Re: Setting up prep/collection times

coffee101 · ‎06-12-2020

Hi,

We are a coffee shop selling take away coffee, cakes etc, so in general orders can be fulfilled in 15/30 mins with no issue.

However, we would like to set our lunch items up so we have the order in by 5pm the day before the customer requires it (so we can gauge how much to order in/make up the next day). And they can then pick up any time after 11 or so the next day. So 5pm Tues for Wed 11am onwards collection; 5pm Wed for Thurs 11am onwards etc.

However, it works out collection based on the prep time set within the hours actual you are open. We plan to open Wed-Sat 10am-2pm initially, so setting it at five hours prep time and the customer orders 4pm Fri, it jumps to Wed for next available collection rather than the Sat. Even within normal working hours this would still be an issue. Don't think this is an unusual request and seen a lot of other sites out there with this facility.

Any ideas on how to get around it? Or can square look to adapting this feature?

Thanks!

Gary55 · ‎11-14-2020

Hi @coffee101

I had the same issue as you, @Sam_400º suggested a workaround that may work for you if you have a seperate iPad/Device at your disposal.

Here is the thread

UK SELLER COMMUNITY
SQUARE ONLINE
SQUARE ONLINE FEATURE REQUESTS
FEATURE REQUEST: TIME LIMITING PRODUCTS

hope that helps.

Sam_400º · ‎11-14-2020

@coffee101 there have been a few future requests in for 'next working day' so I'm sure the team are looking into it as we type.

I don't think there is a proper work around out there, as like you point out the back end counts the open hours at any time.

The thread @Gary55 linked to might be a way of doing it - but in my head you'd still have the 'Saturday issue' with it all based on hours rather than days.

One of the strange consequences of the Covid situation I've found is customers are more adaptable than ever & willing to work within limits etc. If you reduce the prep time on them to one that works for the system - but have a note/clear text on the item explaining it's for next day only. This is far from ideal - I'm sure some customers will get it wrong & need to be emailed to explain, but most have been receptive & understanding around here.

Gary55 · ‎11-15-2020

Agreed @Sam_400º , after trying that work around I ran into that problem again of prep time moving the bar to the next day.

There do seem to be alot of F&B businesses requesting something similar. @thecafeguy @7hillsbakery have great examples and @tranguyen explains something is in the works.

I put a feature request in that I think covers all the different scenarios I have read from sellers.

@coffee101 would love to hear others thoughts on this and other a possible solutions and keep up to date with progress on the feature and discuss work arounds until something is implemented.