Q: Is there a difference between a customer deposit and a credit balance? How do I know which one to use?

 

A: Yes, there is a difference between customer deposits and credit balances in Spectra/myStratus. Here's a description of each and an explanation of how to use them.

What is a Customer Deposit?

A customer deposit is used to record money received from a client for a future order. For example, a client may put money down on a future order when they come in for their session. Because the client hasn't actually placed an order yet, you don't want to create an invoice. Instead, create a customer deposit to record their payment. When the client comes in to place an order, you simply use the Apply Deposit button found on the invoice ribbon. See also: Customer Deposits

What is a Credit Balance?

A credit balance occurs when you create a refund for a posted invoice. The software creates a new invoice (called a "Credit Memo") that shows the credit balance. See also: Creating a Refund 

To apply a credit balance to an invoice, just find the credit memo on the Invoices hub and open it. Open the File menu, click Transfer Credit Balance and then choose which invoice you want to transfer the credit balance to. See also: FAQ - Transferring a Credit Balance