thread Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future? in Archived Discussions (Read Only)

Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future?

Ridge-Friends — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:52:00 GMT

This is literally a make or break mechanic of a restaurant POS. No one is selling appetizers or bottles of wine without guests expecting to be able to share those costs.

A true split item feature has to get implemented ASAP PLEASE!!!

Re: Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future?

Donnie-M — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:55:08 GMT

@Ridge-Friends Are you talking about a situation where you have 2 separate dining parties wanting to split the cost of an appetizer? but not the rest of the check?

One workaround I could imagine is just set up a variation on an item and call split app or split entree or split wine or 50/50 etc. and set the price up as 1/2 of the main price. When someone wants to order 1/2 and 1/2 the server would ring in both and the kitchen would be trained to just make a whole appetizer. Then each 1/2 could be put on separate checks.

It is not ideal, but if you are encountering this more and more, and to save on having to pull out a calculator and just split the amount of the check, it might be a feasible work around.

I haven't seen this as a feature request yet, but I see the benefit.

Re: Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future?

Ridge-Friends — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:25:52 GMT

That creates a lot of problems and extra steps for servers though. They have to void off the original item (losing any hope of properly inventory tracking) using a manager code and then find this hidden 1/2 button feature tucked away wherever it is.

But also it's common for a table of 4 people to share a bottle of wine. At the end of the night 3 of them say they want to pay for it. There's no pre-making a 1/3's section for all 40 bottles of wine on our list. This is honestly an integral feature for any full service restaurant. I literally wouldn't have gone with this POS knowing this wasn't implemented from the get go cause it shows a pretty big disconnect between the company and the industry.

Re: Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future?

Donnie-M — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:17:21 GMT

@Ridge-Friends Hey, I wanted to circle back around to this and let you know I submitted a feature request in our beta forum and if I hear any updates I will tag you in this. I did a little more research and understand why this is an important feature for you. I also came up with, (I think but in no way perfect) work around. It does require the server to take extra steps, but it would preserve inventory and sales functions.

1. Create a generic item that has no price called "Comp and Split" or whatever name you like, but something unique.

2. Server will Take item sales price and "manually" calculate the split amount (i.e. 9.99 / 3 = 3.33).

3. Comp the item.

4. Ring up the comp split item (Probably want to make a separate category and have it not print to any kds or kitchen printers) and give it the split price 3.33 for the 3 splits. So you will have 3 3.33 items rang in.

5. Edit the ticket and split the check and from here you can assign the 3.33 item to each check.

Now this way is not ideal and I get that totally, but I think it is a viable way to get around the roadblock until something changes. It preserves the sale count of the items you are selling for reporting purposes. You also can track the "comp and split" item to reconcile against your comps to make sure they are matching up etc. But the comp and split item gives you a way to reconcile your sales numbers for accounting purposes.

As far as your bigger concern on square vs. restaurant industry, I have found in my experience that square does listen and works diligently to make the software fit what customers want. I have seen massive changes for the better over the past few years. I used to have alot more workarounds I used, but they have become staple features. I have shopped all the major pos providers, and while some do have better features, cost and customizability and scalability, square still wins every time I look when you really look at what you can do with point of sale, online sales, invoicing, payroll, timekeeping, and more. Hopefully, this is something that changes too and benefits everyone!

Re: Is the ability to split an item a feature we can expect in the near future?

Ridge-Friends — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:15:55 GMT

I appreciate you taking the time here, but it’s just not feasible. I’ve got 40 bottles of wine and asking a server to navigate all the extra menus and successfully calculate the math while juggling six tables is just not viable.

I appreciate that square seems to be the most honest and forthcoming group I spoke with when selecting a POS, so I want to see y’all succeed. But this is why I just really want y’all to know, this is a dealbreaker of an issue for any full service restaurant. It’s way too many screens and manager permissions for what is a very common place need.

The amount of stress we’re already working with makes this a good bit heavier than the straw that could easily break the Camel’s back. We need it, we need it, we need it. Please!