> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.tiretutor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Taking deposits

> Collect a deposit on a work order without completing it, then record mileage and collect the balance at install.

A deposit is a partial payment. When you record a payment for less than the balance, the work order stays open. Your staff can keep adding items, enter mileage, and collect the rest later.

When you record the full balance, automation completes the work order and locks its items and mileage. For every method except **Cash**, the **Amount** field in **Process Payment** starts at the full balance. A deposit needs that value changed before you submit.

## Before you start

* Complete the steps in [Taking payments](/dealers/pos/taking-payments). A deposit uses the same **Process Payment** dialog and payment methods.
* Assign a customer to the work order.

## Take a deposit

**When:** The customer pays part of the balance up front, such as a pre-payment on special-order tires.

<Warning>
  A deposit that matches the **Amount Due** triggers the automation that completes the work order. Add the tires, parts, or labor to the order first, so the total is greater than the deposit. If the deposit still covers the whole balance, the automation completes the work order when you submit.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Process Payment">
    Open the customer's work order. Select **Process Payment**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a payment method">
    Choose the method under **Payment Method**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the deposit amount">
    In **Amount**, enter the deposit amount. For **Cash**, enter the cash the customer hands you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the deposit">
    Select **Submit**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame caption="Amount set to $300.00 against an Amount Due of $812.40. Submitting this records a deposit and leaves the work order open.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/tiretutor/f6HDhyoUE5Yicz8_/images/pos/process-payment-deposit-desktop.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=f6HDhyoUE5Yicz8_&q=85&s=381dd6591f3b8c8d9eab27cd3d6eda41" alt="Process Payment dialog. Amount Due reads $812.40; the Amount field reads 300.00." width="1280" height="1154" data-path="images/pos/process-payment-deposit-desktop.png" />
</Frame>

<Check>
  The work order status stays **In Progress** and the payment chip reads **Partially Paid**. The **Payments** line shows the deposit.
</Check>

## Finish the job and collect the balance

**When:** The tires or parts arrive and the customer returns for the install.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the mileage entry">
    On the **Vehicle Details** card, select the pencil next to **Mileage In**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the mileage">
    In **Edit Mileage Entry**, enter the value in **Mileage**. Select **Update**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add any remaining items">
    Add labor or parts as normal. The order is still open.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Process Payment">
    Select **Process Payment**. **Amount** shows the remaining balance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Collect the balance">
    Select **Submit**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  The payment chip reads **Paid** and the work order status changes to **Completed**.
</Check>

## When the customer paid in full up front

A full payment triggers the automation that completes the order and locks the mileage fields. A dealer Owner or Admin can reopen it at install. See [Reopening a work order](/dealers/pos/reopening-work-orders).

## Where to go next

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Taking payments" icon="cash-register" href="/dealers/pos/taking-payments">
    Take terminal and manual payments, review payment history, and issue a refund.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reopening a work order" icon="lock-open" href="/dealers/pos/reopening-work-orders">
    Enter the mileage or change items on an order that already completed.
  </Card>
</Columns>