How do I open a register and connect a cash drawer?

Every shift in RetailPOS Studio starts by opening the register with the cash already in the drawer, and ends by closing it with a count. The register report then shows exactly what was sold, by payment method, and any difference in cash.

Before you start

• A receipt printer connected to the computer or tablet at the counter (USB or network).
• A cash drawer plugged into the receipt printer with an RJ11/RJ12 cable. Most drawers open when the printer sends a “kick” signal.
• The opening float you keep in the drawer.

Opening the register

1. Go to POS. If no register is open, you are asked to open one.
2. Choose the location.
3. Enter the cash in hand, the float you start with.
4. Press Open register. You can now sell.

Connecting the printer and drawer

1. Install the printer’s driver on the device, then print a test page from the operating system.
2. In RetailPOS Studio, go to Settings → Receipt printers and add the printer, choosing browser-based printing or a network printer connection.
3. Link the printer to your location in Settings → Business locations.
4. Make a test sale paid in cash. The receipt should print and the drawer should open.

If the drawer doesn’t open, check the cable is in the printer’s drawer port (not a phone socket) and that the printer driver’s “open cash drawer” option is enabled.

Closing the register

1. Press Close register in the POS screen.
2. Count the cash in the drawer and enter the total. Count card slips and wallet payments too if you reconcile them.
3. Add a closing note if anything unusual happened, such as a refund paid in cash.
4. Close. The register report is saved and you can print it.

Common problems

• “Register is closed” when selling. Someone closed it at the end of the last shift. Open a new one.
• Cash difference every night. Look at the register report for cash refunds and expenses paid from the drawer. Record those properly and the difference usually disappears.
• Receipts print blank. Thermal paper is loaded upside down. Flip the roll.

Tips

• Keep the float the same every day so differences are easy to spot.
• Give each cashier their own login so the register report shows who sold what.
• Keep a spare roll of receipt paper next to every register. Running out mid-queue is the most common counter delay.