---
title: "Scheduled Orders | SpotOn Restaurant FOH"
canonical: "https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/814088713/Scheduled%20Orders%20%7C%20SpotOn%20Restaurant%20FOH"
format: markdown
---
## **Overview**

Scheduled Orders allow staff to prepare orders in advance for a specific date and time. This feature is ideal for catering orders, large group reservations, special events, or guests who want their orders ready at a designated time.

Benefits of Scheduled Orders include:

- Improved efficiency by organizing preparation before peak business hours
- Reduced last-minute rushes and order-entry errors
- A smoother guest experience for special events and large orders

> ℹ️ For information on creating standard orders, please see **Quick Orders | SpotOn Restaurant FOH** [click here](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/1022984231/Quick+Sale+%2F+Order+%7C+SpotOn+Restaurant+FOH)

---

**Quick Links**

> Macro (toc)


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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**

#### **Create a Scheduled Order**

1. Start a new order.
2. Add the items requested by the guest.
3. Tap the upper-left corner of the screen to open the **Ticket Commands** menu.
4. Select **Edit Order Schedule**.

#### **Set the Scheduled Date and Time**

1. Tap the **Date/Time** field.
2. Select the requested date and time.
3. Tap **Accept**.

#### **Configure Prep Time**

1. In the **Minutes Before to Release** field, enter the number of minutes required to prepare the order.
2. Ensure **Close on Release if Balance is Zero** is **not selected**.
3. Add any notes as needed.
4. Tap **Accept** to save the schedule.

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### **Viewing Scheduled Orders**

**How Scheduled Orders Display**

- Once an order is scheduled, the text at the top of the ticket will appear in **yellow**, indicating it is a Scheduled Order.
- The order remains in the system until the scheduled release date and time.

**View Scheduled Orders**

1. Navigate to the **List Orders** screen.
2. Use the order status filter to display **Scheduled Orders**.

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### **Payments for Scheduled Orders**

1. Open the scheduled order.
2. Tap **Payment** when ready to collect payment.
3. Apply the desired payment method.

**Payment Options**

- Payments can be collected when the order is placed, when it is ready, or at any time before fulfillment.
- Both **full and partial payments** are supported.

**Examples:**

- Collecting a deposit for a venue rental
- Accepting installment payments for a large catering order

> ⚠️ **Important**
> ⚠️ 
> ⚠️ - Do **not** close the ticket after applying payment.
> ⚠️ - Leave the ticket open until the scheduled release time.
> ⚠️ - At the scheduled date and time, the order will automatically move from **Scheduled Orders** to **Open Orders**.

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## **FAQs**

**Can I collect payment before the scheduled date?**

Yes. Payment can be collected at any time after the order is created. Full and partial payments are supported.

**Can I collect multiple payments on a scheduled order?**

Yes. As long as the ticket remains open, multiple payments can be applied until the balance is paid in full.

**What happens when the scheduled time arrives?**

The order automatically moves from **Scheduled Orders** to **Open Orders**, making it available for fulfillment.

**Can I schedule an order for a future event or catering order?**

Yes. Scheduled Orders are commonly used for catering, large group reservations, and special events.

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## **Troubleshooting**

**Scheduled Order Did Not Activate at the Requested Time**

- Verify that the ticket was left open.
- Closed tickets will not automatically move to **Open Orders** when the scheduled time arrives.

**Payment Shows as Applied, but the Ticket Appears Closed**

- Confirm that **Close on Release if Balance is Zero** was not selected when scheduling the order.
- If this option was selected and the balance reached zero, the system may automatically close the ticket upon release.

**Guest Wants to Cancel a Scheduled Order**

- Locate the order under **Scheduled Orders**.
- Void the order before the scheduled release time.

**Cannot Find a Scheduled Order**

- Navigate to the **List Orders** screen.
- Ensure the filter is set to display **Scheduled Orders**.

**Partial Payments Are Not Applying Correctly**

- Verify that the payment was entered as a partial payment.
- Confirm the ticket remains open.
- Closed tickets cannot accept additional payments.

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## **Related Articles**

- [Remove an Item from an Order](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2666660270)
- [Void an Item from an Order & Un-Void an Item](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2666627662)
- [Enable Void Notifications for Kitchen Printers & KDS](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2666660375)