FAQ

Short answers to the questions we hear most. For longer fixes, see Troubleshooting.

#Can I use POSMaster offline?

Partly. POSMaster is a web application, so the browser normally needs to reach the server. It does not need the internet, though: you can install it on one computer in your shop (see Install on your computer) and use it from that computer, or from other devices on the same Wi-Fi or network.

If the connection to the server is lost, the POS keeps selling with cash or card, and the sales are sent to the server when the connection is back. This needs HTTPS and the POS opened once while online. Other pages (products, reports, settings) need the connection. See Offline mode.

#Can I run more than one shop?

Yes. Add each shop or warehouse as a Branch. Every branch has its own stock. You can move stock between branches with a transfer, switch the active branch from the top bar, and see reports for one branch or for all branches together. A warehouse holds stock but cannot make sales. See First steps after installing.

#Which hardware works with POSMaster?

• Barcode scanners: any USB or Bluetooth scanner that acts like a keyboard and presses Enter after each code.
• Camera scanning: a phone or tablet camera, on a site that uses HTTPS.
• Receipt printers: thermal printers for 58 mm and 80 mm paper, and normal A4 printers, through the browser's print window.
• Label printing: A4 sticker sheets or a label roll (50 × 30 mm).
• Customer display: a second monitor on the same computer as the POS.

See Requirements for the details.

#How do I back up my data?

Export the database (phpMyAdmin Export, or mysqldump), and copy the folder storage/app/public and your .env file. Do it daily if you sell daily, and keep a copy away from the server. The steps are in Update, backup and restore.

#How do I add a language?

1. Go to Languages and click Download template. You get a JSON file with every English text.
2. Translate the text on the right of each colon. Keep the keys and placeholders like :name as they are.
3. Click Add language, enter a code such as hi, the name, the Text direction, and upload your file.
4. Make it the default language if you want everyone to start with it. Users can also pick their own language.

English, French and Arabic are included.

#Can I change how the receipt looks?

Yes, within the options in Settings → Sales & receipts: the paper size (58 mm, 80 mm or A4), header text, footer text, your logo, whether to show the customer and the tax line, and whether to print an invoice barcode. Your business name, address, phone and tax number come from Settings → Business. Changing the layout itself needs a developer to edit the receipt view.

#How do I charge VAT or sales tax?

Add your rates under Tax rates and choose the right rate on each product. You can set a default tax for new products in Settings → Sales & receipts. The server calculates the tax, so the receipt and the reports always agree. Turn on Show tax line to print the tax on receipts, and use the tax report to see what you owe.

#Can I sell by weight or by the box?

Yes. Products can have several units, such as piece and box of 12, or kg and g. Prices are set per unit, and stock is counted in the base unit. Quantities can have decimals, so you can sell 0.250 kg.

#Can I import my existing product list?

Yes. Go to Products → Import, download the CSV template, fill it in and upload it. Rows with the same name become variants of one product, and missing categories and brands are created for you.

#Can I use POSMaster for free, or sell it to others? What is the licence?

Read the file LICENSE-NOTE.md in the download package. It contains the licence information and the credits of the open-source parts. If you are not sure whether your use is allowed, ask the seller you got POSMaster from.

#Who can see my data? Is it private?

Your data is stored in your own database, on the server you install POSMaster on. Access is controlled by user accounts and roles, and the activity log records who did what. Keep your server and passwords safe: use HTTPS, change default passwords, turn off APP_DEBUG, and back up regularly. Staff can only open the screens their role allows.

#Can I have different permissions for different staff?

Yes. Open Roles & permissions to see the roles and a matrix of permissions. A cashier can be limited to the POS, a manager can also see stock and reports, and only a Super Admin can change roles and sensitive settings. Assign each user a role and the branches they may work in.

#What is demo mode, and should I use it in my shop?

Demo mode blocks deleting and protects passwords, roles, languages and business settings. It is for demos and trials. A real shop should have demo mode off. A clean install already has it off. See First steps after installing.

#Can I send invoices by email?

Yes. Set up Settings → Email with the SMTP details of your mailbox, then use the Email button on an invoice, quotation, purchase or return, or the email box after a sale in the POS. The document is attached as a PDF. See PDF and email.

#Can I delete a sale?

No. Sales are never deleted, because they are your financial record. You can void a sale, which restores stock, gift cards and points, or make a return for some or all items.

#Where do I get support?

1. Search this guide with Ctrl+K and read Troubleshooting.
2. Check storage/logs/laravel.log for the real error message.
3. Contact the seller of your copy of POSMaster, from the place where you downloaded it. Tell them your POSMaster version (shown at the top right of this help site, and in Settings → System & demo when demo mode is off), your PHP and database versions, what you did, and the last lines of the log.

Never send your .env file or passwords. Remove them from anything you share.