Customization of Automatic Discounts

[FFApples]

We'd like to create a discount button that only applies to a specific category. For example, we'd like to run a sale where all fruits are 10% off for a specific group of customers.

Currently, we have to go through and discount each fruit item individually, which is very time-consuming. We also cannot take advantage of the automatic discount feature, because we want the discount to apply to both a specific group of customers and a specific category. An update that allowed further customization of automatic discounts would be extremely helpful. 

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @FFApples ! 

I understand you're looking to create a category-specific discount that can be applied to specific customer groups. While Square's current discount system has some limitations, let me explain the available options and some potential workarounds.

Current Square Discount Options:

1. Quick Discounts (Button)

   • Apply to entire cart
   • Can't restrict to specific categories
   • Can be percentage or fixed amount

2. Automatic Discounts

   • Can be applied to specific items
   • Can be time-based
   • Limited customer group targeting

3. Item-Specific Discounts

   • Must be set individually
   • Time-consuming for large catalogs
   • More precise control

Potential Workarounds:

1. Category Quick Key Solution:

   • Create a separate quick key page for fruits
   • Include pre-discounted prices
   • Label clearly for specific customer groups

2. Custom Price Point Solution:

   • Create duplicate items for fruits
   • Set discounted prices
   • Use different categories for different customer groups

3. Custom Item Variation Approach:

   • Add variations to fruit items
   • Create "Member Price" variation
   • Quick select appropriate variation

Best Current Practices:

1. Inventory Organization:

   • Group all fruit items in clear categories
   • Use consistent naming conventions
   • Keep pricing structure simple

2. Customer Group Management:

   • Maintain clear customer lists
   • Use customer profiles effectively
   • Document discount eligibility

3. Staff Training:

   • Create clear procedures for applying discounts
   • Document eligible items and customers
   • Provide quick reference guides

Feature Request Suggestion:

Since this is a limitation in Square's current system, I'd recommend submitting a detailed feature request. Here's a template:

Feature Request: Category-Based Custom Discounts

Business Need:
- Ability to apply category-specific discounts
- Target specific customer groups
- Automate discount application

Current Limitations:
- Manual item-by-item discount setup
- Cannot combine category and customer group targeting
- Time-consuming to implement and maintain

Requested Features:
1. Category-level discount creation
2. Customer group targeting
3. Automatic application options
4. Time/date scheduling capability
5. Easy enable/disable toggle

Business Impact:
- Reduced manual work
- Fewer pricing errors
- Better customer experience
- More efficient promotion management

I hope this helps! 

[TBS248]

Is there a fix for this yet? I need to add automatic category discounts to a specific customer group.