HOPE System Guide During the Day 9/12/96 Page 53
Layaway/Payments
One basic (one of the few "universal rules") that's true in all businesses at all times is that cash money in hand is good. For accounting reasons, sales "occur" when goods are delivered. But receiving customers’ payments, deposits on orders and funds they wish us to accumulate for them until they reach some level (as a "layaway") should be made easy.
Down payment or deposit requirements should be put in place for every business. Every time we perform special services, or special order products, we are committing our capital and time. All customers, on recognizing this, are willing to advance some or all of the payments required.
The payments choice from the Sales Menu is made by pressing L, or by highlighting Layaway/Payments and pressing Enter. The resulting sub-menu is shown below:
Layaway/Payments
1) Layaway
2) Purchase Gift Certificates
3) Add to Existing Layaway
4) Pay on Delivery
5) Design Fees
6) Quote Total Cost
7) Quote Balance Remaining
8) Deposit on Order
9) Process Payment
0) Leave Menu
For most customers just choose "Layaway," and follow the instructions which appear.
Keep in mind that down payments on special orders are not taken here. They are accepted on the Custom Order screen, where you will be prompted for the minimum down payment and have the opportunity to accept it.