Transferring Your Account
Account transfer connects your OrderNow user account from the default "Demo License" to your actual restaurant's production license. This process is typically used when new staff members register themselves and need to be added to the restaurant system.
::: note When to Use This Guide:
- You registered for OrderNow yourself and need to join your employer's system
- Your manager asked you to "create an account and send the transfer code"
- You're moving from one restaurant to another within OrderNow :::
Why Transfer Is Needed
When you first register with OrderNow, you're automatically placed in a Demo License. This is a temporary environment containing sample data for practice. To access your actual restaurant's menu, orders, and data, your account must be transferred to your employer's Production License.
The Transfer Process
Transfer requires coordination between you and your restaurant administrator:
Step 1: Generate Transfer Code (You)
Create a unique code that identifies your account for transfer.
- Log into OrderNow with your credentials
- Click your profile avatar (initial or picture) in the top-right corner
- Select "Transfer Account" from the dropdown menu
- A dialog appears showing your unique transfer code
- The code looks like:
X7K9-ML2P-QR4S(example)
WARNING
Important: The transfer code is temporary and will expire after a period of time for security. Generate it when you're ready to complete the transfer.
Step 2: Provide Code to Administrator (You)
Send the code to your manager or administrator.
- Copy the code from the dialog
- Send it via your preferred method (text, email, chat)
- Tell them your full name and role
TIP
Best Practice: Send the code immediately after generating it. Don't wait, as codes expire.
Step 3: Apply Transfer Code (Administrator)
Your manager or administrator completes the transfer.
- Administrator logs into their OrderNow account
- Navigates to Admin → Users
- Clicks "Transfer User" button
- Enters the transfer code you provided
- System validates and completes the transfer
- Your account is now linked to the restaurant license
Step 4: Verify Access (You)
Confirm you can access the restaurant system.
- Log out of OrderNow (if currently logged in)
- Log back in with your same credentials
- You should now see your restaurant's name in the header
- Verify you can see your assigned locations
- Test that you can view the menu and tables
TIP
Success Indicators: If you see your restaurant's actual menu (not sample data) and can access real tables, the transfer was successful.
What Gets Transferred
| Transferred | Not Transferred |
|---|---|
| Username and login credentials | Demo license practice data |
| User profile information | Orders placed in demo |
| Assigned role and permissions | Any settings from demo |
| Location assignments | - |
For Administrators: Accepting Transfers
If you're the administrator receiving a transfer request:
- Get the transfer code from the new staff member
- Go to Admin → Users
- Click "Transfer User"
- Enter the provided code
- Verify the user's name matches who you expect
- Complete the transfer
- Assign appropriate role and locations
- Notify the user they can now log in
::: note Alternative Method: Instead of transfer codes, you can add users directly by email in User Management. This sends them an invitation and skips the demo license entirely. :::
Common Scenarios
New Employee Registration
Scenario: A new waiter needs access to OrderNow.
- Employee registers at login page (enters demo license)
- Employee generates transfer code
- Employee sends code to manager
- Manager completes transfer and assigns "Staff" role
- Employee logs in and accesses restaurant system
Moving Between Restaurants
Scenario: A manager transfers from Location A to Location B.
- Current administrator removes user from Location A (or deactivates)
- User generates transfer code
- New restaurant's administrator applies the code
- User now has access to Location B
WARNING
Note: Users can only be active in one license at a time. Transferring removes access from the previous license.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Invalid transfer code" error | Code has expired; generate a new one. Codes typically expire after 24 hours. |
| Can't find "Transfer Account" option | Ensure you're logged in; check that you're in the demo license (not already transferred) |
| Transfer completed but still see demo data | Log out completely and log back in; clear browser cache if needed |
| Administrator can't find "Transfer User" button | Verify you have administrator role; check you're in the correct license |
| Code was lost/not sent | Generate a new code; previous one will be invalidated |
Security Notes
- Transfer codes are single-use and time-limited
- Only provide codes to authorized administrators you trust
- Never post transfer codes in public channels or forums
- If you suspect a code was compromised, generate a new one (invalidates the old)
- Administrators should verify the user's identity before completing transfer
Alternative Methods
Transfer codes aren't the only way to add users:
Direct Invitation (Administrator)
Administrators can add users directly by email:
- Go to Admin → Users
- Click "Invite User"
- Enter the staff member's email
- Select role and locations
- User receives invitation email to join directly
TIP
Recommendation: Direct invitation is often faster for new hires as it skips the demo license entirely.
::: note Questions? If you encounter issues with account transfer, contact your system administrator or OrderNow support for assistance. :::