> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.av-scripts.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.av-scripts.com/laptop-pack/business/counters.md).
# Counters
The Counter system allows businesses to process sales automatically when no employees are on duty. Sales are directly dependent on the business's current stock levels, so ensuring adequate inventory is essential.
## Setup & Configuration
* **Access Control:** To grant a business access to the Counter feature, navigate to `av_business/server/editable/_config.lua` and add the respective job to the `Config.CounterAccess` table.
* **NPC Placement:** In `av_business/config/counter.lua`, you can define NPC behavior via the `Config.CounterNPC` table. Here, you can specify ped models and their coordinates; these NPCs will spawn automatically whenever the business sets the Counter mode to active.
## Adding Stock
To add inventory to the counter, follow these steps:
1. **Create a Stash Zone:** As an administrator, open the management panel using `/admin:business` and create a new zone with the type `Counter Stash`, linking it to the specific business.
2. **Deposit Items:** Once the zone is created, the business owner can access it and place items into the stash.
3. **Process Inventory:** After depositing, navigate to the Business APP > Counter Tab and select Process Counter Stash (the box icon). The script will automatically process the contents and add them to the counter’s available stock.
**Management:** Within the Counter Tab, the business owner and employees with the *Counter* permission can view available stock, add items, or remove them.
{% hint style="info" %}
When an item is withdrawn from the stock, it is returned to the Counter Stash rather than the player's personal inventory.
{% endhint %}
## Ordering as a Customer
Once a business has activated the *Counter* mode, customers can approach the cashier area to initiate a self-service order.
**Ordering Process**
* **Self-Service Menu:** A menu will appear allowing customers to generate their own orders. Note that this menu does not support ingredient customization, which is exclusive to the employee-managed cashier.
* **Discounts:** Customers can apply available discount coupons during the checkout process.
* **Payment:** The only accepted payment method is the one defined in `config/_config.lua` under `Config.BankAccount` (set to `"bank"` by default).
**Stock Synchronization & Security**
* **Live Updates:** Stock levels are synchronized in real-time across all active customers. If a business runs out of a specific item, that item becomes unavailable for purchase instantly.
* **Anti-Exploit:** This synchronization acts as the primary layer of protection against item duplication or exploitation. All transactions are further validated with strict server-side checks to ensure integrity.