A customer loves a cooker, a phone or a full set of school uniforms, but cannot pay the full price today. You do not want to lose the sale, and you do not want to give the goods away on credit. Lipa Polepole, also known as layaway, solves both problems: the customer pays over time, and collects the item when it is fully paid.
We built Lipa Polepole into Xduka POS as a feature, both at the register and in its own area of the dashboard.
What the feature does
On the Lipa Polepole page (Layaways), you can track partial payments and due dates and send SMS or email reminders to customers. You can:
- Create a layaway for an existing customer, or create a new customer on the spot.
- Record the principal amount (the total to be paid).
- Record a deposit amount.
- Set a due date.
- Add notes.
- Record payments as the customer pays.
- Send reminders by SMS or email, choosing the reminder channel.
- See plans that are closed once fully paid.
At the register
You can start a layaway directly from checkout. The register offers a Lipa Polepole option that attaches the order to a customer account, with an optional deposit amount now, a due date and notes. If the customer is new, you can create them right there with first name, last name, phone and optional email.
Reminders and notifications
Reminders are what make layaways work. We send layaway reminders when balances are due, by SMS or email, and the notification centre covers layaway status so your team knows which plans need attention. The dashboard overview also shows open layaways at a glance.
Reminders use your messaging credits; we show friendly messages if credits run out.
Paying the balance
Customers can pay instalments in the same ways they pay for anything else, such as cash or M-Pesa. Collections through our sister platform Paysasa can be used in Xduka POS to collect remaining balances, including Lipa Polepole layaways when customers need instalments.
Why Lipa Polepole is better than informal credit
- The goods stay with you until the balance is cleared.
- Everything is recorded: principal, deposit, payments and due date.
- Reminders go out without anyone having to remember.
- Customers feel respected, with a clear, professional plan.
Plan availability
Layaways depend on your Xduka POS plan. Our pricing page shows layaway limits on paid plans, and layaway is not included on Starter. Check it for current limits on active layaways and term length.
Setting a good layaway policy
- Require a deposit. It shows commitment.
- Set a realistic due date within your plan's term limits.
- Agree what happens if the plan is not completed, and write it in the notes.
- Store layaway items separately and label them with the customer's name.
- Send reminders before the due date, not after.
- Review open layaways weekly.
Who uses Lipa Polepole
For example:
- Electronics and phone shops for higher-priced devices.
- Furniture and appliance stores for beds, fridges and cookers.
- Uniform and school-supply shops ahead of a new term.
- Boutiques for festive season outfits.
Quick checklist
- Confirm your plan includes layaways.
- Set a deposit and a realistic due date.
- Write the terms in the notes.
- Store layaway goods separately and label them.
- Send reminders before the due date.
- Review open layaways weekly.
A quick example
For example, take a furniture shop in Meru. Say a customer chooses a bed, pays a deposit and agrees a due date. The cashier records the layaway, and the customer gets SMS reminders. Each payment is recorded, and the bed is released when the plan closes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start a layaway at the till?
Yes. The register's Lipa Polepole option attaches the order to a customer with an optional deposit, due date and notes.
How are customers reminded?
By SMS or email reminders, using your messaging credits. Layaway status also appears in the notification centre.
Is Lipa Polepole on every plan?
No. It is not included on Starter. Check our pricing page for current limits.
Flexible payment without the risk
Lipa Polepole in Xduka POS lets you offer flexible payment without the risks of informal credit: deposits, due dates, payment records and reminders, with the goods released only when the plan is complete.
See Lipa Polepole on the Showcase, check plan limits on the pricing page, or start at www.xduka.com.
