What is a bill?

A bill is an overview showing what a customer has to pay for goods or services at, for example, a restaurant or café. Unlike a receipt, which confirms payment, the bill is usually presented before payment takes place. It works as a statement of the total purchase and can cover everything from food and drink to any extra charges, such as tips or fees.

In a restaurant or café, the bill is usually generated by the POS system when a customer wants to finish their visit. A typical bill shows which dishes and drinks were ordered, the price of each item and a total price including VAT. If the customer wants to split the payment – for example when paying at the table – the POS system adjusts the bill accordingly.

A practical example:

Picture a party of four who have ordered starters, main courses, wine and dessert. When they have finished and want to pay, they ask the waiter for the bill. The POS system generates a bill with all orders from the table gathered together. The customer can then go through the items and settle the payment – and then get a receipt or possibly an invoice if it is a company payment.

It is important to know the role of the bill when you work with a POS system, because it is a central function in serving guests and handling payment. A correct, clear bill increases both transparency and the guest’s confidence, while saving staff time.

How Flexybox uses the bill

In Flexybox’ POS system, bills are generated automatically based on the orders registered at the table. The bill is clearly laid out and shows all purchases as well as VAT rates and the total price. You can choose to print the bill or show it digitally – and the information can easily be transferred to a receipt or invoice, depending on what the customer wants. This makes it easy and efficient for both staff and guests.

Frequently asked questions

A bill is presented before payment and shows what the customer has to pay. A receipt is issued after payment as documentation that the payment has been completed. Read more about receipts

Yes, in many POS systems – including Flexybox – the bill can be shown digitally and sent, for example, by email or SMS, which is both environmentally friendly and practical.

No, a bill shows what the customer has to pay on the spot, while an invoice is used for credit sales to, for example, companies and includes a payment deadline and extra information. Read more about invoices

Yes, if something has been entered incorrectly or the customer wants to add or remove an order, the bill can be edited in the POS system before the final payment.