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Version: 1.x

Open Orders

WCPOS allows you to work with multiple orders simultaneously. This is useful for handling customer holds, switching between transactions, and recovering from interruptions.

At the bottom of the Cart Panel, a horizontal carousel displays all open orders:

  • Each cart shows its total amount
  • The current order is highlighted
  • Click any cart to switch to it
  • Scroll left/right to see more carts

Creating a New Order​

A new empty cart is always available. Simply click on an empty cart in the carousel or start adding products when the current cart is empty.

Switching Between Orders​

Click on any order in the carousel to switch to it. The Cart Panel updates to show the selected order's contents.

Use cases:

  • Customer steps away to get another item
  • Need to help a quick customer while a large order is in progress
  • Comparing prices or items between orders

Saving Orders to Server​

Orders exist in two states:

Local Only​

By default, new orders are stored only in the local browser/app database. They will persist across page refreshes but:

  • Are not visible in WooCommerce admin
  • Will be lost if the local database is cleared
  • Are not accessible from other devices

Saved to Server​

Click Save to Server to create a WooCommerce order with the status pos-open. This:

  • Creates a real order in WooCommerce
  • Persists even if the local database is cleared
  • Can be accessed from other devices
  • Appears in WP Admin > WooCommerce > Orders
When to Save

Save orders to the server when:

  • A customer wants to hold an order for later pickup
  • You're ending your shift and another cashier will continue
  • You want a backup in case of app/browser issues

Recovering Saved Orders​

If you've saved orders to the server, they can be accessed again by:

  1. Opening the Orders screen (Pro feature)
  2. Filtering by status pos-open
  3. Reopening the order

Order Persistence​

Local Storage​

WCPOS uses IndexedDB to store orders locally. This provides:

  • Persistence across browser sessions
  • Fast access without network requests
  • Offline capability

Sync with Server​

When you save to server or checkout:

  • The order is sent to WooCommerce
  • A confirmation is received
  • Local and server data are synchronized

Voiding Orders​

To remove an open order:

  1. Switch to the order you want to remove
  2. Click the Void button

What happens:

  • Unsaved orders: Permanently deleted from the local database
  • Saved orders: Moved to Trash in WooCommerce and deleted locally

To recover a voided saved order:

  1. Go to WP Admin > WooCommerce > Orders > Trash
  2. Restore the order

Tips​

Keep Orders Organized​

With multiple open orders, it helps to:

  • Add customer names to orders for easy identification
  • Add order notes describing the hold reason
  • Save important orders to the server

Shift Handoffs​

When ending a shift with open orders:

  1. Save all important orders to the server
  2. Add order notes explaining the status
  3. The next cashier can access them from the Orders screen

Offline Considerations​

If you lose connectivity:

  • Local orders remain accessible and you can continue adding items
  • You cannot complete/checkout orders until connectivity is restored
  • You cannot save orders to the server until reconnected
  • You cannot create new customers until reconnected