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Ordering System

Learn how to create, send, and track vendor orders efficiently with Tally's ordering system.

~25 minutes
Mobile-friendly

Creating Your First Order

Step 1: Create New Order

Start a new order for your selected vendor

  • Choose the vendor you want to order from
  • Select the delivery date and time
  • Add any special instructions or notes
  • Review vendor requirements (minimum order, lead time)

Step 2: Add Products

Select items from your vendor's product list

  • Browse products by category or search by name
  • Add quantities for each item you need
  • Check current prices and availability
  • Review pack sizes and unit conversions

Step 3: Review Order

Check totals and verify everything is correct

  • Review item quantities and prices
  • Check total order amount and delivery fees
  • Verify delivery date and special instructions
  • Make any final adjustments before sending

Step 4: Send Order

Submit the order using your preferred method

  • Choose delivery method (phone, email, online)
  • Send order to vendor contact
  • Receive confirmation and order number
  • Track order status and delivery updates

Ordering Methods

Phone Orders

Call vendor directly with your order

Best for: Urgent orders, complex items

Pros

  • Immediate confirmation
  • Can ask questions
  • Personal relationship

Cons

  • Time consuming
  • Need to be available
  • No written record

Email Orders

Send detailed order via email

Best for: Regular orders, detailed specifications

Pros

  • Written record
  • Can send anytime
  • Easy to forward

Cons

  • May not be immediate
  • Requires follow-up
  • Email delays

Online Portal

Use vendor's online ordering system

Best for: High-volume orders, tech-savvy staff

Pros

  • 24/7 availability
  • Real-time pricing
  • Automatic confirmation

Cons

  • Learning curve
  • System downtime
  • Less personal

Example Order

Sysco Corporation

Order #ORD-2024-001

Delivery: March 15, 2024
Product
Quantity
Unit Price
Total
Chicken Breast (10 lb case)
2
$45.00
$90.00
Ground Beef (5 lb case)
3
$28.50
$85.50
Romaine Lettuce (24 ct)
1
$18.75
$18.75
Olive Oil (1 gallon)
2
$12.00
$24.00
Subtotal
$218.25
Delivery Fee
$15.00
Total
$233.25

Best Practices

Order during off-peak hours

Call vendors early morning or late afternoon to avoid busy times.

Keep order history

Save copies of all orders for reference and reordering.

Set up recurring orders

Automate regular items to save time on routine ordering.

Track delivery performance

Note which vendors deliver on time and which don't.

Common Issues & Solutions

Vendor says they didn't receive the order

Always get a confirmation number or email receipt. Follow up with a phone call if needed.

Items are out of stock

Have backup options ready. Ask about substitutions or alternative products.

Delivery is late or wrong

Contact the vendor immediately. Keep records of issues for future reference.

Prices don't match what I ordered

Verify prices before placing the order. Ask about price changes or promotions.

Mobile Ordering Tips

Tally is designed for mobile-first ordering. Here are some tips for ordering on the go:

Voice-to-Text

Use voice commands to quickly add items to your order while walking through the kitchen.

Quick Reorder

Access your order history to quickly reorder from previous orders.

Offline Mode

Create orders offline and sync when you're back online.

Photo Orders

Take photos of handwritten orders and convert them to digital orders.

Ready for Inventory Tracking?

Now that you can place orders efficiently, learn how to track your inventory and manage stock levels.