Focal Point offers two discount levels: line-item (for a specific product) and general (on the total). Knowing when to use each one helps you manage promotions / VIP customers / clearances and negotiations without complicating things.
Line-item discount (per product)
It applies to a specific product within the sale. Ideal for promotions on specific products (2 for 1 on T-shirts) / clearance of a particular product / negotiation on a specific item.
In the product list, find the product
Click the discount icon (%) or the discount field for that line
Choose the type: Percentage (calculated on the price) or Fixed amount (absolute value)
The subtotal for that line updates showing the original crossed-out price and the discounted price
General discount (on the total)
It applies to the total sale amount after adding up all products. Ideal for VIP or frequent customers / volume discount / global negotiations (I'll give you 10% off everything) / discount coupons.
In the sale summary, press Add discount
Choose: By percentage (the system calculates how much it represents) or By fixed amount (it is subtracted directly)
The total is recalculated showing the original subtotal / applied discount / new total
How taxes are calculated
The discount reduces the taxable base. This means the discount is first applied to the price, and VAT is calculated on the discounted price.
Example: Product ₲100,000 (10% VAT) with 20% discount → Discounted price ₲80,000 → VAT on ₲80,000 = ₲8,000 → Total to pay ₲88,000. This is fiscally correct and benefits the customer.
Combining discounts
You can apply a line-item discount AND a general discount in the same sale. Order of application:
First, the line-item discounts are applied
Then the subtotal is calculated
The general discount is applied to that subtotal
Limits and controls
Maximum discount: Your administrator can configure a limit (e.g., maximum 30% per line / maximum 20% general). If you try to apply a higher discount, the system will warn you.
User permissions: Some users may have restrictions: only apply discounts up to a certain percentage / require approval for larger discounts / not be able to apply discounts. This is configured in user roles.
Discount reasons
If your company requires it, you can record the reason: frequent customer / current promotion / product with minor defect / business negotiation / discount coupon. This helps analyze later which discounts are applied and why.
Tips
Don’t overuse the general discount to correct prices — if a product is always sold with a discount, it’s better to update its price in the catalog. Use line-item discounts for clear promotions — customers appreciate seeing exactly which product has a discount. Review discount reports periodically — excessive discounts may indicate that your list prices are not properly calibrated.