Questions about using barcode scanner

[tmhsboosterclub]

Hi there! This might seem like a silly question. We are a small nonprofit supporting a local high school theater club and we mostly sell concessions - candy, chips, drinks, etc. We are trying to get our processes and accounting more streamlined through Square and were wondering about the benefits of using a barcode scanner to help with efficiency and speed during show intermissions. However, as these are not out own items and barcodes, we weren't sure if it would be worth it. 

Could we use a barcode scanner for the codes on the food items we are selling and if so, does it require set up or programming ahead of time? 

[rtfulk]

@tmhsboosterclub Welcome to the community!! Yes you can use the barcode on the candy/snacks. Here's how you would do it.

1. Go to Items/Item Library.
2. Create each item for the candy, chips, etc. Here you will enter the name, price and the price.
3. Square will automatically make a barcode, delete that barcode and scan in the barcode that is on the candy, chips, drinks in that location.

The benefit is you will now know exactly what candy, chips you sold and how many of each type. That will help with inventory. As far as speed, you will see an increase in ringing customers up, plus you won't have to worry about something being rung up incorrectly.