Description: Learn how to combine two open tabs into one in Shift4 Venue so customers can pay for both on a single check. Use this when customers want to share a check, you opened separate tabs by mistake, or one customer wants to pay for another customer's tab.
Prerequisites
Confirm the following before you combine tabs:
- Both tabs are open and on the same menu.
- Shift4 Venue is online, and the orders have synced.
- A manager is available to approve the change if either tab belongs to another attendant.
- You know which tab to keep. Check the order number and assigned attendant on each tab before you start. The tab you open first is the one that stays open.
You can combine only one additional tab at a time. Repeat the steps to combine more tabs.
Open the Tab You Want to Keep
Important: The tab you start from keeps its order number, name, and assigned attendant.
- Go to All Orders and find the open tab you want to keep after the combination.
- Select Details to open the Order Details panel.
- Select Combine Tabs.
Choose the Tab to Add
Shift4 Venue shows the other eligible open tabs from the same menu.
- Find the tab you want to add. Use the Search by Name or Order # field, or scroll through the list. Each tab shows identifying information, such as name, order number, payment, and amount.
- Select the circle beside the tab you want to add. The tab highlights, and the Combine Tabs button becomes available. You can select only one additional tab at a time.
- Select Combine Tabs.
Complete Approvals and Payment Prompts
Depending on tab ownership and payment setup, you may see additional prompts. Complete each prompt that appears.
Complete Manager Approval
If either tab belongs to a different attendant, a manager must enter their PIN to approve the combination.
Note: Approval is not required when both tabs belong to the logged-in attendant or when a manager is already signed in.
Review the Payment Method
Shift4 Venue may let you use an existing saved card, authorize a new card, or add payment later. Select the payment option you want to use.
Confirm the Authorization Warning
Warning: If the tab you are adding has a card authorization, Shift4 Venue voids it, and you can no longer use it.
Select OKAY to continue, or select CANCEL to return without confirming.
Shift4 Venue also checks whether the payment on the tab you are keeping can cover the updated total. If authorization fails, choose another payment option before the combination can continue.
Verify the Combined Tab
When the combination succeeds, Shift4 Venue returns to the original tab.
Check the Updated Order Details
- Items from both tabs appear on the tab you kept. Review the updated amount.
- The original tab keeps its order number, name, assigned attendant, location, notes, and saved payments.
- The other tab is canceled and can no longer be managed as a separate open tab.
- Shift4 Venue recalculates applicable taxes and service charges. Items already sent to the kitchen do not generate duplicate tickets.
Look for the Success Confirmation
A green banner confirms that one order was combined into another.
Combine More Than Two Tabs
Open the updated tab, select Combine Tabs, and repeat the steps with the next eligible open tab. You can repeat this as many times as needed.
Troubleshoot Combine Tabs Issues
If a tab cannot be combined, review the message shown in Shift4 Venue.
| Message | What to Do |
| No tabs available to combine | Make sure another open tab exists on the same menu. |
| Internet connection required | Restore your internet connection, then try again. The orders must be synced. |
| Authorization Failed | Collect another form of payment and try again. Shift4 Venue stops the combination if the updated authorization fails. |
| Unable to complete the operation | Verify your connection and tab eligibility. If the message continues, contact Shift4 Support. |
| Payment could not be voided | The combination may still succeed. Check the remaining tab, and contact Shift4 Support about the unvoided authorization. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine tabs from different menus?
No. Both tabs must belong to the same menu.
Can I combine tabs while offline?
No. Shift4 Venue must be online, and the orders must be synced.
Will the kitchen receive another ticket?
No. Shift4 Venue does not reprint items moved by the combine action for kitchen preparation.
What happens to the other tab?
Its items move to the tab you keep, and Shift4 Venue cancels the other tab. Shift4 Venue voids any existing authorization on the other tab or attempts to void it.
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