How I Turned a Simple Order Update Into Partial Payments
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A customer forgot one service in their order. Instead of creating a new one, I updated the existing order and in the process unlocked partial payments as a new possibility.
Outline
- The customer’s mistake
- The “simple” solution I skipped
- Updating the order instead
- How partial payments showed up
- Why this matters for the future
The Customer’s Mistake
A customer placed an order for several services but forgot to include one. At first glance, the easiest fix was obvious just create a new order for the missing service and have them pay for it separately.
The “Simple” Solution I Skipped
That would have solved the problem quickly. But instead of going the simple route, I decided to update the existing order. My thought was: it feels like one single order, so why not treat it that way?
Updating the Order Instead
I added the extra service to the original order. The system updated the amounts, showing the $80 already paid and the new $30 balance still pending. That meant the order now had two payments tied to it one completed, one pending.
How Partial Payments Showed Up
This made me realize something important: the system could now accept partial payments. A customer could pay part of an invoice, then return later to complete the rest. For example, if they paid $90 instead of $100, the system would detect it and show only $10 left.
Why This Matters for the Future
I didn’t plan for this feature, but it opens new possibilities. Maybe customers can pay in installments. Maybe mistakes in payment are easier to fix. It’s a small change in process, but it revealed a much bigger capability. Sometimes a detour from the “simple solution” brings hidden benefits.
