# Payment Methods

<code class="expression">space.vars.productName</code> supports several payment methods. This guide explains how each one works at the point of sale.

***

## Cash

Cash is the most straightforward payment method.

### How to Process a Cash Payment

1. Complete adding items and click **Pay**.
2. Select **Cash** as the payment method.
3. Enter the **amount tendered** — the amount the customer is handing you.
4. The system will automatically calculate the **change due**.
5. Click **Complete** (or **Confirm Payment**).
6. Give the customer their change and receipt.

### Tips for Cash Payments

* Always count the cash the customer gives you before entering the amount.
* Count back the change to the customer out loud — it avoids disputes and builds trust.
* If the customer pays with exact change, the change due will show as $0.00.

***

## Credit / Debit Card

Card payments are processed through your connected payment terminal.

### How to Process a Card Payment

1. Complete adding items and click **Pay**.
2. Select **Card** (or **Credit/Debit**) as the payment method.
3. The payment terminal (card reader) will activate.
4. Ask the customer to **tap**, **insert** (chip), or **swipe** their card.
5. The customer may need to:
   * Enter a **PIN** (for debit or certain credit cards).
   * **Sign** on the terminal screen.
   * **Confirm** the amount.
6. Wait for the terminal to show **Approved** (or a similar confirmation).
7. The POS screen will update to show the payment was successful.
8. Print the receipt.

### If the Card Is Declined

* The terminal will show a **Declined** message.
* Politely let the customer know and ask if they'd like to try another card or a different payment method.
* You do **not** need to void anything — just select a different payment method and try again.

> **Note:** Never ask the customer why their card was declined. Simply offer alternatives.

***

## Gift Cards

Customers may want to pay with a gift card issued by your store.

### How to Process a Gift Card Payment

1. Complete adding items and click **Pay**.
2. Select **Gift Card** as the payment method.
3. **Enter the gift card number:**
   * Scan the barcode on the gift card, OR
   * Type the card number manually.
4. The system will check the **available balance** on the card.
5. If the balance covers the full amount, the payment completes.
6. If the balance is **less than the total**, the remaining amount will need to be paid with another method (this becomes a split payment).

### Tips for Gift Cards

* Let the customer know the remaining balance on their gift card after the purchase.
* Gift cards may have expiration dates — the system will warn you if one is expired.
* If the gift card number isn't working, check that it was entered correctly or try scanning it again.

***

## Store Credit

Store credit is a balance on the customer's account, often from a previous return or adjustment.

### How to Process a Store Credit Payment

1. Make sure the **customer is selected** for the sale (store credit is tied to their account).
2. Complete adding items and click **Pay**.
3. Select **Store Credit** as the payment method.
4. The system will show the customer's **available store credit balance**.
5. Apply the desired amount (up to the available balance).
6. If the store credit doesn't cover the full amount, pay the remainder with another method.

> **Note:** Store credit can only be used when a customer is attached to the sale — the system needs to know whose credit to use.

***

## Split Payments (Multiple Methods)

When a customer wants to use more than one payment method:

1. Click **Pay** as usual.
2. Select the **first payment method** (e.g., Gift Card).
3. Enter the **partial amount** to apply with this method. For example, if the total is $75 and the gift card has $30, enter $30.
4. The system will show the **remaining balance** ($45 in this example).
5. Select the **second payment method** (e.g., Card) and process the remaining $45.
6. Continue until the full amount is paid.
7. The sale completes once the total is fully covered.

### Common Split Payment Combinations

* Gift card + Cash
* Gift card + Card
* Store credit + Card
* Cash + Card
* Any combination you need

> **Tip:** You can split across as many payment methods as necessary. The system keeps track of the remaining balance for you.

***

## Quick Reference

| Method        | What You Need                                                   |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cash          | Customer hands you cash; enter amount tendered                  |
| Card          | Customer taps/inserts/swipes; wait for approval                 |
| Gift Card     | Scan or enter gift card number                                  |
| Store Credit  | Customer must be selected; credit is on their account           |
| Split Payment | Process each method for a partial amount until total is covered |


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