What is a Void in the Restaurant Industry?

To void an item is to cancel or delete an item or transaction before it has been fully executed. Voiding of an item is usually during the ordering or payment of the bill, and if the item is added by mistake, or if the customer doesn't want it anymore.

This is a common activity in which a waiter has typed the wrong item on the table. The same bill might have been entered twice, and the error discovered before payment is made. The waiter would void the duplicate item to ensure that a transaction with a clear record would be made.

Voids are different from refunds. A void happens before the payment is made, while a refund happens after the transaction is completed. This difference is important for accounting and reporting.

Most POS systems require permissions for voiding items, especially after an order is sent to the kitchen or is close to payment. In many U.S. restaurants, managers must approve certain voids to prevent misuse. The system also logs who performed the void and when it happened.

Voids can occur for several reasons, such as incorrect order, errors in price, changes in order by customer, or system errors. Most voids are normal, frequent or unusual void patterns should be reviewed.