Accepting Payments on Otter POS

Overview

Otter POS: Payments Made Easy! From cash to credit cards, tipping, split or mixed payments - we've got you covered.

This article will guide you through the different types of payment methods and how to process payments for Otter POS orders. 

Payment Types

Click on each payment type below to learn more about how it works with Otter POS.

Cash and credit card payments are accepted through Otter POS using a card reader (for credit cards) and a cash drawer (for cash transactions).

For Cash Payments, make sure you have connected your cash drawer before attempting a cash transaction. Learn more about Cash Management: Otter POS: Drawers App (Cash Management) Otter POS customers can also set up cash discounts to reward eaters that paid by cash! Learn more about Cash Discounts: Otter POS: Cash Discounts
For Credit Card Payments, make sure you connect your Stripe account and card reader first. The card reader gives customers the ability to tap, swipe, or scan their credit card as shown in the image. Learn more: Otter POS: Connect your card reader Stripe must be added as a payout method in Otter Dashboard before the card reader is connected and credit card transactions can be processed. Learn more: Otter POS: Guide to Connecting Stripe
Manual Card Entry is a valuable feature that allows you to input a customer's credit card number manually through our POS system. This can be especially useful when taking payments over the phone or when the customer is not physically present to swipe or insert their card. Learn more: Otter POS: Manual Card Entry

 

Tips are included as part of the payment flow. Customers will be prompted to select their preferred tip amount before checkout.

 

Step	Process	Image
1	If your restaurant offers split payments, you can do so by tapping [Split Check] once on the payment method screen.
2	Enter the specific payment amount or split evenly among multiple guests.
3	Select [Done] to complete the payment flow. You can still select the payment method after splitting the payment. PLEASE NOTE: Cash discount only applies to the orders that paid fully by cash without split payment. If customer select split payment, cash discount will not apply to each payment even if the payment is by cash.

If one customer wants to split payment across different payment methods, you can also use the split payment function to do so.

Step	Process	Image
1	Select the number of payment methods when prompted. For example, for a customer to split payment via cash and card, you would select 2.
2	Select [Done] and select the payment method accordingly before completing the checkout.

 

[Other] payment method options
Manual Card Entry is a valuable feature that allows you to input a customer's credit card number manually through our POS system. This can be especially useful when taking payments over the phone or when the customer is not physically present to swipe or insert their card. Learn more: Otter POS: Manual Card Entry
Mark as Paid will place the order, send it to the kitchen for preparation, and mark the payment as complete without ever taking a credit card or cash payment from the customer [prepaid].
Void Check can be used to void (cancel) an order for one of the following reasons: Created by mistake Customer changed their mind Testing or training Out of stock

Open Tabs and Pay Later

If a customer places an order over the phone or through the drive-thru, this feature will allow you to send the order to the kitchen and have the customer pay later once they are in front of the register. Learn more on how to complete an Open Tab/Pay Later order by clicking the section below!

 

Step	Process	Image
1	From the home screen, navigate to the [POS] app.
2	Select the blue [+] button located on the bottom right of the screen.
3	Add items to your cart as usual.
4	Select the pencil icon [] located at the top right of the screen to edit the Order Details.
5	Fill in the fulfillment details and click [Save]. If you do not select a fulfillment mode, it will default to the fulfillment mode used on the last order.
6	Select the arrow icon [➤] located next to the Pay button. This will send the ticket to the kitchen, keeping the tab open.
7	Once the customer is ready to pay, select the ticket from the order list view.
8	Continue through the payment flow to complete the transaction!

Taking Payments on Otter POS

Once all items have been completely added to a check, it’s time to process payment. Otter POS accepts a variety of different payments depending on your POS configuration.

 

Step	Process	Image
1	Select [Pay].
2	Select a Payment Option: Card - use when a customer is paying with a debit/credit card. Cash - use when a cash drawer has been connected for cash transactions. Pay Later - use to create an open check when an eater wants to pay later. Other - use to manually enter credit card number, mark an order as paid, or void check. Split Check - use to split a payment between more than one customer or split a customers payment across different payment methods.
3	Select Tip Amount: Dual Screen - the customer-facing display will prompt the customer to enter a tip amount. Single Screen - cashier enters a tip based on customer prompt.
4	Accept Payment Eater swipes a card, taps a card, or cash is tendered based on the prompts observed on screen.
5	Print Receipt Select whether or not to print a customer receipt.

Need help? Our support team is available via the following channels:

• Chat - Our live agents are available 24/7 to help you through your Otter device. Tap the chat button on the top right corner of your POS device. 
• Telephone or SMS/text - Call or text us anytime at 1-727-268-8471 for prompt service from our Otter POS support experts.
• Email - Send us an email at otterpossupport@tryotter.com and get a response within 24 hours