Top tips from the +Pay experts

+Pay is a terrific tool for the festive season! Here are some of our top tips for making the most of +Pay for the busy period ahead:

Creating a performance/event

• To create a Performance, navigate to Payments > Create New Item > Create New and use the following options:

1. Alert Users on Creation – Alert parents by email when a payment item is ready to purchase
2. Allow Donation – Give parents the option to add a donation
3. Create Ticket Numbers – Generates a ticket number upon purchasing; ticket numbers can be viewed in Reports > Payment Reports > Download a list of ticket numbers for a product
4. Stock Quantity – Add a stock quantity if there is a certain number of tickets available; provides the option to add or remove stock after the payment item goes live
5. Event Date – Add a date/time so parents have all the information they require for the event
6. Due Date – Include a due date if payment is due before the show; this setting also allows reminders to be sent in advance of the due date
7. Purchase Window – Allows you to create the item in advance of the item being available to purchase; add an End time to take the item off sale on a specific date
8. Options – Handy for multiple performances/events and enables you to choose a number of tickets available for each – remember to select one as a default! The Options setting can also be used for Sibling Discounts or for shows at different prices
9. Limit Quantity Per Child – Limit how many items can be purchased per child

No cost events

• Planning an event with no cost? No problem! Simply navigate to Payments > Create New Item > Create and add a price of £0.00; use the same settings as above (other than Due Date)
• Remember, if you don’t use the Select Specific Users setting, the payment item will be available to all users/parents

Menu items with registers

Did you know that you can create a day template to insert into your menu, on a day of your choice? Simply follow the instructions below…

1. Navigate to Registers > Create Template > type in a name > Choose Menu; Format should be Day; create the menu as normal
2. When saved, add it to your existing menu; navigate to Registers > click on the Dinner Register > Action > Schedule > locate the right day > Add Day to choose your new template
3. If your option states ‘Edit Day’, click this followed by the red Remove button. Follow the same steps to add in your new template. Make sure to click the “Publish” button so parents can make their selections

Creating menus – One-off payments

• If you would like to use a Payment Item to collect a one-off payment for Christmas Meals, navigate to Payments > Create New Item > Create New; now fill in the details and select the following settings:

1. Alert Users On Creation – Alert parents by email when a payment item is ready to purchase
2. Purchase Window – Allows you to create the item in advance of the item being available to purchase; add an End time to take the item off sale on a specific date

Online Forms

• Why not use our Online Forms module to allow parents (and staff) to select their festive meal options quickly and easily online? This will reduce time spent on creating, printing and chasing paper forms; parents can quickly and easily make selections through the ParentMail app, with all responses collected in real-time for you to manage efficiently in the office
• *Top tip* – We recommend using the ‘Selection’ widget for each course, ensuring parents only select one starter, one main and one dessert (depending on what you offer!)
• Always use the ‘Save As Template’ button when creating a form, so you easily use it again next year
• You can also use Online Forms to circulate invitations to take part in gift-giving fun, such as Secret Santa. It can be difficult for staff to decline taking part in person; using Online Forms ensures staff don’t feel pressured to join in and can opt-out if they would prefer to do so, with a simple “Yes” or “No” selection. Responses are collated within Forms > Responses > Action > Reports > All responses submitted for this form and you will be able to see who would like to participate!

Events

• Utilize the Events calendar for all of your festive activities, providing parents with all the information they need for the busy weeks ahead. Parents simply need to click on Events in the App to see what’s coming up
• Creating shows, plays and trips is easy with the Events module. Simply click on Events > Create >  and type in the event name, start time, end time and add your attendees, location details and any additional handy notes. You also have the option for parents to confirm their attendance and can even repeat the event for another day. Additional options include automatic reminders to send in advance of the event.

Streamline your busy end-of-term period with ParentMail. If you need a hand, remember – our Support Team are available via Live Chat to provide any advice or guidance you might need. Happy holidays from ParentMail!