Comparison
Choose a voucher system for your café
Compare paper vouchers, a spreadsheet, your till’s voucher function and dedicated voucher software, and see which one fits how your café sells and redeems vouchers.
Four approaches side by side
The table describes each category in general. Individual products differ; check the specific till or software you consider.
| Paper vouchers | Spreadsheet | Till (POS) voucher function | Dedicated voucher software | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing | Write or print and hand over at the counter | Hand over a voucher, record it in the file | Sold as an item at the till, if your till supports it | Sold at the counter or online, depending on the product |
| Partial redemption | Remaining value noted by hand on the voucher | Each redemption logged; balance calculated | Depends on the till; some only redeem in full | Usually built in; remaining value kept automatically |
| Staff workflow | Check the voucher, write the new balance | Open the file, find the ID, add a row | Scan or type the code at the till | Scan or type the code on a phone, tablet or till |
| Error recovery | Hard: a lost or altered paper slip is hard to verify | Possible if the file has checks and one shared copy | Via the till’s corrections and reports | Via the software’s transaction history |
| Reporting | Manual counting | Totals from formulas | Till reports, often together with sales | Reports in the software; export varies |
| Delivery to the guest | In person | In person (the file is internal) | Printed receipt or card | Often digital: e-mail, SMS or a link |
| Recurring cost model | Printing | None beyond the spreadsheet program | Often part of the till subscription or an add-on | Typically a subscription or a fee per sale |
| Suits best | A few vouchers, one person in charge | Regular vouchers, one shared file | Cafés whose till already includes it | Online sales, gifts and several staff redeeming |
Which one fits your café?
Paper or a spreadsheet is enough. A spreadsheet adds a record of partial redemptions; the free voucher tracker does that with built-in checks.
A spreadsheet works while there is exactly one copy everyone uses. If staff redeem at the same time or on different devices, a till function or voucher software keeps one record for everyone.
You need dedicated voucher software or an online shop with vouchers; paper and spreadsheets cannot sell online.
Check it first. It keeps voucher sales and redemptions next to your other sales, and you may not need anything else. Ask your till provider whether partial redemption is supported.
Where JustBack fits
JustBack is dedicated voucher software for independent cafés. These features are checked against the current product:
- Guests buy credit for one café online and pay through Stripe, up to €200 per payment.
- Staff redeem by scanning the guest’s code on a smartphone or tablet; no extra terminal is needed.
- Partial redemption: staff enter the amount and the remaining value stays available for a later visit at that café.
- The café can sell at face value or add an optional bonus, and guests can send a voucher as a gift by SMS.
- JustBack runs alongside your till; it does not replace it.
If your needs match the first two situations above, a spreadsheet may be all you need.
Questions
Can I run two approaches at once?
Yes, for example paper vouchers already sold alongside a new digital system. Keep a clear record of which vouchers belong where, and let old ones run out.
What about VAT on vouchers?
How a voucher is taxed and booked depends on the type of voucher. Ask your tax adviser before you choose how to record them.
Why are there no product rankings?
Products and prices change often and differ by café. The table compares categories; check current details with any provider you consider.