Start a Tab FAQs | SpotOn Restaurant FOH

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What are the benefits of using Start a Tab? 

• Eliminating unpaid walkouts 

• Avoiding credit card fraud and chargebacks by securely starting a tab with a credit card insert instead of a swipe

• Providing peace of mind and a better guest experience by returning the guest’s card after opening a tab

How does Start a Tab work? 

With Start a Tab, you’ll be able to pre-authorize cards to confirm they are valid and have sufficient funds. A preset pre-authorization limit is set in the Back of House, then each time a tab is opened, the card will be pre-authorized for that preset limit or the initial order total - whichever is greater.  The final authorization occurs when finalizing the tab. 

If you choose to enable incremental authorization, then the card will continue to be pre-authorized as the tab increases with each send (not each item). For example, if the initial tab is $30 and then two more drinks are added for an additional $15, then the $15 would be pre-authorized on top of the $30 already authorized. 

Each pre-authorization will show up as a pending transaction on the cardholder’s mobile app or online banking portal for a few days until consolidated into a final posted transaction with tip included. Exact length of time depends on the bank or credit card provider.  

How is incremental authorization different from standard pre-authorization? 

With incremental authorization, the card will continue to be automatically pre-authorized as the tab increases with each send (that exceeds the previous pre-authorization amount) instead of just the initial and final authorization when not enabled. For example, if the initial tab is $30 and then two more drinks are added for an additional $15, then the $15 would be pre-authorized on top of the $30 already authorized.

Can you set incremental thresholds? 

Setting up thresholds is not supported right now. With incremental authorization enabled, the only threshold you can set up is the “Default tab amount”, which is the initial pre-authorization limit. 

Is there a charge or fee associated with Start a Tab? 

There is no cost to enable Start a Tab; however, you will be charged basis points for each pre-authorization. The costs recouped from reduced unpaid walkouts and chargeback disputes as well as more efficient checkouts should help make up for this expense. 

How do I start using Start a Tab? 

For instructions on using Start a Tab, please visit this link.

Does Start a Tab work with all card providers? 

Start a Tab works with Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. 

Currently, American Express does not support pre-authorization (aka Start a Tab) and will not plan to do so until 2024. An alternative solution is to Start a Tab with another supported card and then use American Express as a payment method at the end. 

Why do you require EMV (chip) payment readers for Start a Tab? 

By using an EMV (chip) reader instead of an MSR (magnetic stripe reader), you’re more protected against chargebacks - helping save time and money. 

What’s the difference between attaching a card on the Restaurant POS and Start a Tab? 

With the attach card feature, the POS was simply saving the card information but not confirming the card was valid or that there were sufficient funds available. Start a Tab will save the cardholder information as well as validate card and fund availability - helping protect against unpaid walkouts. 

Can I control who can start tabs and who can’t? 

Yes, you can determine which job positions have access to start tabs and which do not under “Job Positions” in the Back of House. 

Is Start-a-tab available on all platforms? 

Start-a-tab is not available on serve software for handhelds or QR ordering. 

Can a tip be added if the guest walks out? 

Yes, you can add a tip after closing out a check and before End of Day if the guest walks out without paying. Payment has to process first before a tip can be added. We recommend signage that notifies guests of this process. 

How long does it take for the authorizations to disappear from the guest's card statement? 

Pre-authorizations will show up on the guest’s account or statement for a few days, depending on the bank, until it is consolidated into one transaction. 

Can we Start a Tab with one card and close out with another? 

Yes but does require a physical card to be present to close out with. This is encouraged as a workaround for American Express until American Express supports pre-authorization in 2024. 

Can tabs be renamed based on the Cardholder's name?

Yes, you have a few options for renaming tabs that can be set up in the Back of House: 

1. Auto-fill renaming tabs automatically

2. Rename tab prompt to appear for adjustments

   1. When starting a tab with a contactless (NCF) payment, a prompt will appear automatically since with contactless payments the names do not carry over automatically. 

3. Prefer not to rename tabs based on cardholder name

Is starting tabs with NFC (contactless) accepted?

Yes; however, when starting a tab with a contactless (NCF) payment, a prompt will appear automatically since with contactless payments the names do not carry over automatically. 

Can I remove a card authorization and replace it with another?

Yes, you can. To do so, you must start the process over again after removing the first card. 

Can a guest pay for part of the tab with the card on file? 

Yes, you can manually finalize a tab for a lower amount than the order balance and pay the rest of the balance with another payment. If split into checks, the card on file can pay for one or multiple checks while using another payment type for the remaining checks.

If I pay a tab with another card, will the pre-authorization drop from the customer's bank app or do I physically have to remove the authorization? 

It will drop automatically.