This task is one section of Small business workflows for 20 industries, with 19 related tasks on one page.
1. What to record
Keep the customer, the pieces, the service, the promised date, the ready state, and collection.
A ready order is not paid until you record the payment. Do not hand it over without identifying the order.
2. People and records
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Record | Who uses it | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-off | Counter | Customer, piece count, service, and ticket number. |
| Work | Plant | Ticket, process, and exceptions such as a stain. |
| Ready | Counter | Date ready and where it is hanging. |
| Collection | Counter | Who collected, when, and whether it was paid. |
3. One complete cycle
- Create a ticket with a piece count.
- Mark the work done only when the pieces are ready.
- Take payment if it is still due.
- Record collection against that ticket.
Expected: Pieces collected equal pieces dropped, the ticket is closed, and an uncollected ready order is still listed.
4. Check before you add tools
Count ready orders older than your promised collection window and contact those customers.
5. Frequently asked questions
What if a piece is missing?
Do not close the ticket. Record the shortage and keep the order open.
Can someone else collect it?
Yes, if your counter can match them to the ticket. Record who collected it.
Do I charge when it is dropped or when it is collected?
Follow the price you agreed. Record the payment when it actually happens.
6. Related articles and next steps
Sample amounts and names in this guide are illustrative. They are not a client result, a price, or legal advice.
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