multiple stores with the same concept, such as two pet stores and not one pet store and one coffee shop. We also allow you to create multiple selling locations for merchants who are truly mobile.
Communications and Marketing
The system has robust email marketing capabilities. This includes the ability to send out bulk emails on demand, as well as Welcome and Miss You emails automatically.
No, that is not a current capability.
While we do not directly link to Google for customer reviews, you can add the Google website to your receipts under Settings > Store Information and select the Include QR Code checkbox and fill in the Website (URL) for the QR code to direct customers to Google reviews.
Customer and Employee Management
While there are no actual limits placed on the number of customers, the system has been optimized to support up to 50,000 total items.
If you already have a list of customers, you can take advantage of an import utility within the system to load the customers into the Back Office. A spreadsheet template is provided, allowing you to reformat the customer details properly and import the file directly from your PC.
Yes. Employees can perform the clock in/clock out, but if you need to assist with clock in/out or make an adjustment, you can.
Yes. Any terminal that is running Essentials can be used
Discounts
If a customer brings an emailed discount into the store and presents it during checkout, the POS user will select or scan the discount and apply it to the ticket. Read more about discounts on the POS.
All items and tickets can be discounted; however, there is a feature to add a minimum qualifying amount to a discount so that an item or a ticket must meet a minimum dollar amount to be discounted.
Order and Transaction Management
The system does not actually create purchase orders or import advanced shipping and receiving files. However, you can perform counts of items, enter in receiving quantities, and automatically deplete inventory, so you always have visibility to current quantity on hand of your items. In addition, using sales history and setting reorder points, you also have visibility to the days of supply you have left based on past sales, so you can make decisions on when to order at any time. Read more about inventory management options.
Orders may entered through the POS terminal or through Online Ordering, if you have that option.
Yes, you can add item notes and/or ticket notes to any transaction.
Payment Methods
Open loop (store branded) gift cards are not currently supported. However, closed loop (Visa/Mastercard gift cards) are accepted.
Yes, when accepting international cards, a custom tender can be put in place on the terminal called "Virtual Terminal", and then the amount transaction amount can be processed on virtual terminal on your Business Advantage 360 online banking Merchant Services account, while still being closed out on the POS system as a recorded sale. Virtual terminal must be connected to your POS program.
Passwords and Connection
Click Forgot Password? or Forgot User Name? on the login screen to receive an email with next steps on resetting your password. The reset password link will expire after 24 hours.
Read more about how to login to Back Office, reset your password or the passwords for your employees.
Click Forgot Password? or Forgot User Name? on the login screen to receive an email with next steps on resetting your password. The reset password link will expire after 24 hours.
Read more about how to login to Back Office, reset your password or the passwords for your employees.
Access the Terminal Ethernet or WiFi Setup page for troubleshooting.
Receipts and Labels
Yes, you can print or email receipts.
No. Labels cannot be generated and printed.